Learning how to perform umrah offers a fascinating window into Islamic worship, history, and global unity. The sights of thousands of people moving in perfect unison can be both beautiful and mysterious. What actually happens during this spiritual journey? What are the physical and symbolic steps a pilgrim must take?
This guide is a clear, step-by-step look at the steps of umrah performance and why Umrah (minor pilgrimage) remains one of the most powerful experiences in a believer’s life.
How to perform Umrah: Umrah Step by Step
To perform Umrah, one needs to recognize both obligations and recommendations in Umrah, and it’s best to do all following the example of the Messenger PBUH.
- The obligations are: Ihram – Tawaf – Sa’i – Halq or Taqsir
- The recommendations are: Two rak’at of Ihram – Two rak’at behind Maqam Ibrahim – Two rak’at inside al-Hatim (Hijr Ismail) – drinking Zamzam water – lots of Du’aa and Thikr which are ‘Sahih’ authentic Sunnah.
Here are the steps needed to perform Umrah:
1. The Niyah and The Ihram:
Ihram is making an intention ‘Niyyah’ full heartedly to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah, in a state of purity (Ghusl and personal cleanliness are confirmed Sunnah).
Men are dressed in Ihram garments (clothes without stitches and not body describing) which are Rida’ (upper body cloth covering) and ‘Izar (lower body cloth covering) before reaching or at Miqat (assigned points of entrance to the sacred lands of Makkh).
Women wear regular modest clothes without gloves or Niqab (face veil) but can cover face with a plain cloth if she wishes.
‘Aisha said:
Riders would pass us when we were performing the rites of pilgrimage along with God’s messenger, and when they came by us one of us would let down her outer garment from her head over her face, and when they had passed on we would uncover our face.
(Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Ibn Majah)
كَانَ الرُّكْبَانُ يَمُرُّونَ بِنَا وَنَحْنُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مُحْرِمَاتٌ فَإِذَا جَاوَزُوا بِنَا سَدَلَتْ إِحْدَانَا جِلْبَابَهَا مِنْ رَأْسِهَا عَلَى وجهِها فإِذا جاوزونا كشفناهُ.
It is a ‘Sunnah’ confirmed recommendation to do two rak’at of Ihram at Miqat. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second one.
Talbiyah is also a confirmed Sunnah saying: Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.
During Ihram a Muslim is prohibited to wear stitched clothing, wear perfumes, have intercourse with spouse, perform a marriage contract “Aqd”, harm or damage plants bird or animals and have heated arguments.
2. Entering Makkah:
It is prohibited ‘Haram’ to cut or damage plants, harm or kill animals or birds that aren’t harmful, carry weapons, act violently or commit promiscuity at Makkah. One should respect the sanctity and peacefulness of the sacred city of Allah.
Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s messenger as saying on the day of the conquest of Mecca,
“There is no hijra, but only jihad and intention ; and when you are called to battle, go forth.’’
He also said on the day of the conquest of Mecca, “God made this town sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth, so it is sacred by the sacredness conferred on it by God till the day of resurrection.
Fighting in it has not been lawful to anyone before me and it has been made lawful for me only during one hour on one day, so it is sacred by the sacredness conferred on it by God till the day of resurrection.
Its thorns are not to be cut, its game is not to be molested, things dropped are to be picked up only by one who publicly announces it, and its fresh herbage is not to be cut.”
Ibn ‘Abbas made the suggestion,
“Except the rush, messenger of God, for it is useful for their blacksmiths and for their houses.” He then said, “Except the rush.”
3. Entering Masjid al-Haram and Do the tawaf:
Tawaf of the Kaaba will suffice as the “Greeting” for al-Masjid al-Haram. Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, you raise your hands and make Duaa as it is one of the places where Duaa is answered.
It is Sunnah to ask Allah to increase this House in honor, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honor and respect it – of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah – in honor, respect, esteem and piety. Start by making a heart ‘Niyyah’ of Tawaf and proceed to al-Hajar al-Aswad
4. Start Tawaf al-Umrah:
Tawaf al-Umrah is circumambulating the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise starting at al-Hajar al-Aswad (the black stone) in a state of major purity. Men are in their Ihram garments uncovering their right shoulder and women are modestly dressed without wearing gloves or Niqab.
Tawaf should be always outside al-Hatim (the semi-circle area outside the Kaaba). It is a confirmed Sunnah to Kiss, Touch or Salute al-Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam) whenever passing it.
5. Sunnah After Tawaf:
It is a confirmed Sunnah to do two rak’at of Nafl Salah inside al-Hatim and another two behind Maqam Ibrahim. Also, drinking one’s fill of Zamzam water is Sunnah.
Al-Multazam is the area between al-Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba. It is Sunnah to do Duaa all one’s heart wishes at this point.
6. Perform The Sa’i:
Sa’i is seven laps which one begins at mount Safa and finishes at al-Marwa. Upon reaching both Safa and Marwa, one faces the direction of the Kaaba, raise hands in supplication and make Thikr.
Between al-Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the two green mileposts / two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 meters apart) which indicate the distance that Hajar ran in order to get to higher ground, it is Sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally.
It is Sunnah to make a final Dua om al-Marwa at the end of Sa’i and also to perform two Rak’at of Nafl Salah following Sa’i in Masjid al-Haram.
7. Perform the Halq or Taqsir:
In order to break or leave the state of Ihram a Muslim man needs ‘Halq’ to shave or ‘Taqsir’ to cut hair by at least an inch. It is more recommended to do Halq than Taqsir. A Muslim woman only trims the ends of her hair.
This concludes the steps of Umrah and a Muslim may resume normal life after this.
Read also: Differences between Hajj and Umrah
Is Umrah A Fard?
According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, Umrah is not Fardh (not obligatory), but is considered a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah). On the other hand, the performance of Umrah is considered Fardh according to the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of thought, just as Hajj is.
According to them it is an obligation to perform Umrah once in a life time; at least; if one is able (physically) and can afford it (financially).
If a Muslim dies in this case; money should be taken out from his bequest to delegate someone to do Umrah on his behalf. Both Hajj and Umrah are un-obligatory to a Muslim whom is unable and/or cannot afford either or both.
The Command To Perform Umrah In Quran And Hadith:
The command to perform Umrah is in both “Quran” The Last Book from Allah” and “Hadith” the deeds and sayings of Muhammad; the last Messenger PBUH:
A. Umran In the Quran:
Allah says in the Quran about Umran the following:
“Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for the sake of Allah…”
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ…
B. In Hadith about Umrah in the Sunnah:
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said about Umrah the following:
“(The performance of) ‘Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ‘Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما، والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة”
What are the Types of Umrah?
There are two types of Umrah namely Umrah al-Mufradah and Umraht at-Tamattu:
1. Umrah al-Mufradah:
Umrah al-Mufradah is the type of Umrah that is performed independently to Hajj and can be carried out at any time during the year even during Hajj days (9th to 13th of Thul-Hijjah) if one isn’t performing Hajj or looking to join Hajj.
2. Umraht at-Tamattu or Qiran:
Umraht at-Tamattu is the type of Umrahthat is performed in conjunction with Hajj al-Tamattu or al-Qiran and is normally carried out during the month of Dhul Hijjah, just before the commencement of Hajj.
Who should perform Umrah?
Every Muslim that is an adult, sane, physically and financially able and it is safe for him to travel should do Umrah. It is debatable between Muslim scholars whether a Muslim woman needs Mahram (a Muslim male relative that it is prohibited to marry) during her obligatory Hajj. Only in case of unsafe travels Muslim women need Mahram as a rule.
What is the Best time to do Umrah?
The best time to perform Umrah is in Ramadan and Thul-Qahdah. But Umrah may be performed at any time throughout the year but the best times to perform Umrah are:
1. Umrah During Ramadan:
During the month of Ramadan especially during the last ten days when Laylatul Qadr is anticipated. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘
Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (i.e., in reward).
عُمْرَةٌ فِي رَمَضَانَ تَعْدِلُ حِجَّةً
2. Umrah During Thul-Qahda:
During the month of Thul-Qahdah because three out of the four Umrah the Messenger PBUH performed were during Thul-Qahdah. The forth was with his Hajj PBUH.
The Importance of Umrah In Islam:
Umrah is one of the Islamic acts of worship done in submission to Allah seeking His forgiveness, pleasure and rewards; following the perfect example of Muhammad PBUH.
It is ‘Minor Pilgrimage’ and may equal the rewards of Hajj if done during the month of Ramadan according to Hadith of the Messenger PBUH. This means completely wiped out sins and clear records of deeds, this is complete forgiveness and a chance at Heaven.
May Allah grant all people guidance and to those whom choose to follow the righteous guidance great rewards at the highest of Heavens.
Conclusion
To conclude, understanding how to perform Umrah is far more than just a set of physical rituals or a historic tour of Makkah. For a Muslim, it is an intense journey of self-reflection, humility, and complete spiritual renewal. By stripping away worldly distinctions—wearing identical, simple garments and leaving behind daily comforts—pilgrims from entirely different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds stand as absolute equals. From the seven symbolic walks around the Kaaba (Tawaf) to the final cutting of the hair, each step serves as a physical manifestation of faith, patience, and devotion to God.
Understanding these profound traditions offers a unique window into the core values of Islam: unity, discipline, and the constant human pursuit of forgiveness and a fresh start.
WHY DO YOU THINK UMRAH IS SO HIGHLY REWARDED?
