How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide

Unlike Hajj, Ummrah is a holy pilgrimage to Mecca that can be made any time of the year. It is a universal spiritual path that consists of four main pillars Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir. To enter into the purity of the state called Ihram, pilgrims start with a designated Miqat. When they reach the Masjid al-Haram, they go through Tawaf where they walk around the Kaaba seven times and Sa’i, where they walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual is completed by shaving or cutting the hair. This guide outlines how to perform Umrah correctly, ensuring a spiritually rewarding experience.

Preparation and Ihram to Perform Umrah

Firstly, one has to enter the state of Ihram and cross the line of Miqat. This is two unstitched white sheets in case of men and modest clothes in case of women. This phase is crucial to perform Umrah with the correct intention (Niyyah) and the Talbiyah prayer. Now, to the point. If you are intending on your pilgrimage in the near future Ramadan 2026 will likely start sometime between February 17 or 18, 2026 and finish sometime near March 19, 2026, again, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Read more: Umrah E-visa for Pilgrims from GCC

Tawaf and Sa’i: The Core of the Umrah Guide

After visiting Mecca, visit the Grand Mosque. The next phase of this Umrah guide is Tawaf, where you circumambulate the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, starting from the Black Stone. Then two Rak’ahs of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim. Circuit Seven steps between Safa and Marwah, in memory of the water-seeking of Hajar.

Halq or Taqsir: Completing Umrah Step-by-Step

The final stage of the Umrah step-by-step process is Halq (shaving the head for men) or Taqsir (trimming a small portion of hair for both men and women). This is performed as an indication that the pilgrimage is over and the state of Ihram is ended. May your prayers be accepted.

Official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (X/Twitter): Click Here