How to Perform an Umrah A Simple Guide for First Timers

Umrah is a special journey that Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah. It is a Sunnah, which means the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to do it, and it brings great rewards. Unlike Hajj, which can only be done once a year during certain days, Umrah can be done any time. It is a time to ask for forgiveness, make dua, and get closer to Allah.

Preparing for Umrah

Before you begin Umrah, it is important to prepare both your body and your heart. You should ask Allah to forgive you, ask people you may have hurt to forgive you, and make sincere dua that your Umrah is accepted. It is good to take a shower, trim your nails, remove unwanted hair, and wear clean clothes. Men should apply perfume to their body, but not to the clothes they will wear during Ihram.

Entering into the state of Ihram

Ihram is a special state that shows you are beginning your Umrah. Men wear two white, unstitched cloths. One goes around the waist, and the other over the shoulders. Women wear modest clothes that cover everything except the face and hands. Everyone should pray two rakats before putting on Ihram and then say the intention for Umrah:

اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً
Transliteration: Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah
Translation: O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah

After this, you begin reciting the Talbiyah, which is repeated often during the journey:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration: Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak
Translation: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly, all praise, favour and kingdom belong to You. You have no partner.

Reaching Makkah and entering Masjid al-Haram

When you arrive in Makkah and enter Masjid al-Haram, it is good to enter with your right foot and recite:

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration: Allahumma iftah li abwaaba rahmatik
Translation: O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me

When you first see the Kaaba, raise your hands and make heartfelt dua. This is a special moment when many prayers are accepted.

Performing Tawaf

Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. Each time you reach the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, try to touch it if possible, or raise your hand toward it and say:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar
Translation: In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest

Men should walk quickly for the first three rounds and then walk normally for the last four. During the walk, you can say any dua or remembrance of Allah. One dua that the Prophet used to say between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Rabbana atina fi-d-dunya hasanah wa fi-l-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban naar
Translation: Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire

After finishing seven rounds, go behind Maqam Ibrahim and pray two rakats. If the place is crowded, you can pray anywhere in the mosque.

Drinking Zamzam water

Next, go to the area where Zamzam water is served and drink it while facing the Kaaba. When drinking, it is a good time to make a dua and ask Allah for anything you need.

Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, you go to Safa to begin Sa’i. This means walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. When you start at Safa, recite:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah
Translation: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah

At the top of Safa and Marwah, face the Kaaba and say:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd
Translation: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and all praise is for Allah

Men should jog between the green lights, but women walk normally. After seven rounds, ending at Marwah, you can stop and make a final dua.

Cutting the hair and completing Umrah

To finish Umrah, men should shave or trim their hair. Shaving is more rewarding. Women should cut a small part from the end of their hair, about the length of a fingertip. Once the hair is cut, the state of Ihram ends and the Umrah is complete.

Visiting Madinah

Although visiting Madinah is not a part of Umrah, many people take the opportunity to go there. It is the city where the Prophet lived and is buried. Praying in Masjid an-Nabawi gives the reward of a thousand prayers, and visiting his grave with respect brings great blessings.

Performing Umrah is a beautiful act of worship. It is a time to purify your soul, ask for forgiveness, and remember the purpose of life. Whether you are going for the first time or again, do it with a sincere heart and follow the steps carefully. May Allah accept your Umrah and bless your journey.