How to Perform Umrah for Ladies: Spiritual Preparation Tips

For Muslims all over the world, Umrah offers immense spiritual fulfilment. The voluntary pilgrimage, open to men and women, follows specific rules and etiquette to ensure modesty and comfort during rites.

In this guide, we provide the step-by-step process and overall guidance for ladies planning to perform the sacred pilgrimage, especially from the UK.

“Umrah is not just a journey; it’s a reset for the soul.”

Spiritual and Logistical Preparations for Umrah

Before departure, set your niyyah (intention) purely for the sake of Allah. Without it, your actions lose their weight.

Next, arrange your passport, visa, and travel bookings early. Note that Saudi Arabia requires health vaccinations, so verify updated guidelines from your travel agent.

Moreover, prepare spiritually: seek forgiveness, learn key duas, and commit to maintaining patience during the trip.

Remember to pack loose and modest clothing as well. Also, keep documents and essentials ready in an easily accessible pouch.

Many travel agencies in the UK offer an umrah package that includes accommodation, food, transportation, and a tour guide.

Ihram for Ladies

Ihram is the sacred state which pilgrims enter before crossing the Miqat (designated boundary).

Before wearing Ihram clothes, perform ghusl (ritual purification). trim your nails, remove unwanted hair, and avoid perfume or scented products.

Women may wear stitched garments—usually a plain abaya and headscarf in light colours. But the face and hands must remain uncovered.

Also, avoid makeup or jewellery that draws attention. Overall, this journey is about humility, not display. Once ready, declare your intention and recite the Talbiyah.

Umrah Rituals

Enter Masjid al-Haram with humbleness. Step in with your right foot, and recite mosque prayers.

Face the Kaaba and feel the weight of centuries of devotion. Next, begin Tawaf at the Black Stone. If it’s crowded, simply raise your hand toward it and avoid pushing through.

Complete seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba. Women must walk steadily—no need for the brisk male-style raml. Keep your heart engaged with praising Allah and reciting prayers.

After completing Tawaf, it is sunnah to pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. Then drink Zamzam water. Zamzam is blessed—so drink with gratitude and make a dua for guidance and forgiveness.

Sai Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, head to the Safa hill. Recite this dua: “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah…”

Next, from Safa, walk toward Marwa, completing one lap. The seven laps must finish at Marwa. While men run lightly between green markers, women must walk steadily throughout.

Reflect on Hajar’s perseverance as she searched for water, as this ritual honours her devotion and Allah’s mercy.

Completing Umrah

To complete Umrah, women perform Taqsir—trimming a fingertip’s length of hair. Do this after finishing Sa’ī. Ensure each strand is trimmed equally.

Once done, you exit Ihram and return to normal attire. Thank Allah for granting you the chance to complete this act of worship. End with extra dhikr, Quran recitation, or a nafl prayer of gratitude.

Health Precautions

It is important to take the required vaccines. Practice walking to prepare for tawaf and sai. It will help prevent your feet from swelling. Ensure the rest before travelling.

Consult your general physician and pack your regular medicines and pain relievers before travelling.

Tips and Guidelines for Women

During menstruation, women should not perform Tawaf. Wait until purification before completing rites.

Choose less busy times for rituals to ensure crowd safety. Early mornings or late nights often have fewer pilgrims.

Abide by travel rules. Many countries require women under 45 to travel with a mahram or in approved groups.

Follow the dress code and keep your attire modest, loose, and plain. Avoid bright patterns that draw attention.

Observe proper etiquette by maintaining your focus on worship. Refrain from loud conversations or unnecessary phone use while inside the Haram.

Keep healthy before and during Umrah. Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months when Makkah’s temperature can exceed 40°C. A Saudi Ministry of Hajj report notes over 18 million foreign pilgrims performed Umrah in 2024, many of them women. Thus, planning ensures safety and ease.

Acts that Invalidate Umrah for Ladies

Omitting any of the pillars of Umrah, such as Tawaf or Sa’i.Violating Ihram restrictions, like using perfume or intentionally removing hair.

Menstruation before completing Tawaf.Engaging in marital relations or their preludes during Ihram.

If you are travelling for Umrah, your Umrah visa must be valid for six months.

Conclusion

Umrah is a trip of humbleness, patience, and deep connection to Allah. For women, understanding the rites and etiquette ensures a smoother experience.

Every step—whether in Tawaf, Sa’ī, or Taqsir—echoes with centuries of faith and devotion. “Your footsteps in Makkah are written in eternity. Walk them with intention.”