Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i and Halq — the four acts of Umrah in order, with what to say, what to avoid and a packing checklist.
Before crossing the Miqat (for flights from India, usually announced on board before Jeddah), take a bath, men wear the two white unstitched sheets, women wear modest everyday clothes. Pray two rak‘ahs if it is not a disliked time.
Make the intention for Umrah and begin the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.” Men say it aloud, women quietly. Keep repeating it until you start Tawaf.
Enter with the right foot and the dua for entering the masjid. Stop the Talbiyah when you begin Tawaf.
Start at the line facing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), point to it and say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”. Walk seven times around the Ka‘bah, anti-clockwise, keeping it on your left. Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba‘) and walk briskly in the first three circuits (ramal), where possible.
After Tawaf, pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, or anywhere in the masjid. Then drink Zamzam water.
Go to Safa, face the Ka‘bah, praise Allah and make dua. Walk to Marwah (one lap), then back to Safa (second lap), ending at Marwah after the seventh. Men jog lightly between the green lights.
Men shave the head (better) or shorten the hair evenly; women cut about a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair. Your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram end.
If a rule is broken by mistake, a compensation (fidyah or dam) may be due. Ask your group scholar.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, all blessings and all sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner. (Men say it aloud; women softly. Repeat often until the stoning on the 10th.)
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allah is the Greatest — said each time you pass the corner of the Black Stone, pointing towards it if you cannot touch it.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
“And take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer.” Recite it, then pray two rak‘ahs behind the Maqam if possible.
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” Recited once, when first approaching Safa.
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, with no partner; His is the dominion and the praise, and He has power over all things. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone; He fulfilled His promise, helped His servant and defeated the confederates alone. (Say it three times, making dua in between.)
If a parent has passed away or cannot travel, Sukon can arrange Badal Umrah through a verified person in Makkah, with dated photos at each step as proof of service.
Scholar review. This guide is general guidance, written to be accepted by the major schools, with differences noted where they matter. It is being reviewed by Sukon’s Scholar panel. For a question about your own situation, ask a verified scholar — always free.
