How to Perform Umrah: Your Simple Step-by-Step Guide

URL: /How to Perform Umrah

Picture this: you’re standing in front of the Holy Kaaba for the first time. Your heart is beating fast, and tears are rolling down your cheeks. This moment is what every Muslim dreams about. If you’re planning to learn how to perform umrah step by step, you’re in the right place. As someone who has helped countless pilgrims through KSAtravels, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in simple terms..

Umrah is often called the “lesser pilgrimage” compared to Hajj. But don’t let that fool you – it’s still one of the most amazing spiritual experiences you can have. The best part? You can do it any time of the year (except during Hajj season).

What Makes Umrah Special?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that performing one Umrah wipes away sins until the next Umrah. That’s pretty incredible, right? Plus, if you do Umrah during Ramadan, it’s like doing Hajj with the Prophet himself.

Unlike Hajj, which happens only during specific dates, Umrah gives you flexibility. You can plan it around your work schedule, family time, or when it’s most meaningful for you.

Before You Start Your Journey

Getting Your Documents Ready

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A passport that won’t expire for at least 6 months
• An Umrah visa (not a regular tourist visa)
• Vaccination certificates
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Return flight tickets

Pro tip: Start this process early. Visa processing can take time, especially during busy seasons.

Physical Prep

I can’t stress this enough – Umrah involves a lot of walking. We’re talking about 3-4 miles total! Start walking daily for at least a month before you go. Your feet will thank you later.

The 6 Main Steps of Umrah

Step 1: Getting Into Ihram

Ihram isn’t just clothing – it’s a spiritual state you enter. Think of it as switching from regular mode to sacred mode.

For Men:

• Two white, seamless pieces of cloth
• One wraps around your waist
• The other goes over your left shoulder
• No underwear, socks, or regular clothes

For Women:

• Your regular modest clothes work fine
• Any color is okay (doesn’t have to be white)
• You can’t cover your face or hands

What You Can’t Do in Ihram:

• Cut your hair or nails
• Use perfume or scented soap
• Argue or fight
• Hunt animals
• Have marital relations

Step 2: Making Your Intention (Niyyah)

Before you start, you need to make a clear intention. This isn’t just thinking about it – say it out loud.

You can say: “Oh Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

Then, recite the Talbiyah: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, blessings, and kingdom belong to You. You have no partner.”

Keep saying this throughout your journey until you start Tawaf.

Step 3: Entering the Sacred Mosque

When you first see the Kaaba, take a moment. This is huge! Many people cry at this moment, and that’s totally normal.

Make a prayer when you first see it. Ask for whatever you want – for your family, yourself, forgiveness, anything. This is a special moment when prayers are often answered.

Step 4: Performing Tawaf (Walking Around the Kaaba)

This is the main event. You’ll walk around the Kaaba seven times, always keeping it on your left side.

Here’s how to do it right:

Round	What to Do
Start	Point toward the Black Stone corner and say “In the name of Allah, Allah is Greatest”
Rounds 1-3	Men walk briskly (if there’s space)
Rounds 4-7	Walk at normal speed
Each round	Make personal prayers
Between corners	Say the special prayer for good in this life and the next

Important: Don’t try to reach the Black Stone if it’s crowded. Just point toward it from where you are. Safety first!

After Tawaf, pray two units (rak’ahs) of prayer behind the station of Abraham if possible. If it’s too crowded, anywhere in the mosque is fine.

Step 5: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)

This part remembers Hagar’s search for water for her baby Ishmael. You’ll walk back and forth between two small hills seven times.

The Process:

• Start at Safa hill
• Walk to Marwa hill (that’s one trip)
• Walk back to Safa (that’s two trips)
• Continue until you’ve done seven trips total
• End at Marwa hill

Special note for men: Jog between the green lights (you’ll see them). Women walk normally the whole time.

Trip	From	To
1	Safa	Marwa
2	Marwa	Safa
3	Safa	Marwa
4	Marwa	Safa
5	Safa	Marwa
6	Marwa	Safa
7	Safa	Marwa

Step 6: Hair Cutting

This is your final step. You have two choices:

For Men:

• Shave your head completely (better reward)
• OR trim at least one inch from all around

For Women:

• Only trim about one inch from the ends
• Never shave completely

Once you cut your hair, congratulations! You’ve finished Umrah. All the Ihram restrictions are now lifted, and you can return to normal activities.

Money Matters: What Will It Cost?

Umrah costs vary a lot based on when you go and what kind of package you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Basic Package: $2,000 – $3,500 per person Standard Package: $3,500 – $5,500 per person
Premium Package: $5,500+ per person

Extra costs to think about:

• Shopping and gifts ($200-500)
• Tips for service people ($100-200)
• Extra meals and drinks ($150-300)
• Emergency fund ($300-500)

Money-saving tip: Going during off-peak times can save you 30-50% compared to Ramadan or peak season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Getting into Ihram too late on the plane – Change before or early in the flight
• Trying to fight crowds to touch the Black Stone – Point from a distance instead
• Wearing scented products after entering Ihram – Use unscented everything
• Walking through the Hijr Ismail area – Always go around it during Tawaf
• Not staying hydrated – Drink lots of water, especially Zamzam

Tips for First-Timers

• Join a group tour if possible – Having a guide makes everything easier
• Learn basic Arabic phrases – “Where is…” “Thank you” and “Excuse me” go a long way
• Pack light – You’ll be walking a lot
• Bring comfortable shoes – Your feet will do miles of walking on marble
• Stay patient – Crowds can be overwhelming, but remember why you’re there

When Should You Go?

Best times for beginners:

• November to February: Cooler weather, easier on your body
• Off-peak months: Lower costs, fewer crowds

Peak times to consider:

• Ramadan: Amazing spiritual experience, but very crowded and expensive
• School holidays: Great for families but more expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Umrah take to complete?

The actual rituals take about 4-6 hours, depending on crowds. But most people stay 7-14 days to visit Medina and do additional prayers.

Can women perform Umrah alone?

Women under 45 need to travel with a male family member (mahram). Women over 45 can travel in organized groups with proper supervision.

What happens if I make mistakes during Umrah?

Don’t worry! Islam is about mercy and making things easy. Small mistakes don’t cancel your Umrah. Just ask for forgiveness and continue. If you’re unsure about something, ask a guide or scholar.

Is it safe to perform Umrah?

Yes, Saudi Arabia has excellent security and medical facilities around the holy sites. Millions perform Umrah safely every year. Just follow basic travel safety and stay with your group.

Can I perform Umrah multiple times in one trip?

Yes, but you need to leave Makkah’s boundary and enter Ihram again for each additional Umrah. Most people go to Masjid Aisha (about 6 miles away) to do this.

Your Spiritual Journey Awaits

Performing Umrah is more than checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list. It’s about connecting with Allah, joining millions of believers throughout history, and returning home with a clean heart.

The walking might be tiring, the crowds might feel overwhelming, but when you’re standing in front of the Kaaba making prayers for your family and yourself, you’ll understand why millions make this journey every year.

Remember, Allah looks at your heart and intention, not perfect execution. If you go with sincere intention and do your best, that’s what matters most.

Start planning today, prepare physically and spiritually, and get ready for one of the most amazing experiences of your life. May your journey be blessed and accepted.

Safe travels!