Introduction: How to Perform Umrah in Islam with Confidence
How to perform Umrah in Islam is a question many first-time pilgrims, reverts, and even seasoned Muslims ask as they prepare for this deeply spiritual journey. Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, is a sacred act of worship performed at any time of the year and offers immense spiritual rewards.
In this comprehensive step-by-step guide to Umrah in 2025, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — starting from preparing for your journey to arriving at the Miqat. Whether you’re traveling alone, with your family, or helping your children perform Umrah for the first time, this guide is designed to be practical, simple, and spiritually enriching.
1. Understanding the Importance of Umrah
Before learning how to perform Umrah in Islam, it’s crucial to understand its spiritual significance:
- Umrah is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- It wipes away sins between one Umrah and the next.
- It increases Taqwa (God-consciousness), humility, and gratitude.
Performing Umrah draws the believer closer to Allah and revives the spirit through deep worship and devotion in the holiest places of Islam — Makkah and the Haram.
2. Who Can Perform Umrah?
Everyone — men, women, children, reverts, and elders — can perform Umrah as long as:
- They are physically and financially able (Istita’ah).
- They are mentally aware of the rituals.
- Women are accompanied by a mahram (based on most scholarly opinions).
Umrah is especially encouraged for those who are new to Islam or want to refresh their Iman (faith) through a deeply spiritual experience.
3. The Five Pillars of Preparing for Umrah
Before you dive into how to perform Umrah in Islam, make sure you:
- Renew your intention (Niyyah): Make your intention for the sake of Allah alone.
- Learn the Umrah steps thoroughly.
- Prepare physically: Comfortable clothing, medications, documents, etc.
- Prepare spiritually: Seek forgiveness, clear debts, and make Dua.
- Get travel-ready: Valid passport, visa, vaccinations, bookings, etc.
You’re not just taking a trip — you’re beginning a journey of the soul.
4. What Is Ihram and When to Wear It?
One of the most essential steps in learning how to perform Umrah in Islam is Ihram — the sacred state you enter before performing Umrah.
Ihram for Men:
- Two white, unstitched cloths
- Sandals (not covering the ankle or upper foot)
Ihram for Women:
- Any modest dress (not flashy)
- No face veil (niqab) or gloves during Ihram
When and Where:
- Miqat is the designated station where you must enter Ihram.
- Before crossing the Miqat, make Ghusl, wear Ihram, pray two Rak’ahs, and declare:
“Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah.”
(Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah.)
From this moment, you enter the sacred state of Ihram, and specific actions become prohibited until you complete your Umrah.
5. The Miqat: Crossing the Spiritual Threshold
Miqat is a geographical boundary that every pilgrim must not pass without entering the state of Ihram.
Miqat Points (for different regions):
- Dhul Hulayfah – for people from Madinah
- Yalamlam – for pilgrims from Yemen
- Qarn al-Manazil – for pilgrims from Najd (e.g., Riyadh)
- Juhfah – for pilgrims from Egypt and Europe
- Dhat Irq – for people from Iraq
Airlines usually announce when you’re nearing Miqat. Be ready to declare your Niyyah and begin Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am…)
6. Spiritual Tips While in Ihram
While in Ihram, remember this is not just a physical state but a spiritual mindset. Tips to maintain your focus:
- Recite the Talbiyah often with reflection.
- Avoid arguments, idle talk, or distractions.
- Be patient and kind with fellow pilgrims.
- Make continuous Dua — for yourself, your family, and the Ummah.
Maintaining this purity of intention is key when learning how to perform Umrah in Islam in a way that truly transforms the heart.
7. Prohibitions During Ihram
Once in Ihram, you must avoid the following:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Wearing perfume or scented soap
- Hunting or harming animals
- Intimacy or proposing marriage
- Quarreling or harming others
Breaking these rules requires compensation (dam).
This stage tests your discipline and mindfulness — essential virtues in Islam.
8. Traveling to Makkah with Purpose
With Ihram on, your heart now turns fully toward Allah as you journey to Makkah.
Tips for the Journey:
- Keep reciting Talbiyah
- Reflect on the purpose of Umrah
- Make abundant Istighfar (seeking forgiveness)
For children or new Muslims, explain the meaning of the rituals in simple terms to build excitement and understanding.
9. Arriving in Makkah: Preparing for Tawaf
Once you reach Makkah, check into your accommodation and prepare for Tawaf, which is the first major ritual inside the Haram.
But before that:
- Rest and hydrate
- Renew your intention
- Head to the Haram with humility and awe
As you prepare to enter the Grand Mosque, know that you’re about to stand where Prophets stood and where your heart will find peace like never before.
10. What’s Next?
In the next part of this guide, you will learn:
- How to perform Tawaf
- The etiquette of praying at the Maqam Ibrahim
- Drinking from Zamzam with intention
- How to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Stay tuned to continue learning exactly how to perform Umrah in Islam s
Step 3: Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
Tawaf is one of the central rituals in how to perform Umrah in Islam. It involves making seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of one God.
1. Preparation for Tawaf:
- Ensure your Wudhu (ablution) is valid.
- Approach the Masjid al-Haram with humility and peace.
- Enter through Bab as-Salam if possible.
- Keep your eyes on the Kaaba and let your heart connect with it.
2. Performing Tawaf:
- Start at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” and raise your right hand toward the stone (kiss it if possible, but avoid pushing).
- Walk around the Kaaba seven times, staying to the left.
- Recite supplications, duas, or dhikr throughout.
Tawaf Tips:
- Men should perform Ramal (brisk walk) during the first three rounds if possible.
- Make sincere du’a in your own language.
- Avoid pushing others or being aggressive.
After Tawaf:
- Pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows.
- Drink Zamzam water while making du’a.
- This completes one of the major steps in how to perform Umrah in Islam.
Step 4: Sa’i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah
The next step in how to perform Umrah in Islam is Sa’i, which means to walk between the two hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This act commemorates the struggle of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran between the hills searching for water for her son Isma’il.
1. Begin at Safa Hill:
- Face the Kaaba from Safa and recite: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…” (Qur’an 2:158)
- Make du’a and start walking toward Marwah.
2. Perform 7 Circuits:
- Each trip from Safa to Marwah is 1 lap. Seven laps = Start at Safa, end at Marwah.
- For men: Jog between the green markers in the middle portion of the path.
- Women: Walk at a comfortable pace.
3. Du’a and Reflection:
- Recite Qur’an, duas, or reflect on Hajar’s devotion and trust in Allah.
- Keep in mind the spiritual meaning of this act — persistence, trust, and reliance on Allah.
Completing Sa’i is another powerful step in understanding how to perform Umrah in Islam with heart and intention.
Step 5: Tahallul – Shaving or Trimming the Hair
This final step in how to perform Umrah in Islam marks the end of your pilgrimage.
For Men:
- Shaving the entire head (Halq) is most preferred.
- Trimming (Taqsir) is allowed, but shaving is more rewarding.
For Women:
- Trim the length of a fingertip (about 1 inch) from the end of their hair.
- A Mahram can assist, or she can do it herself in privacy.
Once this step is done, your state of Ihram ends, and your Umrah is complete.
What to Do After Completing Umrah
Now that you’ve completed the core steps of how to perform Umrah in Islam, consider these follow-up actions:
- Pray Nawafil: Offer extra prayers near the Kaaba.
- Make Du’a: Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
- Repeat Umrah (Optional): Some pilgrims perform more than one Umrah if time and physical strength allow.
- Engage in Ibadah: Stay in Makkah for a few days engaging in Qur’an recitation, charity, dhikr, and reflection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
Understanding how to perform Umrah in Islam also involves knowing what to avoid. These are some of the most common errors pilgrims make:
- Not maintaining Wudhu during Tawaf
- Skipping steps or being unsure of counts in Sa’i
- Talking excessively or taking selfies for social media
- Being rough or impatient in crowds
- Forgetting the intention (niyyah) behind the rituals
Stay focused. Umrah is an act of spiritual renewal, not a sightseeing experience.
Reflection: The Power of Intention
As you complete these essential steps in how to perform Umrah in Islam, remember that the true reward lies in your sincerity. Every footstep, every prayer, every struggle you faced in the journey is a source of reward — when done for Allah’s sake.
“Actions are judged by intentions…” — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Make your intention pure, and your Umrah will not only be accepted — it will change your life.
Internal Links Suggestions (Be Muslim Academy)
- Learn to Read Quran in 5 Simple Steps
- Quran Memorization for Kids
- Online Quran Classes for Beginners
External Links for Credibility
Completing Your Umrah Journey: The Final Steps & Spiritual Reflection
How to Perform Umrah in Islam is more than just a physical journey — it’s a deeply spiritual transformation. In this final part of our step-by-step guide, we will cover the concluding rituals of Umrah and provide spiritual reflections to help you internalize the purpose of your pilgrimage. This includes shaving or cutting the hair, leaving Ihram, recommended duas, and what to do after completing Umrah.
Step 6: Shaving (Halq) or Trimming (Taqsir) the Hair
After performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, the final step of how to perform Umrah in Islam is to remove the Ihram by shaving (Halq) or trimming (Taqsir) your hair.
For Men:
- Halq (Shaving): It is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) for men to shave all of their hair off.
- Taqsir (Trimming): If you don’t wish to shave, you can trim your hair evenly from all parts of the head.
For Women:
- Women should not shave their heads. Instead, they trim a small portion (about a fingertip’s length) from the end of their hair.
💡 Tip: Ensure that the shaving or trimming is done in a clean, hygienic space. There are designated barbers near the Haram area, and many are licensed and follow hygiene protocols.
Once you complete this step, your state of Ihram ends and your Umrah is officially complete.
Post-Umrah: Recommended Acts and Reflections
Understanding how to perform Umrah in Islam also involves knowing what to do after the rituals are complete. The post-Umrah period is an opportunity to reflect, express gratitude, and build lasting spiritual habits.
1. Make Du’a of Gratitude
After completing Umrah, raise your hands in dua and thank Allah for giving you the opportunity to visit His sacred house.
Recommended dua:
“O Allah, accept this Umrah from me and make it a means of drawing closer to You.”
2. Offer Nawafil Salah (Optional Prayers)
It’s a beautiful Sunnah to pray two rak’ahs of thankfulness after completing Umrah. You can do this in Masjid al-Haram or your place of stay.
3. Increase Acts of Worship in Makkah
While you’re still in the blessed city of Makkah, try to:
- Perform extra Tawaf (called Tawaf Nafl) as much as you can
- Recite the Qur’an in front of the Kaaba
- Give charity to the poor
- Fast optional fasts if your health allows
This is your chance to multiply your rewards exponentially.
Etiquette of Leaving Makkah After Umrah
Knowing how to perform Umrah in Islam doesn’t end with completing the rituals. It’s vital to leave Makkah with the right manners and intentions.
1. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)
If you are not planning to perform another Umrah or Hajj before leaving Makkah, then performing the Farewell Tawaf is recommended (wajib according to some scholars):
- Perform seven circuits around the Kaaba.
- Pray two rak’ahs of Tawaf behind Maqam Ibrahim.
- Drink Zamzam water.
- Make sincere dua as this is your last act before leaving.
Exception: Women in menstruation are exempted from performing Tawaf al-Wada’.
2. Make Intention to Return
Before leaving, look back at the Kaaba with love and hope. Make a heartfelt intention to return to Allah’s House for Hajj or another Umrah.
After Returning Home: Sustaining the Change
How to perform Umrah in Islam also means understanding the lifelong impact it should have on you. This journey is not just about rituals; it’s about internal transformation.
1. Implement What You’ve Learned
Try to bring your experience into your daily life:
- Be punctual with your Salah
- Increase Qur’an recitation
- Be kinder and more generous
- Uphold Islamic morals
2. Share Your Experience
Tell your family and friends about your journey. This can encourage them to perform Umrah too, and every good they do as a result may be written in your record of deeds.
3. Stay Connected with the House of Allah
Even after returning home, maintain a spiritual connection:
- Watch live streams from Masjid al-Haram
- Send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Make du’a facing the Qiblah
- Give Sadaqah regularly
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah
Q: Can I perform multiple Umrahs during my trip?
A: Yes. You must exit and re-enter the state of Ihram. Most pilgrims go to Masjid Aisha (Taneem) to renew Ihram.
Q: Can I combine Umrah with Hajj?
A: Yes, this is called Hajj Tamattu’ — performing Umrah first, then Hajj in the same season.
Q: Can women travel without a mahram?
A: Most scholars say women must have a mahram. However, some permit travel in secure, organized groups depending on the school of thought.
Q: What is the best time to perform Umrah?
A: Off-peak times (like Rajab, Sha’ban, and after Hajj season) are less crowded. Ramadan is the most rewarding time but also the busiest.
Inspiring Stories from First-Time Pilgrims
Here are some brief stories that capture the emotional impact of Umrah:
🕋 Ameenah from London:
“When I saw the Kaaba for the first time, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I never imagined such peace existed.”
🕋 Yusuf from Toronto:
“I went with the intention to make dua for my sick mother. A week after I returned, she made a full recovery. Allah is truly Merciful.”
🕋 Fatimah from South Africa:
“The Sa’i reminded me that Allah rewards struggle. It was physically hard but spiritually uplifting.”
Final Thoughts
Learning how to perform Umrah in Islam is not just about mastering a series of actions — it’s about purifying your soul, strengthening your Iman, and getting closer to your Creator.
Your Umrah journey doesn’t end when you return home — it begins. Keep the spiritual fire alive in your heart and be a source of light and change for others.
🌙 May your Umrah be accepted and your path to Jannah be made easy. Ameen.
