Umrah Guide

Before Ihram it is recommended to perform a full ritual bath (ghusl) and to apply perfume to the body only, not to the garments. Men put on the two white cloths, women their usual covering clothing.

At the Miqat one makes the intention for Umrah and recites the Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma ‘umrah”, then “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk …”.

Prohibited in Ihram are, among other things: perfume, cutting hair and nails, marital relations and, for men, stitched clothing and head coverings.

The Miqat is the designated place at which pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram at the latest. If you fly from Europe directly to Jeddah, you pass over the Miqat before landing – the crew usually announces it. Ideally, put on your Ihram garments before or during the flight and make the intention before passing the Miqat.

If you travel to Madinah first, you enter Ihram at the Miqat of Dhul-Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) on your way to Makkah.

After arriving at the hotel and a short rest, make your way to Masjid al-Haram. The Talbiyah is recited until you begin Tawaf.

Enter the mosque with your right foot and the supplication for entering the mosque. Take a moment at your first sight of the Kaaba for your personal supplications.

Tawaf begins at the corner of the Black Stone (marked by a green line/light) and consists of seven circuits anticlockwise, with the Kaaba on your left. Ritual purity (wudu) is required.

Men are recommended to uncover the right shoulder (idtiba‘) and to walk briskly in the first three circuits (raml) where possible. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone it is common to say: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah …”. Otherwise, remembrance of Allah and personal supplications in any language are possible.

After Tawaf a prayer of two rak‘ahs is performed – behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, otherwise anywhere else in the mosque without inconveniencing others.

Afterwards it is recommended to drink Zamzam water and make supplications.

Sa’i consists of seven laps between the hills of Safa and Marwah: going from Safa to Marwah counts as one lap, the way back as the second. You begin at Safa and finish at Marwah.

On the hills one faces the Kaaba, praises Allah and makes supplications. Men walk more briskly between the green markers. Sa’i commemorates Hajar, the mother of Isma‘il – peace be upon them.

After Sa’i men shave their head (halq – preferable) or shorten the hair evenly (taqsir). Women shorten a lock of hair by about a fingertip’s length.

With halq or taqsir your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. Use your remaining time in Makkah for prayers in the Haram, voluntary Tawaf and supplications. May Allah accept your Umrah.