Umrah, also known as the lesser pilgrimage, holds immense importance for Muslims worldwide. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual act that offers believers the chance to seek forgiveness, purify their souls, and strengthen their relationship with Allah. The rituals of Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, making it accessible to Muslims from every corner of the globe.
This guide provides a complete overview of How to perform Umrah for Ladies and Men correctly, outlining each step and the associated supplications. In addition, we’ve included helpful resources such as Umrah Dua PDF files that pilgrims can download and keep with them during their journey for easy reference.
Understanding Umrah and Its Significance
The Arabic word Umrah means “to visit a populated place,” referring to the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah for worship. Muslims undertake this sacred journey to perform a series of rituals in the Masjid al-Haram, including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir.
While Hajj occurs once a year in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time, allowing Muslims to express their devotion whenever they are able. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the value of Umrah in several hadiths, one of which states:
“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Umrah Niyyah (Intention) and Dua
Before beginning Umrah, every pilgrim must make a sincere intention (Niyyah). The Niyyah is a declaration that the journey is undertaken solely for the sake of Allah’s pleasure and reward.
Below are some recommended duas (supplications) that pilgrims can recite when making their intention:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
“O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.”
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.”
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
The Niyyah marks the beginning of a pilgrim’s spiritual transformation, emphasizing devotion, humility, and obedience to Allah.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Umrah
Performing Umrah involves four major steps, each carrying its own spiritual meaning and purpose. Completing these rituals in the prescribed order is essential for the proper fulfillment of Umrah.
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
The first step in performing Umrah is entering the state of Ihram, a sacred condition that symbolizes purity, equality, and devotion. Before reaching the designated boundary known as the Miqat, pilgrims must prepare themselves accordingly.
For Men:
Men wear two simple, unstitched white cloths — one around the waist (Izar) and the other draped over the shoulders (Rida).
For Women:
Women wear modest clothing that fully covers the body except for the face and hands. There is no specific color requirement, but white is often preferred for its simplicity and purity.
Steps to Enter Ihram:
- Perform a complete bath (Ghusl) or ablution (Wudu).
- Apply perfume (for men only, before putting on Ihram).
- Offer two Rak’ahs of Salah, intending to enter Ihram.
- Make the Niyyah for Umrah as you approach the Miqat.
Recite the Talbiyah frequently:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You.
The constant recitation of Talbiyah signifies submission and readiness to fulfill the divine command.
Step 2: Tawaf al-Umrah (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
Upon reaching the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, pilgrims proceed to perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
How to Perform Tawaf:
- Begin at the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) corner, raising your right hand and saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Walk around the Kaaba seven times, maintaining a respectful pace.
- Men should perform the first three rounds briskly (known as Ramal).
- After completing the seven circuits, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Prophet Ibrahim) and offer two Rak’ahs of Salah if possible.
- Drink Zamzam water and make dua before moving to the next step.
Tawaf reflects the unity of the Muslim Ummah, as believers from all backgrounds gather to glorify Allah together.
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
After completing Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which commemorates the devotion of Hazrat Hajra (A.S), who ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water for her son, Prophet Ismail (A.S).
How to Perform Sa’i:
- Start at the hill of Safa and face the Kaaba, reciting the dua and raising your hands in supplication.
- Walk towards Marwah, completing one lap.
- Returning from Marwah to Safa counts as the second lap.
- Repeat this process until you complete seven rounds in total.
Men should lightly jog between the green markers, while women maintain a normal walking pace. Upon finishing Sa’i, express gratitude and make heartfelt duas for acceptance.
Step 4: Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq or Taqsir)
The final step of Umrah involves shaving or trimming the hair, symbolizing renewal and humility before Allah.
- For Men: Shaving the head (Halq) is considered more virtuous, but shortening the hair (Taqsir) is also permissible.
- For Women: Trim a small portion of hair, roughly the length of a fingertip, from each lock.
Once the hair is cut, pilgrims are released from the state of Ihram, marking the completion of Umrah.
Performing Umrah is a profound act of worship that renews a Muslim’s spiritual connection with Allah. By following these steps carefully—making the right intention, entering Ihram, performing Tawaf and Sa’i, and completing with Halq or Taqsir—pilgrims can fulfill their Umrah in accordance with the Sunnah.
To assist you further, GoTravel.pk provides easy access to Umrah Dua PDFs, travel arrangements, and expert visa assistance to ensure a seamless and rewarding pilgrimage experience.
May Allah accept your Umrah and bless your journey with peace, devotion, and forgiveness.
