How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Q: How long does Umrah take to perform?

The four rites of Umrah — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and hair trimming — can be completed in 2-4 hours when the Haram is not crowded. During Ramadan or peak seasons, Tawaf alone can take 3-5 hours due to crowd levels.

Q: What are the four steps of Umrah?

The four obligatory acts of Umrah are: 1) Entering Ihram with the intention at the Miqat, 2) Performing Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, 3) Performing Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, 4) Trimming or shaving the hair to exit Ihram.

Q: What should I wear for Umrah?

Male pilgrims wear two unstitched white sheets (Ihram garments). Female pilgrims wear any modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the whole body except the face and hands — there is no specific colour requirement for women. Comfortable walking sandals or shoes are essential for both.

Pilgrims performing Tawaf around the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram Makkah

Umrah consists of four obligatory acts performed in sequence: entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, performing Sa'i and trimming or shaving the hair. This step-by-step guide explains each rite clearly for first-time US pilgrims, including what to say, what to wear and what to expect at the Haram.

What Are the Four Steps of Umrah?

Every valid Umrah consists of these four acts in order. Missing or incorrectly performing any of them requires a specific remedy (dam) or, in some cases, renders the Umrah incomplete. Our guides accompany you through each step throughout your stay.

Step 1 — Entering Ihram at the Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state entered before performing Umrah. It begins at one of the Miqat stations — designated points surrounding Makkah beyond which no pilgrim may pass without being in Ihram. For US pilgrims flying via Jeddah, the Miqat is typically Yalamlam or Qarn al-Manazil (passed on the route to Makkah). Many US pilgrims choose to enter Ihram at the airport in Jeddah or Madinah before the final leg of the journey.

What to do: Perform a full ritual bath (ghusl) if possible. Men change into two unstitched white sheets: the lower wrap (izar) and the upper sheet (rida). Women wear any modest, loose-fitting clothing. Make the intention for Umrah (niyyah) and recite the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk... Continue reciting Talbiyah until you begin Tawaf.

Ihram restrictions: Once in Ihram, you must not cut hair or nails, use scented products, engage in marital relations or conduct any worldly dispute.

Step 2 — Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba Seven Times

Tawaf means circling the Kaaba (the black cube at the centre of Masjid al-Haram) seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) in the eastern corner. Each complete circuit is called a shawt. Seven circuits complete one Tawaf.

What to do: Begin at the Black Stone — touch or kiss it if possible, or simply raise your hand toward it and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar." Walk counter-clockwise with the Kaaba on your left. Complete seven circuits, making dua (supplication) throughout. There are no fixed words for each circuit, though guided supplications are available from our team.

Practical note: The ground-floor Tawaf area is the most crowded. The first floor is less crowded and air-conditioned. For elderly or physically limited pilgrims, wheelchairs are available and have a dedicated Tawaf lane.

Step 3 — Sa'i: Walking Between Safa and Marwa

Sa'i commemorates Hajar (Hagar), wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water for her son Ismail. It consists of seven trips between the two hills — starting at Safa and ending at Marwa — within the enclosed Mas'a walkway inside Masjid al-Haram.

What to do: After Tawaf, proceed to the Safa gate. Climb the small elevation of Safa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands and make dua. Walk at normal pace to Marwa. Between the two green markers (indicated by green lighting), men are encouraged to walk briskly (though this is not obligatory). Upon reaching Marwa, make dua facing the Kaaba direction. This counts as one trip. Complete seven trips, finishing at Marwa.

Distance: The Safa-Marwa distance is approximately 450 metres. Seven trips total roughly 3.15km of walking.

Step 4 — Halq or Taqsir: Cutting the Hair

After completing Sa'i, male pilgrims either shave their head completely (halq) or shorten their hair by at least a finger's width all around (taqsir). Shaving is considered more meritorious. Female pilgrims cut a small amount (roughly a finger's length) from the ends of their hair — shaving is not prescribed for women.

Once the hair is cut or shaved, the state of Ihram ends and all its restrictions are lifted.

How Long Does Umrah Take?

The four rites of Umrah can be completed in 2–4 hours when the Haram is not crowded. During Ramadan or peak periods, Tawaf alone can take 3–5 hours. Most US pilgrims complete Umrah on their first full day in Makkah and then spend the remaining days in voluntary worship, additional Tawaf and Ziyarat.

Common Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Make

Entering Ihram past the Miqat. If you cross the Miqat boundary without being in Ihram, you must return to the Miqat or pay a penalty (dam). Our team ensures you know the correct point to enter Ihram on your specific flight routing.
Starting Tawaf at the wrong point. Tawaf must begin and end at the Black Stone (or the alignment marked on the floor). Starting from any other point of the Kaaba means that circuit does not count.
Walking clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. The Kaaba must always be on your left. Counter-clockwise is the only valid direction.
Forgetting which circuit number you are on. Use a counter app, prayer beads or simply count on your fingers. Losing count and completing fewer than seven circuits invalidates the Tawaf.

Frequently Asked Questions — How to Perform Umrah

How long does Umrah take to perform?

The four rites can be completed in 2–4 hours in normal conditions. During Ramadan or peak nights, Tawaf alone can take 3–5 hours. Most pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during less crowded times — early morning after Fajr is often the quietest window.

Do I need a guide to perform Umrah?

A guide is not obligatory but is strongly recommended for first-time pilgrims. All our packages include a professional Umrah guide who accompanies you through each rite, explains the correct supplications and helps you navigate the Haram confidently.

Can I perform Umrah more than once in one trip?

Yes. Additional Umrah can be performed in a single trip. Each additional Umrah requires a fresh Ihram entered from one of the Miqat stations or, for those already in Makkah, from the Masjid at-Tan'im (also called Masjid Aisha), which is the closest Miqat to the city.

What should I wear for Umrah?

Male pilgrims wear two unstitched white sheets. Female pilgrims wear any modest, loose-fitting clothing covering the whole body except face and hands. Comfortable walking footwear is essential — you will walk several kilometres during Tawaf and Sa'i.

Official reference: Nusuk provides official guidance on Umrah rites and current Haram access protocols.

View our all-inclusive Umrah packages from the USA | Read the complete Umrah guide for US pilgrims

How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide