Step-by-Step Umrah Guide

A Precise, Chronological Walk-Through

Umrah follows a precise, chronological sequence — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i, and Tahallul — and each stage must be completed in order. This guide walks you through every action from the Miqat to the moment your Ihram is lifted, with the exact Sunnahs, common errors to avoid, and the rulings that protect the validity of your pilgrimage. Keep this page open on your mobile as a companion during your Umrah.

Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram at the Miqat

Allah's Messenger (saw) had fixed Dhul Hulaifa as the Miqat for the people of Medina; Al-Juhfa for the people of Sham; and Qarn Ul-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. So, these are the Mawaqit for all those living at those places, and besides them for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umra and whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly the people of Makkah can assume lhram from Makkah.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1526

The Miqat is the sacred boundary you must not cross with the intention of Umrah unless you are in a state of Ihram. Crossing it without Ihram is a Wajib violation requiring Dam (penalty). Before reaching the Miqat:

Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) — Sunnah for all pilgrims, including menstruating women
Men: apply perfume to the body and head before making Niyyah — not to the Ihram garment
Men: wear two unstitched white sheets (Izar + Rida’); head must remain uncovered
Women: wear loose, full-coverage modest clothing; face and hands remain uncovered (no Niqab or gloves in Ihram)
Make Niyyah (intention) in the heart for Umrah — no specific verbal formula required
Begin reciting the Talbiyah.

The Talbiyah

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَLabbaik Allahumma labbaik. Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.I am here at Your service, O Allah, I am here at Your service. I am here at Your service, You have no partner, I am here at Your service. Surely the praise, and blessings are Yours, and the dominion. You have no partner.

Agreed upon by Muslim, Bukhari, Abi Dawud and others.

Pro Tip

Flying into Jeddah from your country? Your aircraft crosses the Al-Juhfah Miqat alignment approximately 45 minutes before landing. Wear your Ihram before boarding — do not plan to change in the aircraft toilets. Jeddah is inside the Miqat boundary; you cannot assume Ihram on the ground.

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Step 2: Entering Masjid al-Haram and the Arrival Dua

When any one of you enters the mosque, he should say:"Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik" ; and when he steps out he should say: "Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik".
Sahih Muslim 713a

Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot first, reciting the entry supplication. Stop reciting the Talbiyah as you enter the mosque and prepare for Tawaf.
Enter with the right foot and recite the masjid entry dua
Stop the Talbiyah — it is no longer recited once you begin Tawaf Proceed directly to the Mataf (Tawaf area) to begin your first circuit

Step 3: Tawaf al-Umrah — The Seven Circuits of the Ka'bah

Aisha said, "The first thing the Prophet (saw) did on reaching Mecca, was the wudu and then he performed Tawaf of the Kaaba"
-Sahih al-Bukhari 1614

Tawaf must be performed with Wudu. You will circumambulate the Ka‘bah seven times anticlockwise, beginning and ending each circuit at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad).
Before you begin: confirm you are in a state of Wudu. If Wudu breaks during any circuit, exit the Mataf, renew Wudu, and resume from the point you left off — you do not restart the full seven circuits.

Face the Black Stone and make your intention for Tawaf
Raise your right hand toward the Black Stone, say “Allahu Akbar”, and begin circuit 1
Men: perform Idtiba (uncover the right shoulder by passing the Rida’ under the right armpit) - Sunnah
Men: perform Ramal (walk briskly with short, quick steps) in circuits 1–3; walk normally in circuits 4–7 - Sunnah
Touch the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) with the right hand each time you pass — do not kiss it
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone: recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah...” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1892)
At the Black Stone at the start of each new circuit: say “Allahu Akbar”, point or touch if accessible without pushing
Complete 7 full circuits — ending at the Black Stone

Pro Tip

Only the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner should be touched.
If you can reach the Yemeni Corner without crowding or harming others, touch it with the right hand — do not kiss it and do not gesture from a distance if you cannot reach it.
Do not touch the Ka‘bah walls or the two corners facing Syria and Iraq — this is a common mistake with no basis in the Sunnah (Sahih al-Bukhari 1609).
If you cannot reach the Black Stone, a gesture from a distance is fully valid — never push or jostle others.

Step 4: Maqam Ibrahim and the Two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf

"The Prophet (saw) arrived at Mecca and performed Tawaf of the Kaaba and then offered a two-rak'ah prayer..."
Sahih al-Bukhari 1647

Immediately after completing the seventh circuit, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) to pray two Rak‘ahs.

Cover the right shoulder (replace Idtiba) before praying — Idtiba is for Tawaf only
Pray two Rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim — if the area is crowded, anywhere in the Haram is valid
After the prayer, go to the Zamzam taps and drink your fill

Pro Tip

The two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf are Wajib or Sunnah according to many scholars — do not leave the Haram before performing them. If a congregational prayer begins while you are mid-Tawaf, join the prayer and resume your circuits from where you left off afterwards.

Step 5: Sa‘i (Walking Seven Times Between Safa and Marwa)

Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the ˹Sacred˺ House, let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.
Surah Al-Bakarah - Ayat 158

Sa‘i does not require Wudu, though it is recommended to maintain it. Proceed from the Zamzam area toward the Mas‘a corridor.

On approaching Safa for the first time, recite: “Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha‘a’irillah...” from Surah al-Bakarah (Sahih Muslim 1218a) — this recitation is only for the first approach
Ascend Safa, face the Qibla, raise your hands and make du‘a
Walk to Marwa — this counts as lap 1
Men: jog lightly between the two green-lit markers in the Sa‘i corridor; walk normally outside the markers
Women: walk normally throughout all 7 laps — no jogging required
On Marwa: face the Qibla, raise your hands, make du‘a — this completes lap 1
Continue: Marwa to Safa = lap 2, and so on. The 7th lap ends at Marwa.
Total: 7 laps — beginning at Safa, ending at Marwa

Pro Tip

For a smoother and less congested experience, head to the 2nd or 3rd floor to perform your Sa'i. The ground level gets extremely crowded and heavily trafficked, whereas the upper floors offer more breathing room, better airflow, and a steady walking pace.

Step 6: Tahallul (Shaving or Cutting Hair) and Completion

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved." The people said, "O Allah's Messenger! And (invoke Allah for) those who get their hair cut short." The Prophet said, "O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved." The people said, "O Allah's Messenger! And those who get their hair cut short." The Prophet said (the third time), "And to those who get their hair cut short."
Sahih al-Bukhari 1727

The Prophet (saw) said: "Shaving is not a duty laid on women; only clipping the hair is incumbent on them."
Sunan Abi Dawud 1985

Tahallul is the final Pillar of Umrah. It must be performed after Sa‘i. Once done, all Ihram prohibitions are lifted.

Men — Halq (preferred): shave the entire head. Barber services are widely available immediately outside the Haram and in the hotel district.
Men — Taqsir (valid): trim a finger’s width of hair from all areas of the head uniformly — not just a single lock from one side.
Women — Taqsir only: gather the hair and cut approximately a fingertip’s length (2–3 cm) from the ends. No barber required; done privately.
Once Tahallul is complete: all Ihram prohibitions are lifted — sewn clothing, perfume, and marital relations are once again permissible.

Pro Tip

For Women: Make sure to pack a small pair of scissors in your checked luggage. To exit Ihram, you only need to cut about 1.5–2 cm (roughly a fingertip's length) from the ends of your hair. Having your own scissors saves you the hassle of trying to borrow them in public areas.
For Men: Always carry cash with you. While there are free mobile/street haircutting services available, they are usually extremely crowded. To save time and avoid long lines, you will likely need to use a paid barber, and most of them only accept cash payments.

What Invalidates Your Rituals?

The difference between a Pillar error and a Wajib breach determines whether your Umrah is invalid or simply requires a Fidyah (penalty). The table below covers the most common errors pilgrims encounter.

Error	What it means	Consequence
Tawaf without Wudu	Tawaf requires ritual purity throughout. If Wudu breaks mid-circuit, exit, renew, and resume — do not restart.	Pillar invalidated; that circuit does not count
Tawaf fewer than 7 complete circuits	Each circuit must begin and end at the Black Stone. A partial circuit does not count.	Pillar invalidated; Tawaf must be completed
Tawaf performed clockwise	Tawaf must be performed anticlockwise with the Ka‘bah on the left. Clockwise circuits are invalid.	Pillar invalidated; circuits must be repeated anticlockwise
Sa‘i fewer than 7 laps	Safa to Marwa = 1; Marwa to Safa = 2. The 7th lap must end at Marwa. Stopping at 6 laps is invalid.	Pillar invalidated; remaining laps must be completed
Sa‘i not starting at Safa	Sa‘i must begin at Safa. Starting from Marwa reverses the direction and invalidates the count.	Pillar invalidated; Sa‘i must restart from Safa
Skipping Tahallul entirely	Exiting Ihram without Halq or Taqsir means the Umrah is incomplete. All Ihram prohibitions remain in force.	Pillar incomplete; Umrah not concluded
Crossing Miqat without Ihram	A Wajib breach — not a Pillar omission. Umrah remains valid but Dam (penalty) is required.	Dam required; Umrah remains valid
Keeping Idtiba on during prayer at Maqam Ibrahim	Idtiba applies during Tawaf only. The right shoulder must be covered before praying.	No effect on Umrah validity; Sunnah neglected

Penalties for the Rituals of Umrah

"Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah.1 But if prevented ˹from proceeding˺, then ˹offer˺ whatever sacrificial animals you can afford. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal reaches its destination. But if any of you is ill or has a scalp ailment ˹requiring shaving˺, then compensate either by fasting, charity, or a sacrificial offering. In times of peace, you may combine the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage then make the sacrificial offering you can afford. Whoever cannot afford that ˹offering˺, let them fast three days during pilgrimage and seven after returning ˹home˺—completing ten. These offerings are for those who do not live near the Sacred House. And be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is severe in punishment."
Surah Al-Bakarah - Ayat 196

Umrah penalties fall into three distinct categories depending on the nature of the breach: violations of Ihram prohibitions that carry a Fidyah (penalty offering), breaches of Wajibat (mandatory acts) that require Dam, and acts so severe they invalidate the Umrah entirely. Understanding which category applies to an error determines the correct remedy.

Violation category	Examples	Penalty (Fidyah / Dam)	Umrah validity
Fidyah of Choice (Fidyah al-Adha)	Using perfume, shaving or cutting hair before Tahallul, men wearing sewn/fitted clothing, and men covering the head	Choose ONE of three: fast for 3 days; feed 6 poor people (approx. 1.5 kg food per person); or sacrifice a sheep in Makkah	Remains valid
Wajib breach (Dam)	Crossing the Miqat without Ihram; omitting the two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf	Sacrifice a sheep (Dam) in Makkah; arranged through a trusted local agent or authorised channel	Remains valid
Hunting land animals	Killing or hunting any land animal while in Ihram	Sacrifice an equivalent domestic animal, or feed the poor with its monetary value (Quran 5:95)	Remains valid
Marriage contract during Ihram	Contracting, conducting, or proposing marriage while in Ihram	The contract is void. No Fidyah required; repentance and re-contracting after Ihram is lifted (Sahih Muslim 1409)	Remains valid
Marital relations before completion	The most severe prohibition. Applies if committed before all four Pillars are completed.	Must still complete the invalidated rituals; sacrifice a camel or sheep; perform a full Qada’ (make-up) Umrah as soon as possible	Invalidated — Qada’ required

The Fidyah of Choice: Three Equal Options

When a pilgrim violates an Ihram prohibition under necessity — illness, injury, or genuine hardship — the penalty is a choice between three equal forms of Fidyah (compensation). No one option is superior in validity; the choice belongs to the pilgrim. Ka‘b bin ‘Ujrah (RA) was given this ruling directly by the Prophet when lice fell from his head due to illness on the journey to Makkah (Sahih al-Bukhari 1814):

Fast

Three days of fasting

Feed

Feed six poor people (half a Sa‘ per person — approximately 1.5 kg of food each)

Sacrifice

Arrange sheep sacrifice in Makkah via a verified channel or your hotel

Pro Tip

If you commit a violation unintentionally or under necessity, there is no sin — only the penalty. Do not allow anxiety about a mistake to distract you from the rest of your Umrah. Complete all remaining rituals first, then arrange the penalty calmly. Your hotel concierge or the Haram’s guidance offices can direct you to authorised channels for sacrifice arrangements in Makkah or you can fulfill this obligation easily and securely online through the official Adahi Project platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the main pillars of Umrah

Start at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), which is set into the south-eastern corner of the Ka‘bah. Face the Black Stone, raise your right hand toward it, say “Allahu Akbar”, and begin walking anticlockwise with the Ka‘bah on your left. A green floor marker in the Mataf indicates the Black Stone’s level — each time you return to this line, you have completed one full circuit.

No. A single Niyyah at the start of Tawaf covers all seven circuits. The intention is made in the heart and does not need to be repeated for each round. The Talbiyah, which you stop reciting when you enter the Haram for Tawaf, is also not repeated between circuits.

Idtiba is performed by placing the Rida’ (upper Ihram sheet) under the right armpit and draping it over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder and upper arm uncovered. It applies only during the seven circuits of Tawaf. Once the seventh circuit is complete, cover the right shoulder before praying the two Rak‘ahs at Maqam Ibrahim — praying with the shoulder exposed is contrary to the Sunnah. Idtiba is not required during Sa‘i.

Yes. There is no obligation to proceed immediately from Tawaf to Sa‘i. You may sit, drink Zamzam, pray the two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf, or rest before beginning Sa‘i. Sa‘i should follow Tawaf in the same sitting where possible, but a gap does not invalidate either ritual. If a congregational prayer begins, join it and begin Sa‘i afterwards.

A woman should gather her hair and cut approximately a fingertip’s length (roughly 1,5–2 cm) from the ends. The cut should be from all the hair, not just a single strand. There is no need for a barber — this is done privately. Shaving the head is not prescribed for women under any circumstances; Taqsir is the only valid form of Tahallul for women.

Yes — Dam is required if you intentionally or forgetfully missed a Wajib act of Umrah, such as entering Ihram from the wrong place, leaving before performing the two Rak'ahs of Tawaf, or failing to shave or trim your hair before exiting Ihram. Dam means sacrificing a sheep or goat within the Haram boundary of Makkah, with the meat distributed to the poor of the Haram. The Saudi government has made this straightforward for DIY pilgrims through the Adahi Project (Saudi Project for the Utilisation of Hajj and Umrah Sacrifices), operated by the Islamic Development Bank.