1. Before Umrah
Preparing for Umrah goes beyond booking a ticket and hotel. Complete your spiritual, physical and travel preparation before departure.
Essential preparation
- Check passport validity and required travel documents.
- Confirm current visa and travel requirements.
- Verify flight timings and airport details.
- Understand your hotel location and distance in Makkah and Madinah.
- Prepare Ihram and essential personal items.
- Carry comfortable footwear and any necessary medicines advised by your doctor.
- Keep a phone charger and power bank ready.
- Learn the basic steps of Umrah in advance.
- Remember that you may also make sincere dua in your own language.
- Be patient, maintain cleanliness and respect the rights of other pilgrims.
Tip: Umrah can involve a lot of walking, so improving your walking routine before travel may help.
2. Ihram & Miqat
What is Ihram?
Ihram is not only clothing; it is the state entered with the intention of performing Umrah. Men generally use two unstitched cloths, while women wear modest, appropriate clothing.
What is Miqat?
Miqat is the designated boundary where a traveler intending Umrah or Hajj must enter the state of Ihram. Air travelers should prepare for Ihram and intention before crossing the Miqat.
Meaning: O Allah, here I am at Your service. You have no partner. All praise, blessing and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
3. Step-by-Step Umrah
Ihram & Niyyah → Tawaf → Sa’i → Halq/Qasr
- Ihram: Prepare before the Miqat and make the intention for Umrah.
- Tawaf: Complete seven circuits around the Kaaba.
- Sa’i: Complete seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa.
- Halq / Qasr: After Sa’i, men shave or shorten their hair, while women trim a small amount from the ends. Umrah is then complete.
4. Tawaf
Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba. Enter Masjid al-Haram in wudu, begin from the direction of Hajr-e-Aswad and keep the Kaaba on your left while moving counter-clockwise.
What should I recite during Tawaf?
There is no compulsory specific dua assigned to every circuit. You may recite Quran, make dhikr and ask Allah sincerely in your own words.
Meaning: Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
5. Sa’i — Safa & Marwah
After Tawaf, proceed to Sa’i. Safa to Marwah counts as the first round and Marwah back to Safa counts as the second. Continue until seven rounds are complete, ending at Marwah.
- Safa → Marwah = 1
- Marwah → Safa = 2
- Safa → Marwah = 3
- Marwah → Safa = 4
- Safa → Marwah = 5
- Marwah → Safa = 6
- Safa → Marwah = 7
Men: Move at a brisk pace/jog between the green markers where appropriate, while walking normally elsewhere.
Women: Walk at a normal pace.
6. Halq / Qasr
After Sa’i, the final stage is Halq or Qasr.
Men
Halq: Shaving the head.
Qasr: Shortening the hair.
Women
Women trim a small amount, approximately 1–2 cm, from the ends of their hair. After this, Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram end.
7. Duas During Umrah
The most important part of dua is sincerity. Ask Allah for forgiveness, stronger faith, health, lawful provision, success in this life and the Hereafter, and goodness for your family.
My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.
Our Lord, forgive our sins and our excesses in our affairs.
Important: Do not treat printed fixed duas for every Tawaf round as compulsory. Focus on authentic dhikr, Quran and permissible personal duas.
8. Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
- Observe prayer and worship times.
- Be patient and considerate.
- Respect the movement and space of other pilgrims.
- Take care of cleanliness and your health.
- Stay hydrated and keep required medicines with you.
- Keep hotel, group and transport details saved.
- Follow current Saudi authority instructions.
- Avoid pushing in crowded areas.
Don’ts
- Do not push other pilgrims.
- Avoid unnecessary arguments during worship.
- Do not block pathways or entrances.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage.
- Do not rely on rumors or unverified travel information.
- Do not ignore the restrictions of Ihram.
- Avoid noise and careless behavior at sacred places.
9. Travel Information
Umrah is both an act of worship and an international journey, so practical travel planning matters.
- Check passport validity.
- Confirm visa requirements.
- Keep flight details accessible.
- Carry hotel booking confirmation.
- Know your airport transfer and local transport arrangements.
- Save emergency contact numbers.
- Share your itinerary with family members.
In Makkah
Consider not only the hotel distance from Masjid al-Haram, but also walking time, route and accessibility.
In Madinah
Maintain calmness, respect and order while visiting Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ.
Nusuk
Nusuk is an important official Saudi digital platform. Before travel, check current official information and any applicable booking or permit requirements.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main steps of Umrah?
Ihram & Niyyah → Tawaf → Sa’i → Halq/Qasr.
How many circuits are in Tawaf?
Tawaf consists of 7 circuits.
How many rounds are in Sa’i?
Sa’i consists of 7 rounds, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
Is there a separate compulsory dua for every Tawaf round?
No. You may make dhikr, recite Quran and make permissible personal duas.
Do women have special Ihram clothing?
Women enter Ihram in modest, appropriate clothing; they are not required to wear two unstitched cloths like men.
Can I drink Zamzam during Umrah?
Yes. Zamzam is available in Masjid al-Haram for pilgrims.
Is visiting Madinah part of Umrah?
No. Visiting Madinah is not part of the rites of Umrah, though visiting Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ is a deeply valued act of worship.
What should I do if I am unsure about a religious ruling?
Ask a trusted qualified scholar or religious guide rather than relying on unverified social-media content.
Your Umrah, Planned With Care
Small planning mistakes can affect your travel experience. The Travel Experts can assist with the practical arrangements for your Umrah journey.
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