The Ultimate Step-by-Step Umrah Guide (2026 Edition)
A comprehensive manual for performing Umrah: from Ihram to Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq. Includes duas, maps, and practical tips.
Embarking on the journey of Umrah is a dream for millions of Muslims. It is a spiritual reset, a chance to wipe the slate clean, and a moment to stand before the House of Allah. This guide breaks down every step of the process, ensuring you can perform your rites with confidence.
1. Preparation & Ihram (The Intention)
**Before you leave home:**
Clip your nails, remove unwanted hair, and perform Ghusl (ritual bath).
Men: Wear the two white unstitched sheets (Ihram). Do not cover your head.
Women: Wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands.
**Entering the State of Ihram:**
You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat (boundary).
If flying, it is best to wear Ihram at the airport or on the plane before the announcement.
Make the Intention (Niyyah): *"Labbayk Allahumma Umrah"* (O Allah, here I am for Umrah).
Start Reciting Talbiyah:
*"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal-Mulk. La Sharika Lak."*
*(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)*
*(In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.)*
Upon seeing the Kaaba, raise your hands and make dua—this is a time when prayers are accepted.
3. Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba)
Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): Raise your right hand towards it and say *"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar"*.
Complete 7 Rounds counter-clockwise around the Kaaba.
Men: For the first 3 rounds, perform *Ramal* (brisk walking with chest out). The right shoulder should be uncovered (*Idtiba*) during Tawaf only.
During Tawaf: You can recite Quran, make dua, or simply do Dhikr. There is no specific dua for each round, but the Dua between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is recommended:
*"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar."*
*(Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)*
After 7 Rounds: Pray 2 Rak'ats behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Haram).
4. Sa'i (Walking between Safa and Marwa)
Drink Zamzam water before heading to Safa.
Approaching Safa: Recite the verse:
*"Innas-Safaa wal-Marwata min sha'aa'irillaah..."* (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
Then say: *"Abda'u bima bada'a Allahu bihi."* (I begin with what Allah started with).
At Safa: Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and praise Allah. You may recite (3 times):
*"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dah, wa nasara 'abdah, wa hazamal ahzaba wahdah."*
*(Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone. He has fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)*
Walk to Marwa: This counts as one lap. (Men run between the green lights).
Walk back to Safa: This is the second lap.
Complete 7 Laps: Ending at Marwa.
5. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming)
Men: It is most virtuous to shave the entire head (Halq). Trimming (Taqsir) is also permissible.
Women: Gather hair and trim about a fingertip's length from the end.
**Congratulations! Your Umrah is complete.** You are now out of the state of Ihram and can wear normal clothes.
Practical Tips for 2026
Nusuk App: You must book your Umrah slot via the Nusuk app. Rawdah slots fill up weeks in advance.
Best Time: Perform Tawaf immediately after Fajr or late at night (1 AM - 3 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds.
Footwear: Carry a shoe bag. You will walk a lot, so keep your shoes with you or in a designated locker you can easily find.
Hydration: Zamzam dispensers are everywhere. Drink often.
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