How to perform Umrah for Ladies

Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” holds profound spiritual significance for Muslim women around the world. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah provides a sacred opportunity to seek forgiveness, purify the soul, and strengthen one’s faith and connection with Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, allowing Muslim women to embark on this spiritual journey whenever they are able.

This comprehensive guide explains How to perform Umrah for ladies, outlining every ritual, dua, and etiquette to help female pilgrims complete their pilgrimage with devotion, modesty, and ease.

Understanding Umrah and Its Spiritual Significance for Women

The Arabic word Umrah means “to visit a populated place,” referring to the sacred journey to Makkah to perform specific acts of worship in Masjid al-Haram. For women, this journey is not just about the rituals—it is also an act of humility, devotion, and obedience to Allah’s commands.

The rituals of Umrah include Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Taqsir (hair trimming), each carrying deep spiritual meaning. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.”  
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith highlights the immense reward and purification associated with Umrah, making it a cherished act of worship for Muslim women everywhere.

Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram for Women

The first stage of Umrah begins with entering the state of Ihram, a sacred condition that signifies purity and devotion. For women, Ihram does not involve wearing specific garments like men, but it emphasizes modesty, cleanliness, and simplicity.

Ihram Preparation for Ladies

• Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) or Wudu (ablution) before putting on Ihram.
• Dress modestly in clean, loose-fitting clothes that cover the entire body except for the face and hands. White or light-colored clothing is recommended for its simplicity and symbolism of purity.
• Avoid wearing makeup, perfume, or scented products.
• Offer two Rak’ahs of Salah with the intention of entering Ihram.
• Recite the Niyyah (intention) for 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.”

After making the intention, women should begin reciting the Talbiyah regularly:

“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. All praise and blessings are Yours, and so is the dominion.”)

Step 2: Performing Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba

Upon arriving at the Masjid al-Haram, women proceed to perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.

Steps to Perform Tawaf

• Begin at the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) corner, raise your right hand and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
• Walk calmly and reverently around the Kaaba seven times.
• Women are advised to maintain modesty and avoid pushing through crowded areas.
• After completing seven rounds, offer two Rak’ahs of Salah near Maqam Ibrahim (if space allows).
• Drink Zamzam water and make dua for forgiveness and blessings.

Tawaf symbolizes the unity of the Muslim Ummah—millions of believers circling the same sacred house, bound by their love and devotion to Allah.

Step 3: Sa’i – Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, women perform Sa’i, which commemorates the devotion and struggle of Hazrat Hajra (A.S), who ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah searching for water for her son, Prophet Ismail (A.S).

How to Perform Sa’i

• Begin at the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba, and make dua with raised hands.
• Walk from Safa to Marwah to complete one lap.
• Return from Marwah to Safa to complete the second lap.
• Continue until you complete seven laps in total.

Women should walk at a normal pace throughout and not run between the green markers, as this part of the ritual applies only to men.

After finishing Sa’i, women may pause to make personal supplications and thank Allah for granting them the honor of completing this beautiful act of worship.

Step 4: Taqsir – Trimming the Hair

The final step of Umrah for women is Taqsir, which signifies humility and renewal.

For Ladies

Trim a small portion of hair (approximately one inch) from the end of each lock. This act should be done carefully, ensuring that the hair is cut evenly from all sides. Shaving the head is not required or recommended for women.

Once this step is completed, the state of Ihram ends, and the Umrah is officially complete.

Spiritual Reflection and Practical Advice

Performing Umrah is a deeply emotional and transformative experience for Muslim women. It offers a chance to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus entirely on worship and self-reflection.

Here are some helpful tips for ladies:

• Always maintain modesty and composure during rituals.
• Carry a small dua booklet or download Umrah Dua PDFs from GoTravel.pk for easy reference.
• Stay hydrated, wear comfortable footwear, and avoid peak crowd times.
• Keep your intention pure and your heart focused on Allah’s remembrance.

For every Muslim woman, performing Umrah is a blessed milestone—a journey of spiritual purification, gratitude, and surrender to Allah’s will. By following these steps carefully—making the right intention, entering Ihram, performing Tawaf and Sa’i, and completing with Taqsir—you can fulfill your Umrah in accordance with the Sunnah and achieve immense spiritual reward.

May Allah accept your Umrah, grant you peace and forgiveness, and bless your journey with safety and blessings.