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How to perform Umrah step by step

Umrah has four main acts: ihram, tawaf, sai and shaving or trimming the hair. This page explains each one in the order you do them, in plain words.

The Kaaba with the Makkah Clock Tower and minarets of Masjid al Haram behind it — The Kaaba and Masjid al Haram, Makkah.

Information only. Rules, permits and timings change, so confirm with the official Nusuk app, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and your agent or scholar before you travel. We do not sell, book or guarantee anything.

1. Enter the state of ihram

Ihram begins at the miqat, the boundary you must not cross without it. Men wear two plain white unstitched cloths. Women wear ordinary modest clothes. Before the miqat, bathe, trim nails and wear ihram, then make your intention for Umrah and start saying the Talbiyah. Pilgrims arriving by air usually wear ihram before boarding or when the crew announces the miqat, so ask your agent in advance.

Common miqat points

Dhul Hulaifah, also called Abyar Ali, for pilgrims coming from Madinah.
Al Juhfah, near Rabigh.
Qarn al Manazil, also called As Sail al Kabir, for Najd and Taif.
Yalamlam, for pilgrims from the south.
Dhat Irq, for pilgrims from the north east.

2. Tawaf around the Kaaba

Enter Masjid al Haram with your right foot and walk to the Black Stone. Start each round at the Black Stone line and keep the Kaaba on your left. Complete seven rounds. Men uncover the right shoulder during the first tawaf of Umrah. Keep your wudu and stay calm in the crowd.

3. Pray two rakat

After tawaf, pray two rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. If it is crowded, pray anywhere in the mosque. Then drink Zamzam water.

4. Sai between Safa and Marwa

Go to the Safa hill. Walk to Marwa, which is one lap, and continue until you finish seven laps, ending at Marwa. The walkway is inside the mosque building and has a separate lane for wheelchairs.

5. Shave or trim the hair

Men shave the head or trim the hair evenly. Women cut a fingertip length from the ends of their hair. After this your ihram is complete and Umrah is finished.

Where to get your haircut

The authority for the Two Holy Mosques runs free tahallul stations near the Marwa area, and there are paid barber shops around the Haram. Details and sources are on the Haram services page.

Rules for women

Wear loose modest clothes. Do not cover the face while in ihram.
A woman in her period should not perform tawaf until she is pure. Ask a scholar for your case.
Saudi Arabia no longer requires a mahram for Umrah. Home country and agent rules can differ, so check on Nusuk.

Rules for men

Wear two unstitched white cloths and leave the head uncovered.
Uncover the right shoulder only in the first tawaf. Do not push in the crowd.

Hajj and Umrah compared

Hajj happens on fixed days and is obligatory once for those who are able. Umrah can be done at any time and does not include Arafat, Muzdalifah or Mina. See the Hajj guide.

Tips for first time pilgrims

Write your hotel name and a phone number on a card and keep it in your pocket. Our QR ID card can help.
Choose a meeting point with your group in case you get separated, such as a numbered gate.
Carry a small bottle and take breaks. Crowds are lighter after Fajr and in the early afternoon.
Avoid taking photos inside the tawaf area, because you slow down people behind you.

Next: places to visit in Makkah and Madinah, common questions, and the directory of hotels, food and pharmacies near the Haram.