You’ll be guided step by step to perform each of your prayers and the elements of Umrah.

HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH (COMING OUTSIDE MAKKAH)

Performing Umrah when coming from outside Makkah involves a few structured steps, primarily revolving around the concept of the Meeqat (the boundary lines where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram).

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah smoothly.

Phase 1: Preparing for Ihram (Before Passing the Meeqat)

The Meeqat is the designated boundary that you cannot cross without being in the state of Ihram if you intend to perform Umrah.

  • If you are flying directly into Jeddah or Madinah: * Flying to Madinah first: You don’t need to put on Ihram for the flight. You will stay in Madinah and later assume Ihram at the Meeqat of Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) before heading to Makkah.
    • Flying to Jeddah (heading straight to Makkah): You should ideally put on your Ihram clothing at the departure airport or on the plane before crossing the Meeqat line in the air. The cabin crew usually announces when the Meeqat is approaching.
  • The Rituals of Ihram:
    • Clip your nails, trim your mustache, and remove unwanted hair.
    • Take a bath (Ghusl) with the intention of Ihram.
    • The Garb: Men wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth (the Izar and Rida). Women wear their regular, modest Islamic clothing that covers the body, leaving only the face and hands uncovered.
    • The Niyyah (Intention): Once you approach or reach the Meeqat, make your formal intention by saying:“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, here I am for Umrah).
    • The Talbiyah: Begin reciting the Talbiyah frequently until you reach the Kaaba:“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
    • لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Phase 2: Arriving in Makkah (Tawaf)

Once you reach Makkah, check into your hotel, freshen up if needed (do not use scented soaps), and head to the Masjid al-Haram. Enter with your right foot and recite the dua for entering a mosque.

1. Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba)

You will circle the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

  • Idtiba (Men only): Uncover your right shoulder by passing the upper garment under your right armpit and tossing it over your left shoulder.
  • The Start: Align yourself with the Black Stone, raise your right hand toward it, and say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”.
  • Raml (Men only): Pace briskly with short steps during the first three circuits, then walk normally for the remaining four.
  • During Tawaf: Pray, make Dua, and recite Quran. There are no fixed duas, but between the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite:“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.”
  • Maqam Ibrahim: After completing 7 rounds, cover your right shoulder again. Offer two Raka’ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Haram if it’s crowded).
  • Zamzam: Drink water from the Zamzam wells or dispensers and make Dua.

Phase 3: Sa’ee (Safa and Marwah)

Next, you will walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.

  • The Start: Climb the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba, and raise your hands in supplication.
  • The Walk: Walk towards Marwah.
    • Green Lights: You will see a section marked with green fluorescent lights. Men should jog/run lightly through this section. Women walk normally.
  • Counting the Rounds: * Safa to Marwah = Round 1
    • Marwah to Safa = Round 2
    • You will finish your 7th round at Marwah.

Phase 4: Halq or Taqsir (Leaving Ihram)

To officially complete your Umrah and exit the state of Ihram, you must cut your hair:

  • Men: It is highly recommended to shave the head completely (Halq), or trim the hair equally all around (Taqsir).
  • Women: Gather your hair and cut a small portion equivalent to the length of a fingertip (about an inch) from the end.

Congratulations! Your Umrah is now complete, and all restrictions of Ihram are lifted.