Umrah Rites Step by Step

What Is Umrah and What Rites Does It Include?

Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah, distinct from the obligatory Hajj. It is classified as Sunnah Mu'akkadah (strongly recommended) by the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, and as Wajib once in a lifetime by the Shafi'i and Maliki schools. Umrah consists of 4 rites performed sequentially inside Masjid al-Haram and can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which is restricted to specific days of Dhul Hijjah. Saudi Arabia received 13.5 million Umrah pilgrims in 2023, with a Vision 2030 target of 30 million annually. Umrah is distinguished from Hajj by the absence of 8 Hajj-specific rites — Wuquf at Arafah, Muzdalifah overnight stay, Rami al-Jamarat, Qurbani (sacrifice), and others.

How Many Rites Does Umrah Consist of?

Umrah consists of exactly 4 obligatory rites — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir. All 4 are classified obligatory at different legal ranks (Rukn, Wajib, or Fard) depending on the school of jurisprudence. Voluntary acts performed within the Umrah visit — such as the 2-rakat prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, Multazam supplication, or drinking Zamzam — are strongly recommended Sunnahs but do not alter the rite count. A pilgrim who performs all 4 rites in the correct sequence has completed a valid Umrah regardless of duration, pace, or crowd conditions.

What Is the Legal Status of Each Umrah Rite?

Each of the 4 rites carries a specific legal rank that determines whether its omission invalidates the Umrah entirely or triggers a compensatory dam (blood sacrifice).

What Is the Correct Order of Umrah Rites?

The fixed sequence is: Ihram → Tawaf → Sa'i → Halq or Taqsir. This sequence is established by the Prophet's (ﷺ) Farewell Umrah recorded in Sahih Muslim 1218 and Quran 2:196. Reversing any two adjacent rites invalidates the reversed rite. Performing Sa'i before Tawaf renders the Sa'i invalid — it must be repeated after a valid Tawaf. Performing Halq or Taqsir before Sa'i constitutes a premature exit from Ihram and requires a dam, while the Sa'i must still be completed.

Rite 1: Ihram — How Does a Pilgrim Enter the Sacred State?

Ihram is the first and foundational rite of Umrah. A pilgrim enters Ihram by wearing the prescribed garments, declaring the Niyyah (intention), and reciting the Talbiyah at or before the Miqat. Upon reciting the Talbiyah, 14 specific acts become prohibited and remain so until Halq or Taqsir is performed. Men wear 2 unstitched white garments — the Izar (lower wrap) and the Rida (upper wrap). Women wear regular modest Islamic clothing covering the entire body except the face and hands. The Ihram state remains in force continuously from the Talbiyah until Halq or Taqsir marks its conclusion.

What Preparations Are Required Before Entering Ihram?

Four preparatory acts are performed before Ihram: (1) Ghusl — a full ritual bath classified as Sunnah Mu'akkadah, established by Sahih Muslim 1209; this applies to all pilgrims including menstruating women. (2) Apply permissible perfume to the body only — before Ihram garments are worn; perfume must not touch the garments themselves. (3) Wear Ihram garments — men don Izar and Rida; women put on regular full-covering Islamic attire. (4) 2-rakat Sunnah prayer — optional; may be skipped if on an aircraft or if prayer is not possible.

Where Must a Pilgrim Enter Ihram?

Ihram must be entered at or before the Miqat corresponding to the pilgrim's direction of approach. The 5 Miqat stations are: Dhul Hulayfah (450 km — for pilgrims from Madinah and the north), Al-Juhfah / Rabigh (182 km — for pilgrims from Syria and Egypt), Qarn al-Manazil (75 km — for pilgrims from Najd and the east), Yalamlam (54 km — for pilgrims from Yemen and the south), and Dhat Irq (94 km — for pilgrims from Iraq). Air pilgrims must enter Ihram on the aircraft at the Miqat boundary — NOT after landing at Jeddah airport, which is inside the Miqat zone. Makkah residents and those already inside the Miqat zone enter Ihram from the Hill zone (Tan'im / Masjid Aisha at 7.5 km, Ji'ranah at 22 km, or Al-Hudaybiyyah at 20 km). Passing the Miqat without Ihram requires returning to it or paying a dam of 1 sheep.

How Does a Pilgrim Enter Ihram at the Miqat?

Three sequential acts constitute the entry into Ihram: (1) Niyyah — declare the intention: "Allahumma labbayka Umrah". (2) Talbiyah — recite the declaration of response to Allah's call; men recite aloud, women at a low voice audible to themselves only. (3) Observe the 14 Ihram prohibitions continuously from this moment until Halq or Taqsir.

What Are the Ihram Prohibitions?

The 14 Ihram prohibitions apply from Talbiyah until Halq or Taqsir. Men only (4): covering the head, wearing stitched clothing, closed footwear above the ankle, applying perfume. Women only (2): wearing Niqab (face veil), wearing gloves. Both men and women (8): cutting hair, clipping nails, applying perfume, sexual relations with spouse, contracting Nikah, hunting land animals, sexual foreplay, and cutting trees inside the Haram boundaries. Comfort violations (head covering, stitched clothing, perfume, hair, nails) require a fidya — the pilgrim chooses: fast 3 days, feed 6 poor persons, or sacrifice 1 sheep. Major violations (sexual foreplay, hunting, Nikah) require a dam of 1 sheep slaughtered inside the Haram.

Rite 2: Tawaf — How Does a Pilgrim Circumambulate the Kaaba?

Tawaf is 7 complete counterclockwise circuits inside Masjid al-Haram, performed with the Kaaba on the pilgrim's left throughout all 7 circuits. Every circuit begins and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). The pilgrim must be in a state of Wudu for Tawaf — this is a validity condition for Tawaf (unlike Sa'i, where Wudu is only recommended). Tawaf is classified as Rukn in the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, and as Fard in the Hanafi school; omission invalidates the Umrah in all 4 schools. The Mataf (circumambulation area) has a capacity of approximately 130,000 pilgrims per hour following the post-2016 expansion.

How Many Circuits and Where Does Tawaf Begin?

Exactly 7 circuits (Ashwat). Every circuit begins at the Hajar al-Aswad — the black meteorite of approximately 30 cm diameter, set 1.5 m above the Mataf floor in the eastern corner of the Kaaba inside a silver frame placed in 683 CE. The starting point is marked by a green LED strip on the Mataf floor. A circuit begun at any other corner of the Kaaba is invalid. If the circuit count is in doubt, apply the lower certain number: unsure between 5 and 6 circuits — assume 5 and perform 2 more.

What Is Idtiba and Who Performs It?

Idtiba is placing the Rida (upper wrap) under the right armpit so the right shoulder is fully uncovered for all 7 circuits. Idtiba is performed by men only, maintained throughout all 7 Tawaf circuits. It is not maintained during the 2-rakat prayer at Maqam Ibrahim — men restore the Rida to cover both shoulders before the prayer. Women keep both shoulders covered throughout all 7 circuits. Idtiba is a Sunnah; omitting it incurs no dam.

What Is Raml and Which Circuits?

Raml is brisk short-stepped walking performed by men only during circuits 1, 2, and 3 only. Women maintain a steady moderate pace throughout all 7 circuits. Raml is a Sunnah — omission incurs no dam. It is established by the Prophet (ﷺ) (Bukhari 1602) and is performed only in Tawaf al-Umrah and Tawaf al-Qudum. Raml is not performed in: Tawaf al-Ifadah, Tawaf al-Wada (farewell Tawaf), or voluntary Tawaf.

What Is Said at Hajar al-Aswad and Rukn al-Yamani?

At the Hajar al-Aswad (at the start of each of the 7 circuits): say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" while kissing the stone, or — if kissing is impossible due to crowds — gesture toward it with both hands raised to shoulder height. At Rukn al-Yamani (the southwestern corner): touch it with the right hand and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" without raising hands; do not gesture toward it — touching only. Between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad (the final stretch of each circuit), recite Quran 2:201. For the remainder of each circuit, engage freely in Dhikr, Quran recitation, or personal Du'a.

What Is the 2-Rakat Prayer After Tawaf?

Immediately after completing circuit 7, the pilgrim performs a 2-rakat prayer at Maqam Ibrahim — the stone monument located approximately 11 metres from the northeastern face of the Kaaba. This prayer is classified as Wajib by the Hanafi school (dam required if omitted) and as Sunnah Mu'akkadah by the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. In the first rakat, recite Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109); in the second rakat, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). If Maqam Ibrahim is inaccessible due to crowds, the prayer may be performed anywhere inside Masjid al-Haram. After the prayer, it is Sunnah to drink Zamzam water before beginning Sa'i (Sahih Muslim 1218).

Rite 3: Sa'i — How Does a Pilgrim Walk Between Safa and Marwah?

Sa'i is 7 brisk circuits between Safa and Marwah inside the Mas'a corridor of Masjid al-Haram. Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah, performed immediately after Tawaf and the 2-rakat prayer. It commemorates Hajar's 7 urgent trips searching for water for her infant Ismail — which ultimately produced the Zamzam well beneath his feet. Each one-way circuit measures 394.5 metres; total Sa'i distance is approximately 2.76 km. Sa'i is the only Umrah rite that does not require Wudu for validity — performing Sa'i in a state of minor ritual impurity is valid by consensus of all 4 schools, though Wudu is recommended.

How Many Circuits and Where Does Sa'i Begin?

Exactly 7 circuits. Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah. Each one-way trip is counted as 1 circuit. Circuits 1, 3, 5, and 7 end at Marwah; circuits 2, 4, and 6 end at Safa. Starting at Marwah instead of Safa makes the first circuit invalid — only 6 valid circuits will remain, requiring one additional Safa-to-Marwah circuit. Stopping after circuit 6 at Safa means Sa'i is incomplete by one circuit.

What Is Harwala and Who Performs It?

Harwala is brisk jogging between the two green fluorescent light markers located in the middle of the Mas'a corridor — a zone of approximately 50 metres. Harwala is performed by men only, in all 7 circuits. Women walk at a steady pace through the Harwala zone and throughout all 7 circuits. Harwala is a Sunnah and not a validity condition — walking through it due to crowds or physical limitation incurs no violation or dam. The Harwala zone marks the low-lying hollow where Hajar lost sight of Ismail as she ran faster (Bukhari 3364).

What Is Recited at Safa and Marwah?

At both Safa and Marwah, before beginning each circuit, pilgrims face the direction of the Kaaba, raise both hands to shoulder height, and recite the full Tawhid declaration 3 consecutive times (Sahih Muslim 1218, Jabir ibn Abdillah RA), making personal Du'a between each repetition. On the first circuit only, recite Quran 2:158 — "Inna al-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah" — upon approaching Safa.

Rite 4: Halq or Taqsir — How Does a Pilgrim Exit Ihram?

Halq or Taqsir is the 4th and final rite of Umrah. The pilgrim exits Ihram by performing either Halq (complete head shaving) or Taqsir (trimming at least 1 finger-length, approximately 2.5 cm, from all sections of the head). No verbal declaration is required — the act itself IS the Ihram exit. This rite must be performed after completing Sa'i. Performing Halq or Taqsir before Sa'i constitutes a premature Ihram exit and requires a dam, while Sa'i must still be completed. Professional barbers are available at designated stations inside and around Masjid al-Haram during all hours of peak Umrah season.

What Is the Difference Between Halq and Taqsir?

Halq is the complete shaving of all hair on the head using a razor — no section may be left unshaved. Taqsir is shortening the hair by at least 1 finger-length from the ends of all sections across the entire head — partial trimming of only one section is not valid Taqsir. Halq is for men only — women must not shave their heads; it is prohibited for women. Taqsir is valid for both men and women. A woman gathers her full hair and cuts 1 finger-length from the unified ends (no section-by-section division required).

Which Is More Rewarded: Halq or Taqsir?

Halq is more rewarded than Taqsir for men. The Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated for those who shave their heads three times and for those who trim once (Bukhari 1727): "O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads" (repeated 3 times), then "And on those who trim" (once). This 3:1 ratio forms the Islamic legal basis for declaring Halq superior in reward. Taqsir is equally valid — both complete the Umrah — but the triple supplication establishes Halq's greater virtue. A man who shaves only part of his head has performed neither valid Halq nor valid Taqsir.

What Becomes Permitted After Halq or Taqsir?

ALL 14 Ihram prohibitions become immediately permitted at the moment Halq or Taqsir is complete — including perfume, stitched garments, nail clipping, and sexual relations with the spouse. The Ihram exit is instantaneous — no additional declaration, prayer, or ritual is required. Men immediately change out of the Izar and Rida into regular clothing. Women put on their regular garments, including Niqab and gloves if they ordinarily wear them. The pilgrim returns to the ordinary lawful state. Umrah is complete.

What Happens After All 4 Umrah Rites Are Completed?

Upon completing Halq or Taqsir, the pilgrim is in full Ihram exit — free to eat, apply perfume, wear regular clothing, and resume all daily activities. The completed Umrah expiates all minor sins accumulated since the pilgrim's previous Umrah, as established in the authenticated hadith:

Five recommended post-Umrah acts:

1. Drink Zamzam water at the Zamzam station inside Masjid al-Haram
2. Perform voluntary Tawaf (Nafilah) around the Kaaba
3. Visit the Multazam (the wall between the Kaaba door and the Hajar al-Aswad) for personal supplication
4. Spend additional time in Masjid al-Haram in voluntary prayer and Dhikr
5. If visiting Madinah: plan after Umrah — Madinah carries no Ihram requirement and can be visited before or after Umrah

How Long Does Umrah Take to Complete?

Under normal crowd conditions, all 4 Umrah rites take 2–3 hours. During Ramadan peak season with up to 2 million simultaneous pilgrims, the same 4 rites can take 6–8 hours due to crowd density around the Mataf and Mas'a. In off-peak months (Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal), the complete Umrah can be completed in under 90 minutes. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj operates a timed-entry slot system during Ramadan — pilgrims book 2-hour Tawaf windows through the Nusuk app to manage crowd flow and reduce wait times.

Can Umrah Be Performed Multiple Times in One Trip?

Yes — Umrah may be performed multiple times in a single trip. Each additional Umrah requires a new Ihram entry from the Miqat, or — for pilgrims already inside the Miqat zone — from the Hill zone. The Hill zone options accessible from Makkah are:

• Tan'im / Masjid Aisha — 7.5 km from the Kaaba; approximately 15 minutes by taxi (the most commonly used)
• Ji'ranah — 22 km east of Makkah
• Al-Hudaybiyyah — 20 km west of Makkah

The Prophet (ﷺ) directed Aisha (RA) to perform an additional Umrah from Tan'im (Bukhari 1556) — establishing multiple Umrahs per trip as a valid and established practice. Each Umrah independently expiates sins committed since the previous one (Bukhari 1773), providing a significant spiritual incentive for pilgrims on extended stays to perform additional Umrahs.

What Are the Conditions That Make Umrah Valid?

Umrah is valid when 6 conditions are satisfied. Violating any condition either invalidates the affected rite or triggers a specific remedy.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Made During Umrah?

Twelve common errors spanning all 4 rites — their rulings and remedies:

Frequently Asked Questions

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