Umrah is a deeply spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year. While it shares some rituals with Hajj, Umrah is shorter and has fewer obligatory rites. This Umrah Guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you perform this sacred journey with understanding and devotion.
Ihram: Preparing for Spiritual Purity
Main article: Ihram
Ihram is the initial and essential step for Umrah, marking the commencement of your sacred state. It involves physical purification, donning specific garments, and making the intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah.
Physical Purity: Cleansing the Body
Before entering Ihram, personal hygiene is paramount. Begin by clipping your nails and removing any unwanted body hair from under the armpits and below the navel. Performing Ghusl, a full body wash, is a highly recommended Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) for those entering Ihram. If Ghusl isn’t possible, Wudhu (ablution) will suffice. Men can apply non-alcoholic fragrance (Attar) to their head and beard, ensuring it doesn’t touch the Ihram garments. These preparations should ideally be completed at your place of residence before starting your journey.
Ihram Garments: Symbolizing Equality and Devotion
Men’s Ihram garments consist of two unstitched, seamless cloths, typically white and clean. The lower cloth, known as the Izar, is wrapped around the waist, covering the body from the navel to the knees. The upper cloth, the Rida, is draped over the upper body like a shawl. Footwear should be sandals that do not cover the heel and ankle. According to the Hanafi school of thought, the top of the foot should also remain uncovered.
Women do not have specific Ihram garments. Their clothing should be modest Islamic dress, covering the entire body except for the face and hands. A head covering of any color is permissible. Socks can be worn.
It is crucial to wear the Ihram garments before crossing the Miqat, the designated boundary for entering the state of Ihram. The location for donning Ihram depends on your arrival point and destination.
For those flying to Makkah via Jeddah, it’s advisable to change into Ihram at home, the airport before departure, or during a stopover. Airports often have prayer rooms or restrooms suitable for changing. Changing on the plane is possible but less convenient due to limited space and potential rush as Miqat approaches. If changing mid-flight, do so at least an hour before reaching Miqat, though this is the least recommended option.
If traveling to Madinah before Makkah, you can wear regular clothing during your stay in Madinah and enter Ihram before departing for Makkah. The designated Miqat for Madinah is Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. Taxis and coaches to Makkah from Madinah usually stop at this mosque, allowing you to enter Ihram there. If taking a train to Makkah, wear Ihram at your hotel or the train station before departure.
Main article: Miqat
You can delay making your Niyyah (intention) for Umrah until Miqat is near. Just before crossing Miqat, remove any clothing violating Ihram conditions, like socks (for men), headwear (for men), and underwear. Announcements are usually made on planes, trains, and coaches regarding the approaching Miqat.
Salah al-Ihram: Two Rak’ahs of Prayer
Performing two Rak’ahs of Salah (prayer) before making the Niyyah for Ihram is a Sunnah. This prayer can be done at home, after changing at the airport, or in-flight (if prayer facilities are available). In Madinah, pray at your hotel, Masjid Nabawi, Miqat point, or on the train. Pray with the intention of performing two Rak’ahs Nafl (voluntary prayer) for Ihram.
This prayer can be performed with the head covered, as you are not yet in Ihram. It’s recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109 of the Quran) in the first Rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) in the second, though other Surahs are also permissible. Remember to make Du’a (supplication) after this prayer.
Niyyah: Declaring Your Intention
Niyyah, the intention for Umrah, should be made at or near the Miqat as you approach it. Delaying the intention until the last moment is recommended so you are not bound by Ihram prohibitions for longer than necessary. Verbally stating the intention is recommended (Mustahabb), in addition to making it internally.
Here are examples of intentions in Arabic and English translation:
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: Announcing Your Pilgrimage
Reciting the Talbiyah after making Niyyah is crucial for validating your intention and entering the state of Ihram. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, uttering the Talbiyah is Wajib (obligatory). The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it a Sunnah.
Recite the Talbiyah at least once after intending Umrah. Failure to do so invalidates your Umrah.
The Sunnah method of reciting Talbiyah involves brief pauses at the dashes:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ –
Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favor, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Main article: Talbiyah
By reciting the Talbiyah, you enter the state of Ihram and become a Muhrim. Be fully aware of Ihram prohibitions to avoid violations. Violating Ihram rules requires expiation, known as Damm or Sadaqah.
Main article: Violations & Penalties
Sending Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after Talbiyah and making Du’a for yourself and others is recommended. Continue reciting Talbiyah frequently until reaching Masjid al-Haram before Tawaf.
Haram of Makkah: Entering the Sacred Sanctuary
The Haram of Makkah is a sacred zone extending miles around Masjid al-Haram in all directions. Within this area, certain actions are forbidden:
- Cutting or damaging plants, trees, or vegetation.
- Harming or killing wild animals, including scaring birds.
- Carrying weapons.
- Fighting or any behavior violating the area’s sanctity.
Be mindful of Makkah’s sanctity even if you are unlikely to break these rules.
If you intend to perform another Umrah later, you must re-enter Ihram outside the Haram boundary before returning to Masjid al-Haram for Umrah. Masjid Aisha is a popular and convenient location for re-entering Ihram, easily accessible from Masjid al-Haram with available transportation.
Entering Makkah: Supplications and Reverence
As you approach the Haram boundaries, continuously recite Talbiyah, engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ. Reciting the following Du’a upon entering the Haram is recommended:
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, wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak, 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.
Upon reaching your accommodation in Makkah, you may refresh yourself or rest before proceeding to Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf al-Umrah. If showering, avoid scented soaps or shampoos, which are prohibited in Ihram. It’s recommended to visit Masjid al-Haram as soon as possible.
Consider what belongings to take with you, being mindful of potential theft in crowded areas.
Tip: A drawstring bag for shoes is highly recommended to keep them secure and with you.
Entering Masjid al-Haram: Gate of Peace and Supplications
Entering Masjid al-Haram through Bab al-Salam (Gate of Peace) is Sunnah, although authorities may direct pilgrims to specific entrances for Umrah. Use one of these designated entrances. Step in with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque. You can recite either or both of these:
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, wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm, 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.
Notes:
- If you intend to perform Tawaf immediately, do not perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Greeting the Mosque prayer); your Tawaf serves as the greeting for Masjid al-Haram.
- If you do not plan to perform Tawaf immediately, you can perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
- Walking across those praying in Masjid al-Haram is permissible, but avoid walking on their place of prostration.
First Sight of the Kaaba: A Moment for Prayers
Upon entering the mosque, keep your gaze lowered until you reach the Mataf, the open area for Tawaf. When ready, with humility and reverence, raise your gaze to behold the Kaaba.
Seeing the Kaaba for the first time is a blessed moment to make heartfelt Du’a, as prayers at this time are often answered. Raise your hands and pray with sincerity, remembering to send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) narrated:
Du’a is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet ﷺ. [Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) would use this opportunity to pray to Allah to be among those whose supplications are always accepted.
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.
Recite these Sunnah 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.
Allah, increase this House in honor, esteem, respect, and reverence. And increase those who honor and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or Umrah—in honor, respect, esteem, and piety.
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 abundant Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Maximize this precious moment before starting Tawaf, especially if it’s your first time seeing the Kaaba.
Tawaf al-Umrah: Circling the Kaaba in Devotion
Main article: Tawaf
Key Features of the Kaaba for Tawaf Guide
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. For Tawaf to be valid, certain conditions must be met:
- Perform Tawaf personally.
- Make a clear intention (Niyyah).
- Perform Tawaf within Masjid al-Haram.
- Be in a state of Wudhu and free from major ritual impurity (requiring Ghusl).
- Cover the Awrah (parts of the body that should be concealed).
- Begin Tawaf at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).
- Move in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba to your left.
- Stay outside the Hatim (semi-circular area adjacent to the Kaaba).
- Perform Tawaf on foot if able.
- Complete seven circuits.
- Perform two Rak’ahs of Salah after Tawaf.
Preparation for Tawaf: Wudhu and Idtiba’ (for Men)
Ensure you are in a state of Wudhu. If you are male, perform Idtiba’ by uncovering your right shoulder. Drape the upper sheet of your Ihram (Rida) under your right armpit, letting it hang over your left shoulder.
Starting Point: Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone)
Pilgrims starting Tawaf at the Black Stone, Hajar al-Aswad
Position yourself at the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is located. This corner faces a single minaret, unlike the other three corners, which face two minarets each. A green light on the mosque wall opposite the Kaaba marks the starting point of Tawaf and each circuit (Shawt). Stand just before this point, facing the Kaaba.
Intention for Tawaf
As with any act of worship, make Niyyah solely for Allah. You may also ask for acceptance and ease in performing Tawaf. You can say these words:
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.
Or, 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.
Verbal Niyyah is not obligatory.
Istilam: Kissing, Touching, or Saluting Hajar al-Aswad
Kissing Hajar al-Aswad is highly virtuous but often challenging due to crowds. Avoid pushing or harming others to reach it.
- Kissing: If you can reach Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” and kiss it gently. Kissing it three times is preferable if possible.
- Touching: If you can reach but not kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and kiss your hand(s).
- Saluting: If reaching the stone is impossible, perform Istilam from afar. Face Hajar al-Aswad, raise your hands to your earlobes (like starting Salah), palms facing the stone, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms afterward.
Attempting to kiss or touch Hajar al-Aswad can be intense due to crowds and pushing. Prioritize safety and consider performing Istilam by saluting from a distance.
The following Du’a, attributed to Ali (RA), can be recited when aligned with Hajar al-Aswad in each circuit:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ إِيمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيقاً بِكِتَابِكَ ❁ وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ ❁ وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ
Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar. Allāhumma īmānan bika wa taṣdīqan bi kitābik, wa wafāʿan bi ʿahdik, wattibāʿan li sunnati nabiyyika Muḥammad ﷺ.
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfillment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah ﷺ.
Other Dhikr, like Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, are also appropriate here.
Starting Tawaf and Raml (for Men)
Turn right and begin your first circuit of Tawaf, keeping the Kaaba to your left. Proceed anti-clockwise, avoiding walking through Hijr Ismail. Walking through it invalidates the circuit, requiring repetition.
In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, walking briskly, lifting legs forcefully, and sticking out the chest. However, if crowded, perform Raml only if you can do so without harming or inconveniencing others. During peak times, Raml may not be feasible.
Dhikr and Du’a During Tawaf
Recite prayers and supplications of your choice during Tawaf. Du’as are accepted during Tawaf, so engage in sincere remembrance of Allah. While Du’a books exist, Imam Ibn Hibban (RA) advised against limiting oneself to specific Du’as:
Specifying a du’a would take the moment away, because with specific du’as, one will merely be repeating words, whereas this occasion is for any du’a and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.
Therefore, supplicate in any language and manner you prefer. If using Quranic or Prophetic supplications, try to memorize and understand their meanings. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ are also recommended during Tawaf.
Rukn al-Yamani: Touching and Takbir
Al-Rukn al-Yamani (The Yemeni Corner) of the Kaaba
Upon reaching Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), the corner before Hajar al-Aswad, if you can reach it, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. If crowded, proceed without Takbir or gesturing towards it.
Recite this Sunnah Du’a between Rukn al-Yamani and 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. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:201]
Imam Shafi’i (RA) recommended reciting this Du’a throughout Tawaf.
Completing a Circuit at Hajar al-Aswad
Returning to Hajar al-Aswad marks one completed circuit. Begin the second circuit by performing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad as described earlier and saying “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. Say Allāhu akbar during Istilam in all subsequent circuits. You will perform Istilam eight times in total during Tawaf: once before starting and at the end of each of the seven circuits.
Continuity During Tawaf
Complete Tawaf continuously without breaks between circuits. However, if congregational prayer starts, join the prayer and resume Tawaf from where you stopped. The circuit does not need to be repeated. This rule also applies if you need to redo Wudhu.
Completing Seven Circuits and Salah
Continue in the same manner until you complete seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the start and end of Tawaf is highly emphasized Sunnah; Istilam in the other six instances is desirable.
If you are in Idtiba’, cover your shoulder with your Ihram after completing the seven circuits.
Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)
After Tawaf, perform two Rak’ahs of Salah, preferably where Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. However, due to crowding around Maqam Ibrahim within the Mataf, praying there might cause congestion. If impossible, pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
While moving to your prayer spot, recite audibly:
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]
Recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) in the first Rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) in the second, after Surah al-Fatiha. Make abundant Du’a after completing the prayer.
Zamzam: Drinking Holy Water
Zamzam water readily available throughout Masjid al-Haram
After Salah and Du’a, drink Zamzam water to your fill. Zamzam is available throughout the Tawaf area and from fountains in Masjid al-Haram. The original well of Zamzam is now covered for more Tawaf space.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Before drinking, make Niyyah that it fulfills your wishes – good health, worldly success, or protection from grave tribulations. When drinking, stand facing the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to breathe three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body. Recite this Du’a after drinking:
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا ❁ وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا ❁ وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا ❁ وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Allāhumma innī as’aluka ʿilman nāfiʿa, wa rizqan wasiʿa, wa ʿamalan mutaqabbala, 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.
Make any other Du’a you wish, as this is another station where prayers are accepted.
Multazam: A Place for Heartfelt Supplications
The Multazam, between the Black Stone and the Kaaba Door
After Zamzam, proceed to the Multazam, the area between Hajar al-Aswad and the Kaaba door.
During Hajj season, Multazam is extremely crowded. At other times, it might be accessible.
If you can reach Multazam, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall, and press your chest and cheeks against it. This is a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and another station for accepted prayers, so lengthen your Du’a here.
If you cannot reach Multazam due to crowds, face it and supplicate from a distance.
Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwa
Main article: Sa’i
Performing Sa’i, walking seven laps between the hills of Safa and Marwa, is Sunnah to perform immediately after Tawaf, though a break is permissible if needed. Sa’i covers over three kilometers, so rest if tired before starting.
For Sa’i to be valid:
- Perform Sa’i personally.
- Be in Ihram before Sa’i.
- Remain in Ihram until Sa’i is completed.
- Perform Sa’i at its correct time (after Tawaf).
- Start at Safa and finish at Marwa.
- Perform Sa’i after Tawaf.
- Perform Sa’i on foot unless excused.
- Complete seven laps.
- Cover the full distance between Safa and Marwa.
Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad Before Sa’i
Before Sa’i, performing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time is Sunnah, making it the ninth Istilam (eight during Tawaf).
If you forget or cannot return to Hajar al-Aswad due to crowds or tiredness, you can omit this Istilam. Alternatively, you can perform Istilam from anywhere in Masjid al-Haram facing Hajar al-Aswad.
Proceeding to Safa
Sign indicating the direction to Safa hill
Proceed to the hill of Safa inside Masjid al-Haram, aligned with Hajar al-Aswad. Signs indicate its location. As you approach Safa, recite:
ِِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله
Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]
Then say:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.
I begin with that which Allah has begun with.
Recite these only once before starting Sa’i, not at the start of each lap.
The enclosed area of Safa hill for pilgrims
Du’a at Safa
Upon reaching Safa hill, face the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication, but not to your earlobes or gesturing towards the Kaaba like in Tawaf. Say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh), and send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
Recite this Sunnah 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 slave and defeated the Confederates alone.
Recite this Du’a three times, making your own supplications between each repetition, as was the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah.
Proceeding to Marwa and Running Between Green Lights
From Safa, walk towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you’ll find two sets of green fluorescent lights about 50 meters apart, marking the area where Hajar (Prophet Ibrahim’s wife) ran to reach higher ground. These markers are Milayn al-Akhdharayn (The Two Green Mileposts). Between these lights, men should run at a medium pace (Raml), while women walk normally.
Green fluorescent lights indicating the area for men to perform Raml in Sa’i
Dhikr and Du’a During Sa’i
No specific Dhikr or Du’a is prescribed for Sa’i. Recite any prayers, supplications of your choice, and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Du’a at Marwa
Upon reaching Marwa hill, face the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication, and repeat the same Du’as you recited at Safa.
This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning to Safa is the second lap.
Completing Sa’i, Du’a, and Salah
Repeat the process until you complete seven laps, ending at Marwa hill.
Sign indicating the end point of Sa’i at Marwa hill
Make a final Du’a at Marwa and perform two Rak’ahs of Nafl Salah in Masjid al-Haram after Sa’i.
Leaving the Haram
As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite this Du’a, following the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah when leaving the mosque:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.
Halq or Taqsir: Concluding Ihram
After Sa’i, you must perform Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (trimming the hair by at least an inch) to exit Ihram and complete Umrah. For men, shaving the head completely (Halq) is more virtuous. Women only perform Taqsir (hair trimming).
Licensed barbershops are available in Makkah, open 24/7, usually closing only during prayer times. Many barbershops are located in Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex, and al-Safwa Towers. Barbers are also often found outside the Marwa gate after Sa’i.
You can also shave or trim your own hair to exit Ihram.
Congratulations on completing your Umrah!
You are now free from Ihram restrictions and can change into regular clothing. If you plan to perform another Umrah, you must travel outside the Haram boundary to re-enter Ihram. Masjid Aisha is the nearest and most convenient location for re-entering Ihram, with taxis readily available near Masjid al-Haram.
