An introductory guide to performing ‘Umrah.

What is ‘Umrah?

In the supplied guide, ‘Umrah is described as worshipping Allah through Ihrām, Tawāf, Sa‘i between as-Safā and al-Marwah, and cutting or shortening the hair.

Prepare before reaching the Mīqāt.

The supplied guides advise the pilgrim to complete personal preparation before entering Ihrām, especially where the journey involves passing the Mīqāt by air.

• Renew the intention and repent sincerely before the journey.
• Learn the sequence of the rites and attend the pre-departure orientation.
• Perform ghusl where possible and prepare in a clean state.
• Trim nails and complete ordinary grooming before entering Ihrām.
• Men prepare two plain Ihrām sheets; women wear normal modest clothing.
• Keep necessary medication, identification and group contact details accessible.
• Learn when the aircraft or vehicle is expected to approach the applicable Mīqāt.
• Do not postpone the intention until after passing the Mīqāt without guidance.

Enter Ihrām for ‘Umrah.

Ihrām is a sacred state, not merely the clothing. The intention is made at the applicable Mīqāt, followed by the Talbiyah.

• Men wear the two-piece Ihrām garment; women remain in modest ordinary clothing.
• Make the intention for ‘Umrah at the correct Mīqāt.
• Begin the Talbiyah and continue it until starting Tawāf.
• Men recite the Talbiyah audibly without disturbing others; women recite quietly.
• Observe the restrictions of Ihrām until the rites are completed.
• Seek qualified guidance immediately if a restriction is violated.

Perform seven circuits of Tawāf.

Tawāf begins at the Black Stone line. The pilgrim keeps the Ka‘bah on the left and completes seven circuits, returning to the starting line after each circuit.

• Enter al-Masjid al-Harām calmly and maintain awareness of the group arrangement.
• Stop the Talbiyah when beginning Tawāf.
• Begin at the Black Stone line and say “Allāhu Akbar”.
• Keep the Ka‘bah on the left throughout each circuit.
• Count seven complete circuits carefully.
• Men may uncover the right shoulder during this Tawāf and walk briskly in the first three circuits where safely possible.
• Make dhikr, du‘ā and recite Qur’an without believing that every circuit has a compulsory special supplication.
• Do not push, harm others or struggle to touch the Black Stone.

What follows the seven circuits.

The supplied materials place several recommended actions after Tawāf and before Sa‘i.

• Men cover the right shoulder again after completing Tawāf.
• Pray two short rak‘ahs behind Maqām Ibrāhīm where possible without causing congestion.
• If that area is crowded, pray elsewhere within the Grand Mosque.
• Drink Zamzam and make sincere du‘ā.
• Proceed calmly towards as-Safā to begin Sa‘i.

Complete seven journeys between as-Safā and al-Marwah.

Sa‘i begins at as-Safā. Travelling from as-Safā to al-Marwah is counted as one, and returning from al-Marwah to as-Safā is counted as two. The seventh journey finishes at al-Marwah.

• Begin at as-Safā and face the Qiblah for remembrance and supplication.
• Walk from as-Safā to al-Marwah for the first journey.
• Return from al-Marwah to as-Safā for the second journey.
• Continue until seven journeys have been completed.
• Finish the seventh journey at al-Marwah.
• Men may move quickly between the marked green-light area where able and safe.
• Women walk normally throughout Sa‘i.
• Make du‘ā and remember Allah without disturbing other pilgrims.

Complete ‘Umrah by cutting the hair.

After Sa‘i, the pilgrim shaves or shortens the hair as applicable. This completes the rites and ends the state of Ihrām.

Good conduct throughout the journey.

The supplied guide repeatedly stresses calm worship, safety and consideration for fellow pilgrims.

• Avoid pushing, arguing or harming people in crowded areas.
• Keep supplication and recitation at a volume that does not disturb others.
• Do not let photography create congestion or distract from worship.
• Follow mosque staff and group leaders where routes or levels are controlled.
• Keep children, elderly pilgrims and vulnerable travellers close to the group.
• Use less crowded areas when necessary rather than insisting on a preferred position.
• Protect personal documents, medication, money and emergency contact details.
• Ask qualified scholars rather than guessing when a religious difficulty occurs.

Common points requiring care.

• Passing the Mīqāt without entering Ihrām when the intention to perform ‘Umrah already exists.
• Treating the Ihrām garments as the whole meaning of Ihrām while overlooking the intention and restrictions.
• Miscounting Tawāf or Sa‘i because the pilgrim is distracted.
• Believing that every Tawāf circuit requires one fixed supplication.
• Pushing to touch the Black Stone despite danger or congestion.
• Counting as-Safā to al-Marwah and back as one Sa‘i circuit rather than two journeys.
• Leaving without shaving or shortening the hair.
• Assuming that visiting Madinah forms part of the rites of ‘Umrah.