How to Perform Umrah Steps to Perform Umrah

Umrah guidance in Videos

Umrah consists of four essential practices:

Steps to Perform Umrah: Enter Ihram, Tawaf around Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, Trim hair, Exit Ihram.

1. Ihram: Before reaching the Miqat, you change into the Ihram garments, perform two rak’ahs of salah, and make your niyyah (intention). As you approach the Miqat, you start reciting the Talbiyah frequently.
2. Tawaf: You perform Tawaf al-Umrah, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times, followed by two rak’ahs of salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim.
3. Sa’i: You complete the Sa’i, which is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
4. Halq or Taqsir: Finally, you shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) your hair, marking the end of Ihram and the completion of your Umrah.

Physical Purity

Before changing into the Ihram garments, attend to your hygiene by clipping your nails and removing hair from under your armpits and below the navel. Perform ghusl, which is a highly emphasized sunnah for those preparing to enter a state of Ihram. If ghusl is not possible, wudhu will suffice. Men may apply perfume (attar) to their heads and beards, ensuring it does not get on the Ihram garments. Complete these preparations at home before starting your journey.

Ihram Garments

Next, change into your Ihram garments. For men, this consists of two clean, seamless pieces of cloth, typically white. The izar wraps around the waist to cover the lower body, and the rida drapes over the upper body like a shawl. Sandals should not cover the heel and ankle, and according to the Hanafi school of thought, the top part of the foot should also remain exposed.

Make sure to put on your Ihram attire before crossing the designated Miqat. The timing and location for wearing the garments depend on your point of departure and destination.

If traveling to Makkah via Jeddah by plane, it is recommended to change into Ihram at home, at the airport before departure, or during a stopover. At the airport, you can check in first and change in the prayer room or bathroom. Alternatively, you can change in-flight, but airplane bathrooms are usually cramped, and there may be many others with the same intention as the Miqat approaches. If changing on the plane, do so at least an hour before crossing the Miqat. Changing mid-flight is the least recommended option.

If traveling to Madinah before Makkah, you do not need to enter the state of Ihram and can wear regular clothing during your stay. Before leaving for Makkah, put on the Ihram at your hotel in Madinah or at the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. Taxis or coaches will stop at the mosque so you can enter Ihram if needed. If taking the train to Makkah, put on your Ihram at the hotel or the train station before departure.

You may delay making your intention (niyyah) until you approach the Miqat. Just before crossing, remove any clothing that violates the conditions of Ihram, such as socks, headwear, and underwear. On planes, trains, and coaches, you will hear an announcement as you near the designated Miqat point.

Women do not need to follow a specific dress code for Ihram. They should wear normal modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any color. Hands and faces must remain uncovered, although socks may be worn.

Salah al-Ihram

It is sunnah to perform two rak’ahs of salah before entering the state of Ihram. This can be done at home, after changing at the airport, or in-flight before crossing the Miqat, provided there are prayer facilities on board. If you are in Madinah, you can perform the prayer in your hotel, in Masjid Nabawi, at the Miqat point, or on the train. Perform the prayer with the intention of offering two rak’ahs nafl for Ihram.

Since you are not yet in the state of Ihram, the prayer may be performed with your head covered. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, although other surahs may also be read. Remember to make du’a after this salah.

Niyyah

Make your niyyah for Umrah at the Miqat or just before reaching it. Ideally, you should delay making the intention until the last moment so that you are not restricted by its prohibitions longer than necessary. It is recommended (mustahabb) to make the intention verbally while also reaffirming it internally.

Here are three examples of intentions that can be spoken in Arabic:

لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً ❁

Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ ❁

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrah.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي ❁

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.

Talbiyah

After making your niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah to confirm your intention and officially enter into the state of Ihram. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, reciting the Talbiyah is wajib (obligatory). The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools regard it as sunnah (recommended).

The sunnah method of reciting the Talbiyah is to briefly pause at four places, indicated by the dashes. The prayer is as follows:

After reciting the Talbiyah, you will be in the state of Ihram and known as a Muhrim. Be sure you are familiar with the prohibitions of Ihram to avoid breaking its rules. Violations will require expiation through Damm (sacrifice) or Sadaqah (charity).

It is recommended to send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ after reciting the Talbiyah and to make du’a for yourself and others. Continue to recite the Talbiyah throughout your journey until you reach one of the doors of Masjid al-Haram before performing Tawaf.

Prohibitions in the Haram of Makkah

The Haram of Makkah is a sacred zone extending several miles around Masjid al-Haram in all directions. Within this area, it is prohibited to:

• Cut or damage grass, trees, or any other type of vegetation.
• Harm or kill wild animals, including scaring pigeons and other birds.
• Carry weapons.
• Engage in fighting or any behavior that violates the sanctity of the area.

Although it is unlikely you will break these rules, always be mindful of the sanctity of Makkah.

Note: If you plan to perform an additional Umrah later, you must assume Ihram outside the boundary of the Haram before returning to Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah. Many pilgrims choose to enter into Ihram at Masjid Aisha, the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Transportation to this mosque is available nearby.

Entering Makkah

As you approach the boundaries of the Haram, continue to recite the Talbiyah, engage in dhikr, and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. It is also recommended to recite the following dua upon entering the Haram:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ ❁

Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ʿala n-nār(i), wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak(a), wa jʿalnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭāʿatik.

O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to the hellfire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

After arriving at your accommodation in Makkah, you might want to freshen up or rest before heading to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If you decide to shower, make sure not to use any prohibited items, such as scented soap or shampoo, while in the state of Ihram. It is recommended to go to Masjid al-Haram as soon as possible.

When you’re ready, choose which belongings to take with you, keeping in mind that there may be thieves operating in the mosque.

Entering Masjid al-Haram

It is sunnah to enter Masjid al-Haram through Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). However, due to designated entrances for Umrah pilgrims, this might not always be possible. Use one of the assigned entrances instead. Step in with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque. You can recite either or both of the following supplications:

بِسْمِ اللهِ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ ❁

Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.

In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ ❁ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ ❁ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ❁

Aʿūdhu bi-Llāhi l-aẓīm(i), wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm(i), wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm(i), mina sh-shayṭāni r-rajīm.

I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.

First Sight of the Kaaba

After entering the mosque, keep your gaze lowered until you reach the mataf area, the open space where Tawaf is performed. When you are ready, lift your gaze with humility, awe, and reverence to behold the Holy Kaaba.

Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make du’a with deep concentration and sincerity, as this is a moment when prayers are particularly likely to be answered. Remember to recite Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ while making your du’a.

Recite the following three times:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ ❁

Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa Llāh.

Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.

It is sunnah to recite the following du’as:

اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً ❁ وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً ❁

Allāhumma zid hādha l-bayta tashrīfan wa taʿẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu aw iʿtamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa taʿẓīman wa birrā.

O Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect, and reverence. And increase in honour, respect, esteem, and piety those who honour and respect it—those who perform Hajj or Umrah.

اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ ❁ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ ❁ حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ ❁

Allāhumma anta s-salām, wa minka s-salām, ḥayyinā rabbanā bi s-salām.

O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.

Engage in dhikr, make du’a, and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ abundantly here. Make the most of this opportunity before beginning your Tawaf, especially if it is your first time seeing the Kaaba.

Tawaf al-Umrah

For the Tawaf to be valid, the following conditions must be met:

Perform the Tawaf personally.
To make an intention (verbally or not).
Complete the Tawaf within Masjid al-Haram.
Be in a state of wudhu and free from any impurities that require ghusl, such as menstruation.
Ensure the awrah is concealed.
Begin the Tawaf from the Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone).
Move in an anti-clockwise direction.
Avoid entering the Hatim (the semi-circular area outside the Kaaba).
Perform the Tawaf on foot, if physically able.
Complete seven circuits.
Perform two rak’ahs of salah after the Tawaf.
Preparation
Ensure you are in a state of wudhu. If you are a male, uncover your right shoulder bypassing the top sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit and draping it over your left shoulder (Idtiba).

Tawaf Starting Point

Also Read: Hajj and Umrah Guide by Mufti Faraz

Positioning Yourself

Align yourself with the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is located. This is the corner facing a single minaret, while the other three corners face two minarets each. A green light on the Masjid wall opposite the Kaaba marks the starting point of Tawaf. Stand just before this point, facing the Kaaba.

Intention
As with any act of worship, make the niyyah (intention) to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. You may also ask for the acceptance and ease of your Tawaf. You can say:

“O Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah of the Kaaba for Your sake and Your sake alone. Please accept it from me and make it easy for me.”

Alternatively, you may make the following intention in Arabic:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي ❁

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of your Sacred House, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.

Kissing, Touching or Saluting the Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam)

Kissing

If you reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” while lightly kissing it. Some scholars suggest it is preferable to kiss it three times if possible.

Touching

If you are close enough but unable to kiss it, touch the Hajar al-Aswad with your hand(s) and then kiss your hand(s).

Saluting

If you cannot reach the stone, which is often the case, perform a symbolic Istilam from a distance. Face the Hajar al-Aswad, raise your hands to your earlobes (as you do when starting salah), ensuring your palms are facing the stone, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms if you wish.

Starting the Tawaf

Turn to your right and begin the first circuit of your Tawaf, making sure to keep the Kaaba on your left. Move in an anti-clockwise direction and avoid walking through the Hijr Ismail, as doing so will invalidate the circuit and require you to repeat it.

Raml

For the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, which involves walking briskly with exaggerated leg movements and a puffed-out chest. However, if the area is crowded, particularly closer to the Kaaba, only perform this sunnah if it can be done without causing harm or inconvenience to others. During peak times, Raml may not be feasible.

Dhikr & Du’a

Throughout your Tawaf, recite prayers and supplications of your choice. This is a time when du’as are particularly accepted, so remember Allah with sincerity and devotion. It is recommended not to read from a du’a book, especially if you do not understand the Arabic. Imam Ibn Hibban V advised:

“Specifying a du’a can detract from the moment because one might end up merely repeating words. This occasion is ideal for any du’a and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.”

Thus, you should supplicate in any language and manner that you prefer. If you wish to make Quranic and Prophetic supplications during your Tawaf, make an effort to memorize and understand their meanings. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ during Tawaf is also highly recommended.

Rukn al-Yamani

When you reach the Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), which is the corner just before the Hajar al-Aswad, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” if you can get close enough. If it is too crowded, continue without saying Takbir or making any gestures towards it.

It is a sunnah to recite the following du’a between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ❁

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Imam Shafi’i V recommended this du’a to be recited throughout the Tawaf.

End of Circuit at the Hajar al-Aswad

Reaching the Hajar al-Aswad marks the end of one circuit. To begin the next, perform Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad as previously described and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You should repeat Istilam with “Allāhu akbar” at the start of each new circuit. In total, you will perform Istilam eight times during the Tawaf: once before starting and once at the end of each of the seven circuits.

During Tawaf

The Tawaf should be performed continuously without interruptions. However, if a congregational prayer is about to begin, you should join the prayer and then resume your Tawaf from where you left off without needing to repeat the circuit. This same rule applies if you need to renew your wudhu.

Completing the Tawaf

Continue this process until you have completed all seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the start and end of Tawaf is a highly emphasized sunnah, and it is desirable to perform Istilam at the beginning of each circuit as well.

If you are in the state of Idtiba, cover your shoulder with your Ihram after completing the Tawaf.

Salah

Also Read: Hajj And Umrah Made Easy

After Completing the Tawaf

After finishing the Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs of salah, ideally positioning yourself so that Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. However, be aware that Maqam Ibrahim is within the mataf area, and this often leads to heavy congestion as pilgrims performing Tawaf move around those praying. If it is too crowded to pray there, you may perform the prayer anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.

As you move to the place where you intend to pray, it is recommended to audibly recite the following: وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ❁

Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.

And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of salah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125]

In the first rak’ah, it is sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) after Surah al-Fatiha, and in the second rak’ah, recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) after Surah al-Fatiha. After completing the prayer, make plenty of du’a.

Zamzam water

After completing salah and making du’a, take the opportunity to drink Zamzam water, which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The original entrance to the Zamzam well has been covered to provide more space for Tawaf.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Before drinking Zamzam water, make an intention for its consumption to fulfill your wishes, whether for good health, success, or protection from the trials of the grave. When drinking Zamzam, it is recommended to stand, face the Kaaba, say Bismillah before drinking, take three sips with pauses to breathe, and say Alhamdulillah upon finishing. You can also apply the water to your face and body. After drinking, you may recite the following du’a:

اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا ❁ وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا ❁ وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا ❁ وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ ❁

Allāhumma innī as’aluka ʿilman nāfiʿan, wa rizqan wasiʿan, wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.

O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant, accepted deeds, and a cure for every illness.

You may also make any other supplications you wish, as this is another moment when du’as are readily accepted.

Multazam

After finishing your Zamzam water, you can move towards the Multazam, the area between the Hajar al-Aswad and the Kaaba’s door.

During Hajj season, reaching the Multazam is nearly impossible due to the massive crowds. However, it can be accessible during other times of the year.

If you manage to reach the Multazam, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall, and press your chest and cheeks against it. This act follows the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and is another significant place where prayers are accepted. Take your time to make lengthy supplications here.

If the crowds prevent you from getting close to the Multazam, you can still face it and make your du’a from a distance.

Sa’i

It is sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after completing Tawaf, though you can rest if necessary. If you’re tired or have sore feet after Tawaf, take a break until you feel ready. Keep in mind that Sa’i involves covering over three kilometers, so ensure you have enough energy before starting.

For Sa’i to be valid, the following conditions must be met:

• Perform Sa’i yourself.
• Enter into Ihram before performing Sa’i.
• Remain in Ihram until Sa’i is completed.
• Perform Sa’i at the correct time.
• Begin Sa’i at Safa and finish at Marwa.
• Perform Sa’i after completing Tawaf.
• Perform Sa’i on foot unless you have a valid reason not to.
• Complete seven laps.
• Cover the full distance between Safa and Marwa.

Before starting Sa’i, it is sunnah to perform Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad one last time, making this the ninth Istilam following the eight done during Tawaf.

If you forget to do this Istilam, or if returning to the Hajar al-Aswad due to crowds or fatigue is too difficult, you can omit it. Alternatively, you can perform Istilam anywhere in Masjid al-Haram as long as you face the Hajar al-Aswad.

Proceed to Safa

Proceed to the hill of Safa, which is inside Masjid al-Haram and aligned with the Hajar al-Aswad. There are signs to guide you to its location. As you approach Safa, it is sunnah to recite:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله

Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ

Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.

I begin with what Allah has begun with.

These recitations should only be said once before starting Sa’i and not at the beginning of each lap.

Make Du’a at Safa Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Even if your view of the Kaaba is blocked, face its direction based on your best estimate. Unlike during Tawaf, do not raise your hands to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba. You may recite Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh), and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

It is sunnah to recite the following du’a:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ ❁

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.

Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdahu la sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, yuḥīī wa yumīt, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ ❁ اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdah, anjaza waʿdahu wa naṣara ʿabdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.

After reciting this du’a, you may offer your own supplications. Recite the du’a three times, interspersing your personal prayers between each repetition, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

Proceed to Marwa

From Safa, head towards Marwa. Along the way, you will pass two sets of green fluorescent lights about 50 meters apart, marking the distance that Hajar ran to reach higher ground. These markers are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the Two Green Mileposts). Between these lights, it is sunnah for men to run at a moderate pace, while women should continue walking at their normal pace.

Dhikr and Du’a

During Sa’i, there are no specific prayers or supplications that you are required to recite. You may choose any dhikr (remembrance of Allah) or du’a (supplication) that you prefer, and it is also encouraged to send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Make Du’a at Marwa

When you reach the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands, and recite the same supplications you said at Safa.

Complete One Lap

This marks the completion of one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa counts as the second lap.

End of Sa’i

Continue this pattern until you have completed seven laps, finishing at the hill of Marwa.

Invocation and Additional Prayer

It’s advised to offer a final supplication and then perform two units of voluntary prayer (nafl salah) at Masjid al-Haram after completing Sa’i.

Exiting the Sacred Area

Upon leaving Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following prayer, as it was the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when exiting the mosque:

“In the name of Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your grace.”

Halq or Taqsir (Hair Removal or Trimming)

Following Sa’i, it’s necessary to either shave your head (Halq) or trim your hair by at least an inch (Taqsir) to exit the state of Ihram and finalize your Umrah. For men, completely shaving the head is considered more virtuous.

In Makkah, there are several licensed barber shops, operational around the clock except during prayer times. You’ll find many of them in the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex, and al-Safwa Towers. Additionally, after completing Sa’i, you’ll notice numerous barbers set up outside the Marwa gate.

Alternatively, you have the option to shave or trim your hair yourself to exit the state of Ihram.

Congratulations on completing your Umrah!

Now, you’re no longer bound by the rules of Ihram, and you can change into regular clothing. If you intend to perform another Umrah, you’ll need to travel to the boundary of the Haram to enter Ihram again. Masjid Aisha is a popular choice for this, being the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis are readily available near the mosque for your convenience.