Umrah is known as lesser pilgrimage in Islam. It holds immense importance in every Muslim’s heart and mind. Although Umrah is not obligatory, it is the beautiful Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) performed Umrah four time in his life. When we perform Umrah, we believe that Allah will not return us with empty hands.
For many Muslims mostly who are first-time pilgrims, it is difficult to do Umrah because they will face that how they complete their rituals, and how step-to-step explanation of Umrah process. So, in this case, every Muslim must know about different aspects of the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca before applying for a Saudi Umrah visa.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Umrah
Step 1 – Ihram
Ihram is the most important ritual of Umrah. Without Ihram, Umrah is not acceptable. Ihram rules are different for Men and Women. Ihram clothes for men include two white unstitched sheets and women cover their bodies with black or white clothes. When all Umrah pilgrims turn up at same place of Allah with same dresses (Ihram), it creates unity, equality with other people, everyone is equal, neither some are poor nor some are rich, everyone is equal in the Allah’s house.
Some important things to understand before wearing Ihram clothing:
- Pilgrims could not be shave hair or cut their nails.
- Men could not wear stitched clothes. Women wear stich clothes.
- Both men and women both could not use scent, perfume, etc.
- Pilgrims are not allowed to hunt animals, birds or cut trees.
After entering Ihram, pilgrims recite special Duas until reaching Masjid Al-Haram that are called Talbiyah. Men say it loudly and Women say quietly.
Step 2– Tawaf
Tawaf is the important and necessary part of Umrah. Tawaf is the practice of seven circuits of the Ka’abah in anti-clockwise. Tawaf is starting and ending at the point of Hajr Al-Aswad. In Tawaf, Men uncover their right shoulder. This is not for Women. You must recite zikar and Duas during Tawaf. After Tawaf, perform two rakat of Salah in front of Maqam Ibrahim. Drink Zamzam water and make Duas.
Step 3– Sa’i
Sa’i is the step of Umrah like Tawaf. In Sa’I, pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. During Sa’i, pilgrims recite different Duas to seek numerous blessings from Allah.
It is Sunnah for men to run between Safa and Marwah. However, women walk as usual. The 7th lap is completed at Marwah hill. Recite zikar and make Duas after Sa’i.
Step 4– Halq or Taqsir
After Sa’i, the last and important part you need to perform is Halq or Taqsir. In this ritual, men shave their heads or cut their hair. Even no hair in your head, then run also razor on it. Women cut some specific hair equal to their fingertips. The length of cutting hair is equal to fingertip in any side of hair.
After completing this whole process, leave the Masjid Al Haram with left foot and make Duas.
CONCLUSION
Umrah is a religious act that is performed by Muslims at any time of the year. Umrah has four main steps, including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq or Taqsir. In this holy journey, pilgrims do all four steps to follow the beautiful Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Although knowing about how to perform Umrah is important, it is also necessary to consider the best month for Umrah. This thing depends on different factors, including weather, crowd, and more. Some months offer pleasant weather in Saudi Arabia, while some offer affordable cost of travel options for Umrah. So, in this case, if you want to do Umrah on a low budget with moderate weather conditions in Mecca and Medina, go for Umrah in November with Umrah Packages November 2025.
