Umrah is performed in four main steps: entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), performing Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah seven times), and finally trimming or shaving the hair to exit Ihram. The rituals themselves usually take two to four hours. Below is each step explained simply.
Rulings can differ slightly between schools of thought, so it's worth confirming the specifics with a knowledgeable scholar or your travel group before you go.
Step 1: Enter the state of Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state you enter before performing Umrah. Before reaching the boundary point (the Miqat):
- Perform ghusl (a full ritual wash) and wear the Ihram clothing. Men wear two plain white unstitched cloths; women wear modest, ordinary clothing that covers the body, with the face and hands uncovered.
- Make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah.
- Begin reciting the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…"
Once in Ihram, certain actions are not permitted — including cutting hair or nails, using scented products, and arguing or fighting.
Step 2: Travel to Makkah and enter the Haram
Continue reciting the Talbiyah on your way to Makkah. On entering Masjid al-Haram, step in with your right foot first and make du'a. When you see the Kaaba for the first time, it is a moment many pilgrims describe as deeply moving — raise your hands and make sincere supplication.
Step 3: Perform Tawaf
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad):
- Start each circuit level with the Black Stone, pointing toward it and saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar."
- Men traditionally walk briskly (Raml) in the first three circuits and keep the right shoulder uncovered (Idtiba).
- Make du'a throughout — there are no fixed words required; pray in your own words.
After completing seven circuits, pray two rak'ah behind or near Maqam Ibrahim if space allows, then drink Zamzam water.
Step 4: Perform Sa'i
Sa'i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, recalling Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il:
- Begin at Safa, facing the Kaaba, and make du'a.
- Walk to Marwah — that is one trip. Walking back is the second, and so on, until you complete seven, ending at Marwah.
- Men jog lightly between the green markers; women walk normally.
Step 5: Trim or shave the hair (exit Ihram)
To complete your Umrah:
- Men either shave the head completely (Halq) or trim the hair evenly (Taqsir). Shaving carries a greater reward.
- Women trim a small amount — about a fingertip's length — from the ends of their hair.
Once done, you have completed your Umrah and exited the state of Ihram. The restrictions of the Ihram are lifted.
After Umrah
Many pilgrims stay several days to pray at the Haram, then travel to Madinah to visit Masjid an-Nabawi. Our Umrah packages from the UK include time in both holy cities and guided Ziyarat tours.
If this is your first pilgrimage, read our complete Umrah guide for first-timers for practical preparation tips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps of Umrah in order?
The steps are: enter the state of Ihram and make your intention, perform Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), pray two rak'ah and drink Zamzam, perform Sa'i (seven trips between Safa and Marwah), then trim or shave the hair to exit Ihram.
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
The Umrah rituals usually take around two to four hours, depending on how crowded the Haram is. Pilgrims typically stay several days beyond this to pray and visit Madinah.
What is the difference between Tawaf and Sa'i?
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise. Sa'i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Both are essential parts of Umrah and are performed one after the other.
Can women perform Umrah during menstruation?
A woman who is menstruating delays Tawaf until she is in a state of purity, as Tawaf requires it, though she may perform other parts. It's best to seek guidance from a scholar for your specific situation.
