How to perform Umrah, step by step
Umrah is performed in four simple, beautiful rites. Follow this ordered guide — from entering Ihram to Halq — to complete your Umrah correctly, exactly as the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions.
Four rites, performed with the heart
The whole of Umrah rests on four pillars and acts: entering Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i, and Halq or Taqsir. Most pilgrims complete them in a few hours. Every Inter Gulf guide stays beside you through each step — and our advisors brief you fully before you travel — so you can focus entirely on your worship and dua, without any worry about getting a detail wrong.
Your step-by-step Umrah
Five clearly explained steps, in the exact sequence you will perform them.
- Step 01
Enter Ihram & make the intention
Before reaching the Miqat (the appointed boundary), perform ghusl, apply unscented care, and put on Ihram — two white unstitched cloths for men, modest dress for women. At the Miqat, make the intention for Umrah: “Allahumma labbaika ‘Umrah,” and begin the Talbiyah. From here the rules of Ihram apply: no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no marital relations, no arguing or harming any living thing.
Recite abundantly: “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaik…”
- Step 02
Arrive at Masjid al-Haram
Enter the Sacred Mosque with the right foot, reciting the dua of entering the masjid. Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make sincere dua — it is a moment when supplications are answered. Men stop reciting the Talbiyah as they begin Tawaf.
Maintain wudu — it is required for Tawaf, just as it is for prayer.
- Step 03
Perform Tawaf (seven circuits)
Circle the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), pointing to it and saying “Allahu Akbar” each round. Men perform Raml (brisk walking) in the first three circuits and Idtiba (uncovering the right shoulder) throughout. Make dua freely; between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…”.
After Tawaf, pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, then drink Zamzam water.
- Step 04
Perform Sa‘i (Safa to Marwah)
Proceed to Mount Safa, recite the verse “Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…”, face the Kaaba and make dua. Walk to Marwah — that is one circuit — and continue until you complete seven, ending at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the two green markers. Make dua and dhikr throughout; this re-enacts Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma‘il.
Safa → Marwah counts as one. Seven trips end at Marwah.
- Step 05
Halq or Taqsir — exit Ihram
Finally, men shave the head completely (halq — the more rewarded) or trim the hair evenly (taqsir); women trim a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair. With this, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are fully lifted. You may now change into ordinary clothes.
Your Umrah is accepted, in sha’ Allah — make dua that Allah accepts it and invites you back.
After your Umrah
Spend your remaining days in worship — pray in the Haram, make abundant dua, recite Qur’an and give in charity. Most pilgrims also travel to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), where a prayer is worth a thousand elsewhere, and to send salam upon the Prophet ﷺ. While the visit to Madinah is not part of Umrah itself, it is a beloved and deeply rewarding part of the journey, and our packages include guided Ziyarat there.
Perform Umrah with a guide at your side
Our Bangla-speaking guides and clear pre-departure briefing ensure you perform every rite correctly and with peace of mind.
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