Performing Umrah consists of four fundamental pillars (Arkan). By following these steps in their proper sequence and observing the spiritual sanctity of each rite, insha'Allah your journey will be accepted and rewarded.
Pillar 1: Ihram & Niyyah at the Miqat
Ihram is the sacred state of spiritual dedication entered before crossing the geographic boundary known as the Miqat:
- Physical Preparation: Clip nails, trim unwanted hair, perform Ghusl (ritual bath), and apply perfume to the body before wearing the Ihram cloths (perfume is prohibited once Ihram is declared).
- The Ihram Garment: For men, two unstitched white towels (the Rida over the upper body and the Izar around the waist). For women, normal modest Islamic attire covering the entire body except the face and hands.
- Niyyah (Intention): Recite the intention: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah" (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah).
- Talbiyah: Begin reciting the Talbiyah frequently: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak."
Pillar 2: Tawaf Around the Holy Kaaba
Upon arriving in Makkah and checking into your hotel, proceed to Masjid al-Haram with your scholar guide:
- Enter with your right foot, reciting the Dua for entering a mosque.
- For men, practice Idtiba' (leaving the right shoulder uncovered) throughout Tawaf.
- Begin each circuit at the corner of the Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone), facing it and saying: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar", raising your right hand toward it (Istilam).
- Complete 7 counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba with humility and personal supplications.
- Between the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) and the Black Stone, recite the Sunnah Dua: "Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa 'adhaaban-naar."
- Upon completing 7 circuits, cover your right shoulder and offer 2 Rakahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Haram), followed by drinking blessed Zamzam water.
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Pillar 3: Sa'i Between As-Safa and Al-Marwah
Proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah to re-enact the devotion of Sayyidatuna Hajar (A.S):
- Ascend Mount Safa, face the Holy Kaaba, and recite the opening Quranic verse (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158) followed by Takbir and Tahmid.
- Walk toward Mount Marwah. Men should briskly jog (Ramal) between the two green fluorescent markers.
- Walking from Safa to Marwah counts as Lap 1; returning to Safa is Lap 2. The 7th lap concludes at Mount Marwah.
Pillar 4: Halq or Taqsir (Exit from Ihram)
Once Sa'i is complete, pilgrims exit the state of Ihram by trimming or shaving their hair:
- For Men: Halq (shaving the head entirely) is most virtuous and earned a triple prayer of mercy from the Prophet ﷺ. Alternatively, Taqsir (trimming an inch evenly across the entire head) is permissible.
- For Women: Gathering the end of the hair and trimming a fingertip's length (approx. 1 inch) from the bottom. Shaving the head is strictly prohibited for women.
Once this is completed, your Umrah is concluded (Umrah Mubarak!), and all Ihram prohibitions are lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should Indian pilgrims flying directly to Jeddah put on their Ihram?
When flying on direct flights to Jeddah (JED), the aircraft crosses the Miqat (Qarn al-Manazil / Yalamlam) approximately 30 to 45 minutes before landing. Airline pilots announce the Miqat approach. Pilgrims should shower and put on their Ihram cloths at the Indian departure airport or inside the aircraft before the announcement, and make the verbal Niyyah when the announcement is made.