How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Pilgrims

Quick answer: Umrah has four main parts. You enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat, perform Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba), walk Sa'i (seven times between Safa and Marwah), then shave or shorten your hair. Most pilgrims complete it in 3 to 6 hours, depending on crowds.

Step 1: Enter Ihram before the Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state you enter before Umrah. Take a bath (ghusl), and men change into two plain white unstitched sheets; women wear modest everyday clothes that cover the body, with the face and hands uncovered. Then make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.

Flights from the UK to Jeddah cross the Miqat in the air, so most pilgrims put on Ihram clothing at home or at the airport and make the intention when the crew announce that the Miqat is near. If you fly to Madinah first, you enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on the way to Makkah.

• Avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, and arguments while in Ihram.
• Men must not cover their heads; women should not wear the niqab or gloves.

Step 2: Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba

On arriving at Masjid al-Haram, men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba). Start Tawaf at the corner of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), point towards it and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar, then walk anticlockwise around the Kaaba seven times. Men walk briskly (ramal) in the first three circuits if possible. There is no fixed dua for each round; make your own supplications in any language.

After the seventh circuit, cover the shoulder again and pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Then drink Zamzam water.

Step 3: Walk Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

Go to the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba and make dua. Walk to Marwah: that is one lap. Walking back to Safa is the second. Complete seven laps, finishing at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green lights. The Sa'i area is fully indoors and air-conditioned, and wheelchairs and electric scooters are available.

Step 4: Shave or shorten the hair

Men either shave the head (halq), which is more rewarding, or shorten the hair evenly all over (taqsir). Women cut about a fingertip's length from the end of their hair. Barbers are just outside the Marwah exit. Your Umrah is now complete and the restrictions of Ihram end.

Step 5: After Umrah

Spend the rest of your stay in prayer at the Haram, and visit Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah to send salam to the Prophet ﷺ. Visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah, but most UK packages include it. Entry to the Rawdah in Madinah needs a permit booked in the Nusuk app.

Tips for UK pilgrims

• Learn the steps before you travel and carry a small guide or app.
• Perform Umrah when you are rested; late at night is often less crowded.
• Keep your hotel card and a phone number with you at all times.
• Our Umrah packages include a guide to help you through your first Umrah.