Umrah Step-by-Step Guide
A short, focused pilgrimage — here is exactly how it's performed, from Ihram to the final trim of the hair.
1. Introduction
Umrah is sometimes called the "minor pilgrimage," but there is nothing minor about the spiritual experience of standing in front of the Kaaba for the first time. What makes Umrah distinct is its scope: a compact, self-contained sequence of four rites that can be completed in a single visit, with no fixed dates, no travel to Mina or Arafat, and no animal sacrifice required.
This guide walks through the sequence in the order it is actually performed, so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you enter Ihram to the moment you exit it.
2. The Step-by-Step Sequence
Enter Ihram at the Miqat
Before reaching the boundary point (Miqat) for your route, perform ghusl, put on the Ihram garments (men) or simply your modest regular clothing (women), and make the intention (niyyah) specifically for Umrah. From this point, the restrictions of Ihram apply — see our full Ihram rules guide for the details.
Perform Tawaf
On reaching the Masjid al-Haram, perform Tawaf: seven complete counter-clockwise circuits of the Kaaba, beginning and ending level with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner. Men are recommended to walk briskly (Raml) for the first three circuits and expose the right shoulder (Idtiba) throughout Tawaf, where crowd conditions reasonably allow it.
Pray Two Rakats and Drink Zamzam
After Tawaf, it is recommended to pray two short rakats near the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) if space allows, or anywhere else in the mosque if the area is too crowded. Afterwards, drink from the Zamzam water available throughout the mosque.
Perform Sa'i
Proceed to the covered gallery connecting the hills of Safa and Marwah, and walk between them seven times (Safa to Marwah counts as one, Marwah back to Safa as the second, and so on), commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.
Halq or Taqsir — Exiting Ihram
To conclude Umrah, men shave the head fully (Halq — generally preferred, especially for a first Umrah) or trim the hair evenly all over (Taqsir). Women trim a small amount, commonly described as about a fingertip's length, from the ends of their hair. Once this is done, Ihram is exited and its restrictions are lifted — Umrah is complete.
3. How Umrah Differs From Hajj
If you've read our Hajj step-by-step guide, you'll notice Umrah stops well short of the full Hajj sequence. There is no travel to Mina, no standing at Arafat, no night at Muzdalifah, no stoning of the Jamarat, and no animal sacrifice. Umrah can also be performed on any day of the year, while Hajj is locked to a specific window in Dhul Hijjah. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our Hajj vs Umrah comparison guide.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Umrah take to complete?
The rites themselves — Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir — can typically be completed within two to four hours for someone in reasonable health, though crowd levels (especially during Ramadan or the months around Hajj) can extend this considerably.
Can I perform Umrah more than once on the same trip?
Yes. Many pilgrims perform a second or third Umrah during a single trip on behalf of a deceased relative or simply for extra reward. To do so, you generally need to exit the boundary of the Haram (commonly to a nearby Miqat point such as Masjid Aisha/Tan'im), re-enter Ihram there with a fresh intention, and perform the full sequence again.
Is Sa'i between Safa and Marwah done outdoors?
Historically it was performed outdoors between two hills; today the entire route is enclosed within an air-conditioned, covered gallery that is part of the Masjid al-Haram complex, with separate lanes and, in parts, wheelchair-accessible routes.
Do women need to shave their head after Umrah like men?
No. Men are recommended to shave the head fully (Halq) or, at minimum, trim it evenly (Taqsir). Women only trim a small amount of hair — commonly described as about a fingertip's length from the ends — and do not shave.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone who has passed away?
Yes, this is a widely accepted and common practice, particularly for a parent or relative who was unable to perform Umrah or Hajj themselves before passing. The pilgrim makes the intention on behalf of that person at the point of entering Ihram.
Disclaimer: This guide provides an educational overview of the Umrah ritual sequence based on widely accepted scholarly sources. For rulings on your specific circumstances, consult a qualified local scholar or your Umrah group's guide on the ground.