Marhaba Haji
Marhaba HajiPremium Umrah visa concierge
Umrah Visa Guide • Last reviewed October 6, 2026

How to Perform Umrah Step by Step: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Halq & Duas

Quick answer

Umrah has four essential acts: (1) enter Ihram with the intention (niyyah) at or before the Miqat and recite the Talbiyah; (2) perform Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba starting from the Black Stone; (3) perform Sa'i — seven laps between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa; (4) shave (Halq) or trim (Taqseer) the hair, which ends the state of Ihram. Most pilgrims complete it in three to five hours.

Umrah is simple in structure but carries deep meaning. Knowing each step in advance lets you focus on worship rather than worrying about what comes next.

This is a practical overview. Scholars differ on finer details between schools of thought — follow the guidance of a trusted scholar where you are unsure.

Step 1: Ihram and intention at the Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before crossing the Miqat boundary. Pilgrims flying from India pass the Miqat in the air (commonly Qarn al-Manazil or Yalamlam), so most change into Ihram at home or the departure airport and make the intention when the crew announces the Miqat.

Pilgrims who go to Madinah first enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on the way to Makkah.

  • Men: two unstitched white cloths, sandals that leave the ankle bones uncovered
  • Women: ordinary modest clothing; face and hands uncovered
  • Before Ihram: trim nails, remove unwanted hair, take a bath (ghusl), apply perfume to the body (men) — not the Ihram cloth
  • Intention: 'Labbayk Allahumma Umrah' (O Allah, here I am for Umrah)

The Talbiyah

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

Meaning: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, blessings and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.

Men recite it aloud, women quietly, from entering Ihram until starting Tawaf.

What is forbidden in Ihram

  • Cutting hair or nails
  • Using perfume or scented soap after entering Ihram
  • Marital relations and marriage contracts
  • Hunting land animals
  • Men: stitched clothing shaped to the body, covering the head
  • Women: niqab and gloves

Step 2: Tawaf

  1. 01Begin at the Black StoneFace the Hajar al-Aswad (marked by the green light), raise your right hand and say 'Bismillahi Allahu Akbar'. Touch or kiss it only if possible without pushing.
  2. 02Seven anticlockwise circuitsKeep the Kaaba on your left. Men uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba) throughout, and walk briskly (Raml) in the first three circuits where possible.
  3. 03Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black StoneRecite: 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina 'adhaban-nar' — Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
  4. 04Two rak'ahs and ZamzamAfter the seventh circuit, pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible (anywhere in the mosque is fine when crowded), then drink Zamzam.

Step 3: Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

  1. 01Start at SafaRecite 'Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah', face the Kaaba, raise your hands and make dua.
  2. 02Seven lapsSafa to Marwah is one lap, Marwah back to Safa is the second. Finish at Marwah after the seventh lap.
  3. 03Green lightsMen walk briskly between the two green-lit markers; women walk at a normal pace.

Step 4: Halq or Taqseer

Men shave the whole head (Halq, preferred) or trim hair evenly from the whole head (Taqseer). Women trim a fingertip's length from the end of their hair. With this, Umrah is complete and Ihram restrictions are lifted.

Frequently asked

Questions pilgrims ask about this

Short, direct answers to the questions we hear most often from Indian pilgrims.

How long does Umrah take?

Usually three to five hours for Tawaf, Sa'i and Halq, depending on crowds. Late night and early morning are often less crowded outside Ramadan.

Where do pilgrims from India enter Ihram?

Flights from India cross a Miqat before reaching Jeddah, so most pilgrims wear Ihram before boarding and make the intention when the crew announces the Miqat. Travelling to Madinah first? Enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah before Makkah.

Can women perform Umrah during menstruation?

A woman can enter Ihram but should not perform Tawaf until she is pure. She waits, then completes Tawaf and Sa'i. Ask a scholar about specific circumstances.

What if I lose count during Tawaf?

Build on the number you are certain of (the lower count) and continue from there.

Still have a question? Ask our visa assistant in your own words — answers link back to our guides.

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