Step by Step Umrah Guide: 9 Key Stages with AlQuranDesk
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, though it is also referred to as the minor pilgrimage. It does not have restricted hours within the lunar calendar and anybody can carry it out. It’s a good opportunity to repent for one’s sins, beseech Allah and follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Hajar (RA).
Millions of Muslims from different parts of the globe perform the journey with an intention of seeking Allah’s blessing, repentance from sins, and purification.
Allah ﷻ mentions in the Qur’an:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
This highlights the importance of both Hajj and Umrah in Islam, as acts of devotion that bring believers closer to their Creator.
Umrah is a spiritual act of worship that helps Muslims stay connected to their heritage and faith. This simple guide from AlQuranDesk will walk you through each ritual, regardless of whether you’re making your first pilgrimage or polishing your knowledge. Together, let’s go off on this holy adventure!
What is Umrah?
A Spiritual Journey to the Holy Land
The ritual journey to Makkah named Umrah occurs when Muslims visit at times that vary from season to season. Ahead of Hajj lies Umrah because it stands as a voluntary religious practice although Hajj represents an obligatory ritual that Muslims must perform when they have financial ability through their lifetimes.
Key Benefits:
Cleanses sins.
Strengthens faith.
Performing this action follows a practice established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Why Perform Sunnah Pilgrimage?
Allah’s blessings with spiritual relief and forgiveness serve as the main goals for which numerous Muslims choose this sacred journey. Muslims must perform several religious acts starting with:
A person who wishes to enter ihram becomes pure and devoted to their religious practice.
The Kaaba must be circled seven times according to the practice known as Tawaf.
Sa’i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
A Muslim who fulfills his pilgrimage must perform either Halq or Taqsir which means complete hair removal or partial trimming.
The Significance of Pilgrimage in Islam
During Umrah Muslims have the opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection while rediscovering the important heritage sites of Islamic history. A great reward awaits those who perform Umrah according to teachings from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
1. Expiation for Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Performing Umrah serves to wipe away all sins that occurred between two such worship practices.
(Sahih Bukhari 1773, Sahih Muslim 1349)
2. Removes Poverty and Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The combination of performing Hajj together with Umrah serves to eliminate both poverty and sins just like a bellows gets rid of impurity in iron.”(Sunan Tirmidhi 810, Sunan Ibn Majah 2887, Musnad Ahmad 3865 – Sahih)
3. Reward of Performing Umrah in Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equal to (the reward of) Hajj with me.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1863, Sahih Muslim 1256)
4. The Duas of Pilgrims Are Accepted
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. If they call upon Him, He answers them; and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 2892, Sahih according to Al-Albani)
5. The Virtue of Dying During Pilgrimage or Hajj
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever leaves for Hajj and dies on the way, the reward of Hajj will be written for him until the Day of Judgment. And whoever leaves for Umrah and dies, the reward of Umrah will be written for him until the Day of Judgment.”
(Sunan Al-Bayhaqi 3845, Hasan by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami’ 4939)
6. Best Jihad for Women
Aisha (RA) reported:
“O Messenger of Allah! Should we (women) not go out for Jihad?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied: ‘The best Jihad for you is Hajj Mabrur (an accepted Hajj).'”
(Sahih Bukhari 1861, Sunan Nasai 2629)
7. Increases Lifespan and Removes Poverty
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Follow up between Hajj and Umrah, for they certainly remove poverty and sins just as the bellows remove impurities from iron, gold, and silver. And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj except Paradise.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi 810, Sunan Ibn Majah 2888, Musnad Ahmad 7385 – Sahih)
8. The Best Time to Perform
The Prophet ﷺ recommended performing Umrah in Ramadan, saying:
“Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1863, Sahih Muslim 1256)
9. The Black Stone and Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Touching the Black Stone removes sins.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi 959, Sunan Ibn Majah 2944 – Sahih)
10. The Prophet ﷺ Performed Four Umrahs
Narrated by Anas (RA):
*”The Prophet ﷺ performed four Umrahs, all in the month of Dhul-Qi’dah, except the one which he performed with Hajj:
- Pilgrimage from Hudaibiyah (6 AH),
- Pilgrimagein the following year (7 AH),
- Pilgrimagefrom Ji’ranah (8 AH) after the battle of Hunayn,
- Pilgrimage along with his Hajj (10 AH).”*
(Sahih Bukhari 1776, Sahih Muslim 1253)
11. Virtue of Praying in Masjid Al-Haram
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“One prayer in my Masjid (Masjid Al-Nabawi) is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid Al-Haram, and one prayer in Masjid Al-Haram is better than a hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1406, Musnad Ahmad 14694 – Sahih)
Benefits and Rewards
A pilgrimage to Umrah brings more than physical travel because it creates spiritual change within believers. Among the principal rewards from performing Umrah stand: Prophet ﷺ declared that performing two Umrahs consecutively will erase all the sins between them. (Sahih Bukhari)
The act of performing Umrah leads believers toward greater faith while bringing peace within their inner selves.
According to the guidance from the Prophet ﷺ repeated performance of Umrah serves to eliminate financial troubles.
Those who make the journey to Makkah experience greater closeness with Allah because they worship in the land sanctified by Him.
How to Perform Pilgrimage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Umrah is a beautiful spiritual journey that brings immense blessings and purification to a Muslim’s soul. It is often referred to as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’ but holds great significance in Islam. If you’re planning to perform Umrah, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process with important tips and duas.
Follow these 9 steps to perform Umrah with ease. Let’s dive in!
Step1.Ghusl (Ritual Purification):
Start your process by performing full-body cleansing along with cleansing your spirituality. Body purification through complete washing known as Ghusl takes place to achieve spiritual purity. Start washing your entire body by increasing your attention to the right side of your body first. The act signals the start of a devoted and humble mindset.
- Prep: Trim nails, shower (ghusl), wear unscented products.
Step 2.Entering Ihram: Your Sacred State
What to Do:
Dress:
Men: Two white seamless cloths (no stitching!).
Women: Modest clothing (no face cover).
- Pro Tip: Avoid arguments, haircuts, or scented items while in Ihram!
Step 3. Intention (Niyyah):
At the Miqat boundary, say:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”
(O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah).
Step4.Recite Talbiyah:
Chant frequently until Tawaf begins:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”
(Here I am, O Allah, at Your service…)
Step5.Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba (7 Times)
How to Perform:
Start at Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone): Face it, say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In Allah’s name, Allah is Greatest).
Walk Counter-Clockwise: Keep the Kaaba on your left.
Pray Freely: No fixed dua—talk to Allah from the heart!
End with 2 Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim: Recite Surah Al-Kafirun (109) and Al-Ikhlas (112).
Key Dua Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…”
(Our Lord, grant us good in this world and the Hereafter…)
Step6. Pray at Maqam-e-Ibrahim
Stand where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) stood while building the Kaaba. Recite Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125) and make heartfelt duas. This spot is a powerful reminder of faith and perseverance.
وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا ٱلْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةًۭ لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًۭا وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ مُصَلًّۭى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْعَـٰكِفِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ ١٢٥
And ˹remember˺ when We made the Sacred House1 a centre and a sanctuary for the people ˹saying˺, “˹You may˺ take the standing-place of Abraham2 as a site of prayer.” And We entrusted Abraham and Ishmael to purify My House for those who circle it, who meditate in it, and who bow and prostrate themselves ˹in prayer˺.
Step7. Drink Zamzam Water
Quench your thirst with Zamzam water, a blessed gift from Allah. Drink while standing, facing the Kaaba, and pray for healing and guidance. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah)
Step8. Sa’i: Walking Between Safa & Marwa (7 Laps)
Steps:
Start at Safa: Face the Kaaba and pray:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Inna s-Safa wa l-Marwah min sha’a’ir Allah”
(Safa and Marwah are among Allah’s symbols).
Walk/Jog Between Green Lights: Men jog here (women walk normally).
End at Marwa: Repeat prayers at each lap.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated! It’s a 3.5 km walk—comfortable shoes are a must.
Step9. Halq/Taqsir: Cutting Hair to Complete Umrah
Men: Shave your head (Halq) or trim 1 inch (Taqsir).
Women: Trim a fingertip’s length.
Congratulations! You’ve completed Umrah.
Essential Duas for Umrah
1. Dua Before Leaving for Umrah (Prayer for Safe Travel)
The Prophet ﷺ used to say when setting out on a journey:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى
Translation:
“O Allah, we ask You in this journey for righteousness, piety, and deeds that please You.”
(Sahih Muslim 1342)
2. Talbiyah (Dua for Entering the State of Ihram)
When entering Ihram, the Prophet ﷺ recited:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ
Translation:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1549, Sahih Muslim 1184)
3. Dua Upon Entering Masjid Al-Haram
The Prophet ﷺ said:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Translation:
“O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
(Sahih Muslim 713)
4. Dua While Performing Tawaf
A recommended supplication during Tawaf:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Translation:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201, Sahih Bukhari 1265)
5. Dua at Maqam Ibrahim
After completing Tawaf, recite:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Translation:
“And take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)
6. Dua While Drinking Zamzam Water
The Prophet ﷺ said:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Translation:
“O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and healing from every disease.”
(Musnad Ahmad 15186 – Hasan by Al-Albani)
7. Dua During Sa’i (Between Safa and Marwah)
The Prophet ﷺ recited:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ
Translation:
“Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah alone, without any partner.”
(Sahih Muslim 1218)
8. Dua While Leaving Masjid Al-Haram
The Prophet ﷺ used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Translation:
“O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.”
(Sahih Muslim 713)
You can also learn more about Duas and prayers through this Learn Dua and Prayer Online Course at AlQuran Desk.
Planning for Umrah
If you’re preparing for Pilgrimage, consider these important tips:
📌 Choose a reliable package – Look for travel agencies that offer visa assistance, flights, and accommodation near Haram.
📌 Pack essentials – Ihram clothing, a prayer mat, unscented toiletries, and a Quran.
📌 Learn the duas and rituals – Understand the steps of Umrah so you can perform them correctly.
📌 Maintain patience and humility – The journey can be physically demanding, but the rewards are immense.
If you are planning for Hajj as well, here is a helpful guide: Step-by-Step Hajj Guide.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Many people wonder about the difference between Hajj and Umrah. While both are important pilgrimages, they have key distinctions:
| Feature | Hajj | Umrah |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Fard (once in a lifetime for those able) | Sunnah (highly recommended) |
| Time | Specific dates in Dhul-Hijjah | Any time of the year |
| Duration | 5-6 days | 3-4 hours |
| Rituals | Includes Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, and sacrifice | Includes Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving/trimming hair |
Conclusion
Umrah is a beautiful and life-changing journey that allows Muslims to strengthen their faith, seek forgiveness, and purify their hearts. It is an act of devotion that brings countless rewards in this life and the Hereafter.
May Allah accept the Umrah of all those who undertake this sacred journey and grant every believer the opportunity to visit the blessed land of Makkah. Ameen.
Learn more by choosing Al Quran Desk Online Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Best Time to Perform Pilgrimage?
Umrah can be performed anytime during the year except during Hajj days. However, the best months for Umrah are Ramadan, Rabi’ al-Awwal, and Shaban due to increased spiritual rewards.
2. How Long Does It Take to Perform Pilgrimage?
The entire Umrah process usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the crowd. However, you can take breaks between Tawaf, Sa’i, and other rituals.
3. What Should I Pack for Pilgrimage?
Your packing list should include:
Ihram (for men) and modest clothing (for women)
Comfortable slippers for walking in Haram
Small crossbody bag for personal belongings
Pocket Quran & Dua book
Necessary medications & toiletries
4. Can Women Perform Pilgrimage Without a Mahram?
Yes! As of recent regulations, women can perform Pilgrimage Umrah without a Mahram if they meet the Saudi visa requirements. However, traveling with a group is recommended for safety.
5. What Should I Do If I Forget a Step During Pilgrimage?
If you miss or forget a part of Pilgrimage, don’t panic! Try to complete it as soon as you remember. If a major step is missed, consult a scholar in Haram for guidance.
6. How Many Times Can I Perform Umrah in One Trip?
There is no limit on how many times you can perform Umrah during your visit. However, each Umrah requires re-entering the state of Ihram from a Miqat location.
7. What Are the Health Precautions?
🔹 Stay hydrated, especially during summer.
🔹 Wear comfortable footwear to avoid blisters.
🔹 Carry basic medicines for flu, fever, and allergies.
🔹 Get required vaccinations (e.g., Meningitis, COVID-19, Flu) before traveling.
8. Can I Perform Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else?
Yes, you can perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased or ill person who is unable to travel. This is known as Umrah Badal and is permissible in Islam.
9. What is Dam (Penalty) in Umrah?
Dam refers to a compulsory expiation (usually offering a sacrifice or fasting) when a pilgrim violates major Umrah rules, especially related to Ihram, Tawaf, or Sa’i.
10. What If I Cut My Nails or Hair in Ihram?
🔹 Unintentionally: No penalty.
🔹 Intentionally: Dam (sacrifice) or fasting for 3 days or feeding 6 poor people.
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