Many pilgrims, especially first-timers, worry about forgetting a step or getting the order wrong. In truth the acts of Umrah are few and clear: ihram, then tawaf, then sa'i, then shaving or trimming. Below they are set out in the order you will live them, each with a mistake people often make. Every situation has its own details, so ask a qualified scholar about anything you are unsure of.
Before you travel
- Check Umrah requirements for your dates through Nusuk and other official sources.
- Keep your ihram clothing in your hand luggage if you are flying.
- Arrange your airport pickup in advance so your first hour is not spent hunting for a car; see Jeddah airport taxi.
Step 1: ihram at the miqat
It is recommended to bathe and apply perfume to the body before ihram. Men then wear two unstitched cloths, a lower wrap and an upper sheet; women wear their normal modest clothing. On reaching or passing level with the miqat, make the intention for Umrah, saying "Labbayk Allahumma 'umrah", then recite the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak."
Watch out: if you are flying in, your aircraft passes the miqat before landing, so do not delay ihram until Jeddah airport. Passing the miqat without ihram when intending Umrah is a mistake to ask a scholar about.
Step 2: the road to Masjid al-Haram
Jeddah airport to Makkah is about 100 km, usually 60 to 75 minutes. Keep reciting the Talbiyah on the way. If you arrive exhausted, it is fine to rest at your hotel first while staying in ihram. For what to expect between landing and reaching the Haram, see our Jeddah Airport to Haram page.
Step 3: tawaf
- Make wudu before tawaf.
- Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba') for this tawaf.
- Start level with the Black Stone, keep the Kaaba on your left, and complete seven circuits, each ending at the Black Stone.
- Men are encouraged to walk briskly with short steps (raml) in the first three circuits, if possible without harming anyone.
- Supplicate freely. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone it is recommended to say: "Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
Watch out: there is no set prayer for each circuit, so do not let a booklet distract you from presence of heart. If you lose count, build on the lower number.
Step 4: two rak'ahs and Zamzam
After the seventh circuit, men cover the shoulder again. Pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can, otherwise anywhere in the mosque; it is recommended to recite Surat al-Kafirun and Surat al-Ikhlas. Then drink Zamzam water.
Step 5: sa'i between Safa and Marwah
- Go to Safa and, as you begin, recite "Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah", face the Kaaba and supplicate.
- Walk to Marwah; that is one lap. Walking back to Safa is a second lap.
- Men are encouraged to hurry between the two green markers.
- Complete seven laps, finishing at Marwah.
Watch out: a common mistake is counting there-and-back as one lap and ending up walking fourteen.
Step 6: shaving or trimming
Men shave the head, which is better, or trim hair from the whole head. Women trim a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. With that, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.
Watch out: snipping a few hairs from one side of the head is not sufficient according to many scholars.
After Umrah: getting around Makkah and beyond
Many pilgrims go on to Madinah, about 450 km away. Here are the most requested rides, fixed per car and paid on arrival:
| Ride | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah to Masjid Aisha (Taneem) | 90 SAR | 150 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Makkah to Masjid Jaaranah | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 400 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Makkah to Jeddah Airport | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
Other routes are in the taxi fare guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need wudu for sa'i?
Wudu is a condition for tawaf according to most scholars; for sa'i it is recommended but not required according to most.
Can I do tawaf on the upper floors?
Yes. Many older pilgrims prefer them because they are less crowded, though the distance is longer.
When is the best time to perform Umrah?
In busy periods many prefer after Fajr or late at night, when crowds are relatively lighter.
How long does Umrah take?
It varies a lot with crowds and fitness, from around two hours to several.
To book your rides: Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp (+966582918075) or the booking page.