Pilgrim Guide
Umrah, step by step
A scholar-reviewed guide written for first-time British pilgrims - what to prepare, what to expect, and what each ritual means.
Umrah is a complete, self-contained pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It is shorter than Hajj - typically two to four hours of ritual once you reach Makkah - but spiritually weighty. This guide walks you through every step from your UK departure through your final tawaf al-wada.
Before you fly
- Read about each ritual so you are not learning them in the air
- Pack light - see our packing checklist
- Renew your wudu and intention as you board
- Carry your visa, vaccination record and passport in your hand luggage
Entering Ihram
Ihram is a state - not just clothing. It begins with a sincere intention (niyyah) made before crossing the Miqat. From this point, certain actions become prohibited: using perfume, cutting hair or nails, hunting, arguing or marital intimacy.
The four pillars of Umrah
- Ihram - clothing and intention
- Tawaf - seven circuits of the Kaaba
- Sa‘i - seven trips between Safa and Marwah
- Halq or taqsir - shaving or trimming the hair
Tawaf
On arrival at the Haram, you enter from any gate (Bab al-Salam is sunnah) and approach the Kaaba. Start each of the seven circuits at the Black Stone corner, walking anti-clockwise. Men should expose their right shoulder during tawaf only. After tawaf, offer two rakahs near Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water.
Sa‘i
From the Haram, walk to Safa, climb the small mound and face the Kaaba. Make dua. Then walk toward Marwah, jogging through the green-lit section (men only). One trip from Safa to Marwah counts as one - you do this seven times in total, ending at Marwah.
Halq or taqsir
After sa‘i, men shave the head (halq) or trim it (taqsir). Women trim a fingertip's length from their hair. The Umrah is now complete and the state of Ihram ends.
What to do for the rest of your trip
With your Umrah complete, the rest of your stay is yours. Most pilgrims focus on the five daily prayers at the Haram, optional additional Umrahs from Masjid Aisha (Tan‘eem), and ziyarat to historical sites. If your package includes Madinah, you will travel by coach mid-trip.
In Madinah
Madinah is not a place of obligatory ritual - but it is the city of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and spending time at Masjid an-Nabawi is a deeply rewarding part of any Umrah trip. Try to visit the Rawdah, offer salams at the grave of the Prophet, and join a ziyarat tour of Quba, Uhud and Qiblatain.
Returning home
Perform tawaf al-wada (the farewell tawaf) before you leave Makkah. Pack Zamzam (up to 5L allowed in checked luggage), and travel home with intention to come back.
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