How to Perform Umrah Step by Step What First-Timers Miss
Learning how to perform Umrah step by step starts with four rituals: Ihram at the Miqat, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, then Halq. Most UK pilgrims finish comfortably within six hours.
Getting them right matters, because a sincere Umrah brings expiation of sins until the next. From briefing UK groups, we pair authentic hadith guidance with practical tips and ATOL-protected Umrah packages that remove travel stress.
Performing Umrah and The Essential Rites and Their Rulings
In Shariah, Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage, not tied to set dates like Hajj. Linguistically it means to visit, and it is valid any time of the year, though makruh during the days of Hajj.
Rite | Hanafi Ruling | Shafi’i, Maliki & Hanbali |
Ihram | Condition (shart) | Rukn |
Tawaf | Fard (pillar) | Rukn |
Sa’i | Wajib | Rukn |
Halq or Taqsir | Wajib | Rukn (Shafi’i); wajib (others) |
Preparing for Umrah from the UK With Ihram, Miqat and Niyyah
Preparation begins before Heathrow check-in. Settle debts, renew your passport, arrange vaccinations, and secure your visa through our Umrah visa guide. Focus on the three acts that open every Umrah: Ihram, the Miqat and intention.
Getting Into Ihram at Home or the Airport
Take ghusl, clip nails and remove armpit hair and pubic hair. Men wrap the izar and drape the rida; women wear modest dress in any colour, leaving face and hands uncovered, without niqab or gloves.
Pray two rak’ahs nafl with Surah al-Kafirun and Surah al-Ikhlas. Once inside Ihram, perfume, cutting hair and stitched clothing are off-limits, yet an umbrella, watch, money belt and unscented soap remain permitted for every pilgrim.
Crossing the Miqat on Flights from the UK
Umrah Flights from Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham cross the boundary in the air, so enter Ihram before boarding, using the prayer room after security. Crew make an announcement before the Miqat; delay your niyyah until then.
With a stopover in Istanbul, Doha or Dubai, change at the transit airport instead. Going Madinah first? Enter Ihram at your hotel or Dhul Hulayfah before the Haramain train. Crossing without Ihram generally requires dam.
Umrah Niyat and the Talbiyah
The Umrah ki niyat lives in the heart, though saying Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah verbally is mustahabb. Then recite the Talbiyah below; men say it aloud, women quietly, continuing until Tawaf begins at the Black Stone.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, blessings and
sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner. Bukhari 1549
Umrah in Makkah WIth Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq
Arrive at Masjid al-Haram in wudu, using the designated gates for Umrah pilgrims. Enter right foot first, recite the entry dua, and lower your gaze until the mataf, where first sight brings an accepted dua.
Step 1: Tawaf Around the Kaaba
Men begin with Idtiba, baring the right shoulder. Line up with Hajar al-Aswad at the green light, perform Istilam saying Bismillah Allahu Akbar, then walk 7 circuits anti-clockwise, keeping the Kaaba on your left throughout.
Men add Ramal in the first three rounds; nobody enters the Hatim. Recite Rabbana atina after the Yemeni corner; there’s no fixed dua per round. If wudu breaks, renew it and resume from that spot.
Step 2: Two Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim and Zamzam
Cover the shoulder, then pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, reciting Surah al-Baqarah 2:125 on approach; anywhere in the masjid works when crowded. Drink Zamzam standing, facing the Kaaba, asking for healing, guidance and knowledge.
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
At Safa, recite Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah once, face the Kaaba, raise your hands. Walk seven laps, men jogging between the green lights, finishing at Marwah. Wudu is recommended, not required; wheelchair lanes exist.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir to Complete Umrah
Men shave, the Sunnah preferred by the Prophet ﷺ in Bukhari 1727, or trim the whole head. Women cut a fingertip’s length. Barbers wait beside the Marwah door; with that, restrictions lifted, your Umrah is complete.
Umrah Dua Quick-Reference Table
Moment | Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
Niyyah at the Miqat | لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً | Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah | Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah |
Entering the masjid | اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ | Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik | O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy (Muslim 713) |
Yemeni corner to Black Stone | رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ | Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar | Our Lord, grant us good here and in the Hereafter, and save us from the Fire (2:201) |
Walking to Maqam Ibrahim | وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى | Wattakhidhu min maqami Ibrahima musalla | Take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer (2:125) |
Approaching Safa | إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۔ أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ | Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah, Abda’u bima bada’a Allahu bih | Safa and Marwah are among Allah’s symbols; I begin with what Allah began with (2:158) |
Between the green lights | رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ | Rabbighfir warham, innaka antal-a’azzul-akram | My Lord, forgive and have mercy; You are the Most Mighty, Most Generous (reported from Ibn Mas’ud) |
Guidance for Women, Elderly and First-Time Pilgrims
Not every pilgrim walks the same route. Elderly parents need wheelchair access and quieter upper floors, while first-timers need reassurance. The Umrah guide for beginners below covers the questions we hear most during pre-departure briefings.
How to Perform Umrah for Ladies
How to perform Umrah for ladies differs in small details. Women recite the Talbiyah quietly, skip Idtiba and Ramal, walk between green lights, and trim only a fingertip’s length. Browse our dedicated women Umrah packages.
During menstruation, she enters Ihram but must delay Tawaf until purified (Bukhari 305). A woman in Iddah must wait. The Saudi visa waives a mahram, yet most scholars still require one, so consult a scholar.
Umrah on Behalf of a Parent or Relative
Many UK families ask whether they can perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased parent. Yes: make the intention in their name when entering Ihram, saying Labbayka Umrah’an followed by the name of the person.
Common Umrah Mistakes to Avoid
- Crossing the Miqat without Ihram, which makes dam due
- Keeping the shoulder bare during salah after Tawaf
- Starting Tawaf from the wrong starting point instead of the Black Stone
- Pushing towards the Black Stone and harming others
- Cutting a few strands instead of the whole head
Also Read: Common Umrah Mistakes
Guided Umrah Packages with UK Support and ATOL Cover
Knowing the steps of Umrah is one thing; performing them jet-lagged amid crowds is another. Our packages include ATOL protection, a pre-departure briefing pack, Nusuk app and Rawdah permit help, plus ground support in Makkah.
Prefer hotels steps from the Haram? Our 5 star Umrah packages cut walking for elderly pilgrims, while Umrah rituals become easier with group Ziyarat tours and bilingual coordinators explaining each rite clearly in plain English.
Book Your Guided Umrah with Hajj Umrah Hub Today
Turn this Umrah step by step guide into a calm, confident journey. Share your dates, departure airport and hotel preference, and our UK team will send a transparent, itemised quote. Get your free Umrah quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Perform Umrah?
Most pilgrims finish in three to six hours. Tawaf takes one to two hours and Sa’i similar, depending on crowds, time of day and pace. During Ramadan and peak seasons, allow longer for both rites.
Can I Perform Umrah Without a Guide or Package?
Yes, but learning the rites remains your responsibility as an individual worshipper. A guided package handles visas, hotels and transfers, so your energy goes into worship rather than logistics. Many first-timers find that balance invaluable.
Is There a Specific Dua for Each Round of Tawaf?
No authentic narration fixes a dua for each of the seven rounds. The only reported one is Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah near the Black Stone. Otherwise, use dhikr, Quran and personal duas in any language.
How Do I Perform a Second Umrah While in Makkah?
Leave the Haram boundary, usually at Masjid Aisha, and re-enter Ihram with a fresh niyyah. Then repeat Tawaf, Sa’i and the haircut. Taxis run regularly from the Haram, making a second Umrah quick and simple.