Learn Ahkam-e-Umrah Step-by-Step
A comprehensive beginner-friendly guide to performing the minor pilgrimage of Umrah with correct rules and recitations.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a highly recommended voluntary pilgrimage (sometimes called the "minor pilgrimage") to the Holy Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It can be performed at any time of the year. Umrah consists of **four primary pillars**.
The Four Pillars of Umrah
Step-by-step guide to performing Umrah
Pillar 1: Ihram (Niyyah & Preparation)
Before crossing the boundary (Meeqat), purify yourself (Ghusl, trim nails), put on the Ihram garments (two unstitched white sheets for men, modest Islamic clothing for women), perform 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer, and declare your intention:
"Labbayk Allahumma Umrah."
"O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah."
After declaring Niyyah, start reciting the **Talbiyah** frequently until you reach the Kaabah.
Pillar 2: Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaabah)
Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot. Go to the corner of the **Hajr-e-Aswad** (Black Stone). Make 7 complete circuits around the Kaabah anti-clockwise.
*For men, expose the right shoulder (Idtiba') during all 7 circuits and jog during the first 3 circuits (Raml).
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar."
"Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire."
After completing Tawaf, pray 2 Rak'ahs behind **Maqam-e-Ibrahim** (or anywhere in the mosque), then drink **Zamzam water** and make Du'a.
Pillar 3: Sa'ee (Walking between Safa & Marwah)
Go to Mount **Safa**, face the Kaabah and praise Allah. Walk to Mount **Marwah**. A one-way trip is counted as one round. Walk 7 rounds in total, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
*Men should jog between the green light markers.
Pillar 4: Halq or Taqseer (Shaving/Cutting Hair)
Upon finishing Sa'ee, men must **shave their heads (Halq)** or trim hair equally all around (Taqseer). Shaving is highly recommended. Women must **trim about one inch (fingertip length)** of their hair.
This completes the Umrah. You are now released from the restrictions of Ihram.
Meeqat Boundaries
Meeqat are geographical boundaries where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before crossing:
- Dhul Hulaifah: For pilgrims coming from Madinah.
- Al-Juhfah: For pilgrims coming from Syria, Egypt, or Europe.
- Qarn al-Manazil: For pilgrims coming from Riyadh, Najd, or GCC.
- Yalamlam: For pilgrims coming from Yemen, India, or Pakistan.
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