Umrah for First-Timers: A Step-by-Step Guide

For many Bangladeshi Muslims, Umrah is the first journey to the holy cities — and standing before the Kaaba for the first time is a moment you never forget. Umrah can be performed at any time of year and takes only a few hours to complete, yet the experience stays with you forever. If this is your first time, this guide explains exactly what to do, step by step, so you can focus on worship rather than worry.

What Umrah actually involves

Umrah, the "lesser pilgrimage," consists of four essential acts performed in order: entering the state of ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and finally shaving or trimming the hair. That is the entire pilgrimage. Everything else — the du'a, the prayers, the time spent in the Haram — is recommended worship around these pillars.

Step 1: Enter ihram at the Miqat

Before reaching the sacred boundary, you enter ihram. Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear ordinary modest clothing. Make a fresh ghusl if you can, then declare your intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.

"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk." Repeat it often, aloud for men and quietly for women, from the Miqat until you begin Tawaf.

Once in ihram, certain things are forbidden: cutting hair or nails, using perfume, covering the head (for men), and any marital relations. Keep these restrictions in mind throughout.

Step 2: Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba

On entering the Masjid al-Haram, approach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf from the corner of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). You circle the Kaaba seven times, anti-clockwise, with the Kaaba on your left.

• Point towards the Black Stone and say "Allahu Akbar" at the start of each circuit.
• Men perform ramal (a light, brisk walk) in the first three circuits if able.
• Make du'a freely throughout — there is no fixed text, so speak to Allah in your own words.
• After seven circuits, pray two short rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, or anywhere in the mosque.

Step 3: Drink Zamzam and head to Sa'i

After Tawaf, drink from the blessed Zamzam water — it is recommended to drink your fill and make du'a. Then proceed to the area of Safa and Marwah to begin Sa'i, recalling the search of Hajar (peace be upon her) for water for her son Isma'il.

Step 4: Walk Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

Begin at Safa, facing the Kaaba, and make du'a. Then walk towards Marwah. The distance is covered seven times in total — Safa to Marwah is one, Marwah to Safa is two, and so on, ending at Marwah.

• Men jog lightly between the two green-lit markers; women walk normally.
• Make du'a and dhikr throughout — there is no obligatory recitation.
• The full route is air-conditioned and accessible, with wheelchairs available for those who need them.

Step 5: Shave or trim, and complete your Umrah

After Sa'i, men shave their heads completely (preferred) or trim the hair evenly; women cut a fingertip's length from the ends. With this, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram are lifted. Many pilgrims describe an overwhelming sense of lightness and gratitude at this moment.

Practical tips for first-timers

• Stay hydrated. Carry water and drink regularly, especially in warmer months.
• Keep your group close. Agree on a meeting point in case anyone is separated in the crowd.
• Move with patience. The Haram is busy — gentleness and good manners are part of the worship.
• Protect your valuables. Use a small money belt and never leave bags unattended.
• Learn the layout. Note the nearest gate to your hotel; gates are numbered and named for easy navigation.

Visit Madinah while you are there

Although not part of Umrah, almost every pilgrim travels on to Madinah to pray in Masjid an-Nabawi and send salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The peace of Madinah is a gift in itself, and most Umrah packages include the journey between the two cities.

Your first Umrah is a deeply personal milestone. Go with knowledge, go with humility, and let every step be filled with remembrance. Our Bangla-speaking guides accompany every Inter Gulf group through each rite, so you are never alone. May Allah accept your Umrah and invite you back again and again.