How to Perform Umrah: Guidance from the Qur’an and Hadith
Performing Umrah in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith
In Islam, Umrah is a highly virtuous act of worship. Unlike Hajj, it is not limited to a specific time of the year; rather, it can be performed at any time throughout the year.
Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah: 196)
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam demonstrated the proper way of performing Umrah and left a complete example for the Muslim community. In an authentic hadith it is stated:
“One Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between them.” — (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1773)
Umrah is completed through four main acts of worship:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Cutting or trimming the hair
Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to perform Umrah.
Entering the State of Ihram
The first step in performing Umrah is entering the state of Ihram. Through Ihram, a Muslim transitions from an ordinary state into a sacred state of worship.
For men, the Ihram garment consists of two pieces of white cloth—one wrapped around the lower body and the other covering the upper body. Women may enter Ihram wearing their regular modest clothing.
Before entering Ihram, several Sunnah acts are recommended, such as:
- Taking a bath (ghusl)
- Cutting the nails
- Cleaning the body
- Applying perfume (before Ihram)
After this, it is recommended to perform two rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah.
Intention and Talbiyah
After making the intention, the pilgrim should recite the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Meaning:
“O Allah, here I am responding to Your call. Here I am. You have no partner. Indeed, all praise, all blessings, and all sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
After entering the state of Ihram, certain actions become prohibited, such as using perfume or cutting hair and nails.
Entering Masjid al-Haram and Performing Tawaf
Upon arriving in Makkah, the pilgrim should enter Masjid al-Haram. It is recommended to praise Allah and make supplication when seeing the Ka‘bah.
After that, the important ritual of Umrah, Tawaf, begins.
Method of Tawaf
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Holy Ka‘bah seven times.
Before starting, one may face the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and make the intention:
“O Allah, I am performing the Tawaf of Umrah for Your sake. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
Then the Tawaf begins by gesturing toward the Black Stone and saying:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”
**** What to Do During Tawaf****
There is no fixed supplication that must be recited during Tawaf. A Muslim may make personal supplications, recite the Qur’an, or engage in remembrance of Allah.
However, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam* used to recite the following supplication between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Meaning:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
After completing seven circuits, the Tawaf is finished.
**** Two Rak‘ahs of Prayer After Tawaf****
After completing Tawaf, it is obligatory to perform two rak‘ahs of prayer.
If possible, it is recommended to offer this prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. However, if it is crowded, it may be performed anywhere within Masjid al-Haram.
After the prayer, it is highly recommended to make supplication to Allah, as this is a blessed moment for du‘a.
Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, the next ritual is Sa’i, which involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah: 158)
**** How to Perform Sa’i****
Sa’i begins at the hill of Safa.
The pilgrim should stand on Safa, face the Ka‘bah, praise Allah, and make supplication. Then they should walk toward Marwah.
Between the two green markers, men should walk briskly or lightly jog, while women continue walking at a normal pace.
Upon reaching Marwah, the pilgrim should make supplication again. This process continues until seven rounds are completed.
Cutting or Trimming the Hair
After completing Sa’i, the final step of Umrah is cutting or trimming the hair.
- For men, shaving the entire head is preferable.
- Alternatively, they may shorten the hair.
- Women should cut a small portion of their hair.
Once this is done, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram and the Umrah is completed.
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam made a special supplication for those who shave their heads. The hadith states:
“O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads.” The companions said: “And those who shorten their hair?” He repeated: “O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads.” — (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1727)
Recommended Acts After Completing Umrah
After completing Umrah, it is highly recommended to spend time in worship while staying in Makkah.
Especially:
- Performing more Tawaf
- Reciting the Qur’an
- Offering voluntary prayers
- Making supplication and remembrance of Allah
Makkah is a sacred place where the reward of worship is multiplied. Therefore, one should try to spend this time in acts of devotion and remembrance of Allah.
In this way, Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and cutting the hair are the four main acts through which Umrah is completed.