Significance of Umrah
Millions of Muslims perform Umrah to seek the blessings of Allah and to ask for remission from Allah for all their sins. It's said that after performing Umrah, a Muslim is considered an invigorated baby. That means Allah removed all of his sins and all his bad deeds. In Masjid-al-Haram, Muslims gather from all over the world, and they perform Umrah together by barring every kind of grade of cast, creed, and colour. During Umrah, all Muslims walk together by joining their shoulders with each other.
Here, we will discuss all the pillars of Umrah and also how to perform Umrah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage centred on the Kaaba in Makkah. Many pilgrims also visit the sacred sites of Madinah, though this is a separate, recommended visit rather than part of Umrah itself. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during specific months and is obligatory, Umrah is highly recommended and can be performed at any time of .
Watch: How to Perform Umrah
Step by Step
The Four Steps of Umrah
Follow these four steps in order to complete your Umrah correctly.
1 Ihram — The Sacred State
Begin by entering the state of Ihram before reaching the Meeqat point. Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) for purification, then put on the Ihram garments.
✓ Men wear two white cloths — the Rida (upper) and the Izaar (lower).
✓ Women wear modest clothing covering the entire body.
✓ Make your Umrah intention (niyyah) and start reciting the Talbiyah.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and dominion belong to You. You have no partner. (Ref: Sahih al-Bukhari 5915)
Continue reciting the Talbiyah as you proceed toward Masjid al-Haram to view the Holy Kaaba.
2 Tawaf — Circling the Kaaba
Circle the Kaaba seven complete times in an anti-clockwise direction, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
✓ Start at the Black Stone — kiss it if possible, or simply point toward it if it is crowded.
✓ Men expose the right shoulder (Idtibaa) by placing the Rida under the right armpit.
✓ Recite prayers and supplications, seeking forgiveness throughout the seven circuits.
✓ After completing Tawaf, offer two units (rak'ah) of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim.
✓ Drink Zamzam water, then return to the Black Stone for a final greeting.
3 Sa'i — Between Safa and Marwah
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa.
✓ Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands and make du'a — reciting it three times.
✓ Men should walk briskly between the two green lights marking the midpoint.
✓ At Marwah, face the Kaaba and repeat your supplications.
✓ Safa → Marwah counts as one circuit. Complete seven circuits in total.
"Laa ilaaha ill-Allah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu'l-mulk wa lahu'l-hamd, wa huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in qadeer" — acknowledging Allah's sole divinity and dominion over all things.
4 Halq or Taqsir — Cutting the Hair
✓ Men shave the head completely (Halq), or trim it — shaving carries greater reward and symbolises full submission to Allah.
✓ Women trim about a fingertip's length (roughly an inch / 2–3 cm) from the ends of their hair.
Your Umrah is Complete
Once you have completed all four steps, your Umrah is concluded. You may now leave the state of Ihram and visit other sacred sites around Makkah. Many pilgrims then travel to Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah to continue their spiritual journey.