Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can perform at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which is performed in Dhul Hijjah. Though not obligatory, Umrah is highly recommended and holds immense spiritual rewards.
To perform Umrah, you need an approved visa. Saudi Arabia now offers electronic Umrah visas and allows Umrah on tourist e-visas for eligible countries.
Make niyyah (intention) and enter into a state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary. Men wear two white unstitched cloths; women wear modest clothing covering everything except face and hands. Recite the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk..."
Walk 7 times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction. Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar". Maintain Wudu during Tawaf. After completing Tawaf, pray 2 rakats near Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwa inside Masjid al-Haram. This commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. The distance is about 450 meters each way. Men should run between the green markers; women walk at normal pace.
Men should shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) their hair. Shaving is preferred but not obligatory. Women trim a fingertip-length of hair. This act symbolizes humility and completes the Umrah.
Failure to perform these correctly may require a dam (penalty):
| Mandatory Act | Description |
|---|---|
| Ihram from Miqat | Must be in Ihram before crossing the boundary |
| Avoiding Prohibited Acts | No cutting hair/nails, applying fragrance, or intimacy |
| Performing Sa'i | Walking 7 times between Safa and Marwa |
| Hair removal | Shaving/trimming must be done to complete Umrah |
Download your FREE PDF checklist to ensure you don't forget anything important for your journey.
We provide hand-picked hotels in both Makkah & Madinah, ranging from economy to VIP luxury.
Explore the holy landmarks in Makkah and Madinah to enrich your spiritual journey.
Optional Ziyarat packages available when booking with us, including guided tours with knowledgeable guides.
We've compiled essential duas to recite during your journey. While these are recommended, remember that sincere supplication in your own words is equally valuable.
| Occasion | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Entering Haram | اللهم افتح لي أبواب رحمتك | O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy |
| Tawaf | ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة... | Our Lord! Grant us good in this world... |
| Sa'i | إن الصفا والمروة من شعائر الله | Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah |
| After Completing Umrah | اللهم تقبل مني | O Allah, accept this from me |
Usually 4-6 hours if done consecutively.
Yes, you can perform multiple Umrahs during your stay in Makkah. To do so, you need to exit the Haram, enter into Ihram again (commonly from Masjid Aisha), and repeat the Umrah rituals.
Off-season: mid-year and post-Ramadan; Peak: Ramadan and holidays. Ramadan offers special blessings but expect larger crowds.
Yes, many nationalities can perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist e-visa. However, confirm with the latest Saudi regulations before planning as policies may change.
Most airlines allow 5 liters of Zamzam water in addition to your baggage allowance, but it's best to confirm with your specific airline. The water should be properly sealed with official Zamzam packaging.
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