How to Perform Umrah — Complete Guide
The 4 steps of Umrah explained with duas and preparation tips
Umrah (العمرة) is the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, Umrah has 4 simple steps and can be completed in a few hours.
The 4 Steps of Umrah
الإحرام — Ihram
Miqat (entry points to Mecca)
Enter the state of Ihram by wearing white garments and making the intention for Hajj. Recite the Talbiyah. Prohibited acts begin.
Dua
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk
Here I am O Allah, here I am
طواف القدوم — Tawaf al-Qudum
Masjid al-Haram, Mecca
Perform the arrival Tawaf — 7 circuits around the Kaaba counterclockwise. Kiss or point to the Black Stone each circuit.
السعي — Sa'i
Between Safa and Marwa, Mecca
Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.
الحلق أو التقصير — Halq or Taqsir
Mina
Men shave their heads (Halq) or cut their hair short (Taqsir). Women cut a fingertip length of hair. This marks partial exit from Ihram.
Key Differences Between Hajj and Umrah
| Hajj | Umrah | |
|---|---|---|
| When | 8-13 Dhul Hijjah only | Any time of year |
| Duration | 5-6 days | 2-4 hours |
| Steps | 10 steps | 4 steps |
| Includes Arafat | Yes | No |
| Includes Muzdalifah | Yes | No |
| Includes Mina | Yes | No |
| Obligation | Fard (once in lifetime) | Sunnah Mu'akkadah |
Umrah Preparation Checklist
Visa and travel arrangements
Obtain an Umrah visa and book flights and accommodation near the Haram.
Ihram garments
2 white unstitched cloths for men (Izar and Rida). Women wear modest clothing.
Learning the duas
Memorize the Talbiyah, Tawaf dua, and key supplications before traveling.
Physical preparation
Practice walking long distances. Tawaf and Sa'i require significant walking.
Sincere repentance and intention
Make sincere tawbah and purify your intention — Umrah is for Allah alone.
Pay off debts before traveling
Settle any outstanding debts or make arrangements for repayment.
Make a will (Sunnah before traveling)
It is Sunnah to write a will and inform your family before any major journey.
The Talbiyah
Recited continuously from Ihram until the start of Tawaf
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak
Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.