Umrah: The Lesser Pilgrimage and How to Perform It
Umrah (العمرة) is the "lesser pilgrimage" to the House of Allah in Mecca. Unlike Hajj, it is not one of the five pillars and is not obligatory—but it is highly recommended (Sunnah). The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Umrah multiple times. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, though it is often combined with Hajj during the months of Shawwal, Dhul Qa'dah, and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Tamattu').
Quranic Foundation
"And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Umrah vs. Hajj
| Aspect | Umrah | Hajj |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Voluntary (Sunnah) | Obligatory (5th pillar) |
| When | Any time of year | 8th–12th Dhul Hijjah only |
| Duration | A few hours | 5–6 days |
| Rites | Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Halq/Taqsir | All of the above + Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamarat, sacrifice |
How to Perform Umrah (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Enter Ihram at the Miqat Before crossing the miqat (designated boundary for your route—e.g., Dhul Hulayfah for Medina, Juhfah for Syria, Qarn al-Manazil for Najd, Yalamlam for Yemen, Dhat Irq for Iraq), you must be in ihram. If you are already in Mecca, assume ihram from the nearest miqat or from the Hill (Tan'eem).
- Perform ghusl (full ablution). - Men: wear two white unstitched cloths—one around the waist (izar), one over the shoulder (rida'). Women: wear modest, loose clothing that covers the body; no face veil during ihram. - Pray two rak'ahs (optional but recommended). - Make the intention (niyyah): "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me." - Recite the Talbiyah:
Labbayk 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. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and bounty are Yours, and the dominion. You have no partner."
Continue reciting the Talbiyah until you reach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf.
Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation) Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, go to the Kaaba. Ensure your left shoulder faces the Kaaba (counterclockwise). Start at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad)—touch it or gesture toward it if crowded, saying "Allahu akbar."
- Circle the Kaaba seven times. Each circuit (shawt) begins and ends at the Black Stone. - During the first three circuits, men may uncover the right shoulder (idtiba') by placing the rida' under the right arm. - Recite supplications, dhikr, or verses of the Quran. There is no fixed dua for each circuit. - After the seventh circuit, pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the mosque) if possible.
Step 3: Sa'i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah) Go to the hill of Safa. Face the Kaaba and make dua. Then walk toward Marwah. The path between Safa and Marwah is marked (now inside the mosque). Men may run between the two green markers (in the middle section).
- Complete seven trips: Safa → Marwah counts as one, Marwah → Safa counts as another, and so on. The seventh trip ends at Marwah.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Clipping Hair) - Men: shave the entire head (halq) or clip the hair (taqsir—at least a fingertip's length from all sides). Shaving is preferred. - Women: clip a small amount from the end of a strand of hair.
This completes Umrah. All ihram restrictions are lifted.
Summary of Umrah Rites
| Step | Arabic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | إحرام | Enter state of consecration at miqat |
| 2 | طواف | Circle the Kaaba seven times |
| 3 | سعي | Walk Safa–Marwah seven times |
| 4 | حلق/تقصير | Shave or clip hair |
Ihram Restrictions (Until Halq/Taqsir) - No cutting hair or nails - No wearing stitched clothing (men) or perfume - No hunting or helping in hunting - No sexual relations or marriage contract - No quarreling or foul speech
Virtues The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah." May Allah accept our worship.