How to Perform Umrah: Step by Step from Ihram to Tahallul

If you are planning your first Umrah, knowing the correct steps can make your journey much easier and more peaceful. Many first-time pilgrims search for how to perform Umrah, what the Umrah rites involve, and what they need to do from entering Ihram until completing Tahallul.

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at different times of the year. Although it is shorter than Hajj, it still requires proper preparation and an understanding of its essential rituals.

This guide explains how to perform the Umrah step by step, from Ihram and intention to Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Makkah that involves specific acts of worship. The main Umrah rites include entering Ihram, making the intention, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and ending the pilgrimage with Tahallul.

Understanding these steps before travelling can help you perform Umrah with greater confidence and focus.

How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

The basic process of Umrah can be divided into four main stages:

Entering Ihram and making the intention
Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Completing Tahallul by cutting or shaving the hair

Let’s look at each stage in detail.

Step 1: Prepare for Ihram

The first step in performing Umrah is preparing to enter the state of Ihram.

Before reaching the Miqat, pilgrims should make the necessary preparations. This includes bathing or performing Ghusl where appropriate, trimming nails and removing unwanted hair as part of personal preparation, and wearing suitable Ihram clothing.

Men generally wear two unstitched pieces of Ihram cloth. Women do not have a specific two-piece Ihram garment; they wear modest clothing that complies with Islamic requirements.

It is important to put on Ihram before crossing the designated Miqat if you are travelling toward Makkah from outside the Miqat boundary.

Step 2: Make the Intention for Umrah

Once you are ready to enter Ihram, make the intention to perform Umrah.

The intention is made in the heart. You then begin reciting the Talbiyah.

A commonly recited Talbiyah begins with:

Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk.

Continue reciting the Talbiyah during your journey toward Makkah until you are ready to begin Tawaf.

Step 3: Travel to Makkah

After entering Ihram and making your intention, travel toward Makkah.

During this part of the journey, remain mindful of the restrictions of Ihram and continue with prayer, remembrance of Allah, and Talbiyah.

If you are travelling as part of an Umrah travel package, your provider may arrange transportation from the airport or another location to your hotel and Makkah.

Once you arrive in Makkah, you can settle into your accommodation if necessary before heading to Masjid al-Haram.

Step 4: Enter Masjid al-Haram

When you reach Masjid al-Haram, enter respectfully and prepare yourself for Tawaf.

The Kaaba is located at the centre of the mosque, and Tawaf involves walking around it seven times in an anticlockwise direction.

Try to remain calm and avoid pushing or rushing, particularly when the mosque is crowded.

Step 5: Perform Tawaf

Tawaf is one of the central Umrah rites.

Begin Tawaf from the area aligned with the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad.

The basic process is:

Face toward the Black Stone when starting.
Begin the first circuit.
Walk around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction.
Complete seven circuits.
Keep track of each circuit carefully.

There is no requirement to recite one specific supplication throughout Tawaf. You can make Dua, remember Allah, and recite appropriate prayers according to your knowledge.

Important Tips During Tawaf

Tawaf can become particularly busy during peak periods. Avoid causing difficulty for other pilgrims.

Do not push people to reach the Black Stone. If reaching it safely is not possible, you can continue your Tawaf without forcing your way through the crowd.

The goal is to complete the worship peacefully and respectfully.

Step 6: Pray After Tawaf

After completing seven circuits, move away from the immediate Tawaf area where possible.

Pilgrims traditionally pray two Rak’ahs after Tawaf. If praying close to Maqam Ibrahim is difficult because of crowds, pray in another suitable location within the mosque.

Afterward, you can drink Zamzam water and make Dua.

Step 7: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

The next major step is Sa’i.

Sa’i involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah inside Masjid al-Haram.

You begin at Safa and finish at Marwah, completing seven journeys between the two points.

The sequence is:

Safa to Marwah = 1
Marwah to Safa = 2
Safa to Marwah = 3
Marwah to Safa = 4
Safa to Marwah = 5
Marwah to Safa = 6
Safa to Marwah = 7

Therefore, you finish Sa’i at Marwah.

Men traditionally walk more briskly between the designated green markers, while women continue walking at their normal pace.

During Sa’i, you can make Dua, recite Dhikr, and remember Allah.

Step 8: Complete Tahallul

After completing all seven trips of Sa’i, the final step of Umrah is Tahallul.

Tahallul means leaving the state of Ihram by shaving or cutting the hair.

For Men

Men may shave the head completely or shorten the hair. Shaving is generally considered more virtuous, while shortening is also valid.

For Women

Women generally cut a small portion from the ends of their hair rather than shaving the head.

Once Tahallul is completed, the Umrah is finished and the restrictions associated with Ihram end.

How Is Umrah Performed in Simple Terms?

If you are wondering how is Umrah performed, the process can be remembered with this simple sequence:

Ihram → Intention → Talbiyah → Tawaf → Two Rak’ahs → Sa’i → Tahallul

Remembering this order can make it easier for first-time pilgrims to understand the overall process.

What Are the Main Umrah Rites?

The main acts involved in Umrah are:

Ihram

Entering the sacred state and observing its requirements.

Intention

Intending to perform Umrah before crossing the Miqat.

Tawaf

Circling the Kaaba seven times.

Sa’i

Walking between Safa and Marwah seven times.

Tahallul

Cutting or shaving the hair to complete Umrah.

Learning these Umrah rites before travelling can help you feel more prepared.

What Should You Avoid During Ihram?

While in Ihram, pilgrims must follow specific restrictions. These include avoiding actions that violate the requirements of Ihram.

Some restrictions differ between men and women, so first-time pilgrims should learn the rules before beginning their journey.

For example, men in Ihram should not wear ordinary fitted clothing or cover the head in the usual manner. Both men and women should avoid applying perfume after entering Ihram and should observe the other applicable Ihram restrictions.

If you are uncertain about a particular situation, ask a qualified scholar or trusted religious guide rather than relying on assumptions.

How Long Does Umrah Take?

The actual rituals of Umrah can sometimes be completed within a few hours, but the total time depends on crowd levels, walking speed, prayer times, transportation, and other circumstances.

During busy seasons such as Ramadan, Tawaf and Sa’i may take considerably longer.

It is therefore better to avoid creating a strict schedule immediately after your Umrah.

Can Children Perform Umrah?

Families can travel to Makkah with children, but parents or guardians should understand the relevant requirements and responsibilities before the journey.

Travelling with children also requires additional planning for food, rest, transportation, accommodation, and crowd management.

A family-friendly Umrah package may make the overall journey easier to organize.

Tips for Performing Umrah for the First Time

If this is your first pilgrimage, a few practical preparations can make a big difference.

Learn the Rituals Before You Travel

Do not wait until you arrive in Makkah to learn the basic process. Understand the order of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul beforehand.

Keep Your Documents Safe

Carry your passport, travel documents, hotel information, and other important items securely.

Wear Comfortable Footwear Before and After Ihram

There can be significant walking during an Umrah journey. Comfortable footwear is particularly important outside the specific requirements of Ihram.

Stay Hydrated

Makkah can be hot, and pilgrims may spend considerable time walking. Drink water regularly when appropriate and take breaks when needed.

Avoid Crowded Areas When Possible

You do not need to rush. Give yourself enough time to complete the rituals safely and peacefully.

Follow Official Guidance

Access arrangements, transportation, mosque procedures, and other practical requirements can change. Check current official guidance before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Perform Umrah

What is the first step of Umrah?

The first step is preparing for Ihram and entering the state of Ihram at or before the appropriate Miqat, followed by making the intention and reciting the Talbiyah.

How many times do you go around the Kaaba during Umrah?

Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba.

How many times do you walk between Safa and Marwah?

Sa’i consists of seven trips between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.

What completes Umrah?

After Tawaf and Sa’i, Tahallul completes the Umrah. Men shave or shorten their hair, while women cut a small portion from the ends of their hair.

Can I perform Umrah without a guide?

Yes, many pilgrims perform Umrah independently after learning the required rituals and rules. However, first-time pilgrims may find a qualified guide helpful, especially if they have questions about the rites.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to perform Umrah before leaving home can help you approach the pilgrimage with greater confidence and peace of mind. The essential process follows a clear sequence: enter Ihram, make the intention, perform Tawaf, complete Sa’i, and finish with Tahallul.

Take time to learn the requirements, prepare your travel arrangements, and check current official guidance before your journey. Most importantly, focus on the purpose of the pilgrimage and perform each act with sincerity, patience, and respect for fellow pilgrims.