How to Make Umrah: The Ritual Order Explained Simply

If you are preparing for your first pilgrimage, understanding how to make Umrah in the correct order can make the experience much easier. Umrah involves several important acts of worship, and knowing what comes first, what comes next, and how the pilgrimage ends can help you prepare with confidence.

Unlike Hajj, Umrah can generally be performed throughout the year. The main rituals include entering Ihram, making the intention, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finishing with Tahallul.

This guide explains how do you perform Umrah in a simple step-by-step order, especially for first-time pilgrims.

What Is the Correct Order of Umrah?

The basic order of Umrah is:

Ihram → Intention → Talbiyah → Tawaf → Prayer → Sa’i → Tahallul

Each stage has its own requirements, so it is useful to understand them before travelling to Makkah.

Step 1: Prepare Before Entering Ihram

Before reaching the Miqat, make your preparations for Ihram.

Pilgrims should take care of personal hygiene and other preparations before entering the state of Ihram. Men wear the appropriate Ihram garments, while women wear suitable modest clothing according to Islamic requirements.

If you are travelling by air toward Makkah, you should be prepared to enter Ihram before crossing the relevant Miqat.

Planning this part in advance is particularly important because once you pass the Miqat, you should already have entered Ihram if Umrah is your intention.

Step 2: Enter the State of Ihram

Ihram is not simply the clothing worn by pilgrims. It also refers to the sacred state a person enters when intending to perform Umrah.

After making the necessary preparations, enter Ihram and observe its rules and restrictions.

Men wear two unstitched pieces of cloth. Women do not have a specific Ihram uniform and should wear modest clothing that meets the relevant requirements.

Step 3: Make the Intention for Umrah

After entering Ihram, make your intention to perform Umrah.

The intention is made in the heart. You then begin reciting the Talbiyah.

The Talbiyah is recited repeatedly while travelling toward Makkah and until you are ready to begin Tawaf.

This marks the beginning of your pilgrimage journey.

Step 4: Travel to Makkah

After entering Ihram, continue your journey toward Makkah.

Whether you arrive by plane, car, bus, or another form of transportation, remain mindful of the rules of Ihram throughout the journey.

If you have booked an Umrah travel package, your travel provider may arrange transportation and accommodation as part of the package.

Once you reach Makkah, organize your belongings and prepare to visit Masjid al-Haram.

Step 5: Perform Tawaf

One of the most important parts of learning how to make Umrah is understanding Tawaf.

Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction.

Begin from the area aligned with the Black Stone and complete seven circuits.

How to Perform Tawaf

Follow this simple sequence:

1. Start at the Black Stone area.
2. Face toward the Black Stone when beginning your circuit.
3. Walk around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction.
4. Complete one full circuit.
5. Continue until you have completed seven circuits.
6. Make Dua and remember Allah throughout Tawaf.

You do not have to recite a specific Dua for every individual circuit. You can make personal supplications and engage in Dhikr.

Be Patient During Tawaf

Masjid al-Haram can become extremely busy, especially during peak seasons.

Do not push other pilgrims or put yourself in danger trying to reach the Black Stone. If you cannot approach it safely, continue your Tawaf without forcing your way through the crowd.

The purpose is worship, so patience and consideration for others are important.

Step 6: Pray After Tawaf

After completing seven circuits, move away from the Tawaf area where possible.

Pilgrims traditionally perform two Rak’ahs after Tawaf. If the area near Maqam Ibrahim is crowded, you can pray in another suitable place within the mosque.

After the prayer, many pilgrims drink Zamzam water and make Dua.

You are then ready for the next major part of Umrah.

Step 7: Perform Sa’i

The next step in how do you do Umrah is Sa’i.

Sa’i is the walking between Safa and Marwah, following the tradition associated with Hajar (peace be upon her).

You begin at Safa and finish at Marwah after seven trips.

The count works as follows:

• Safa to Marwah — 1
• Marwah to Safa — 2
• Safa to Marwah — 3
• Marwah to Safa — 4
• Safa to Marwah — 5
• Marwah to Safa — 6
• Safa to Marwah — 7

Therefore, your seventh trip ends at Marwah.

What Should You Do During Sa’i?

You can make Dua, recite Dhikr, read from the Quran, or remember Allah during Sa’i.

Men traditionally walk briskly between the designated green markers, while women continue walking at their normal pace.

There is no need to rush. Focus on completing the ritual calmly and safely.

Step 8: Complete Tahallul

After completing seven trips of Sa’i, the final stage is Tahallul.

Tahallul means leaving the state of Ihram by shaving or cutting the hair.

For Men

Men can shave the entire head or shorten the hair. Shaving is generally regarded as more virtuous, while shortening is also valid.

For Women

Women generally cut a small amount from the ends of their hair.

After completing Tahallul, the Umrah is complete and the restrictions associated with Ihram come to an end.

How Do You Perform Umrah in One Simple Checklist?

If you want an easy checklist to remember before your journey, use this:

Before Miqat

• Prepare yourself for Ihram
• Wear appropriate Ihram clothing
• Make your intention
• Begin the Talbiyah

In Makkah

• Enter Masjid al-Haram
• Perform seven circuits of Tawaf
• Pray two Rak’ahs
• Drink Zamzam where possible
• Perform seven trips of Sa’i
• Complete Tahallul

This simple sequence can help first-time pilgrims remember the basic order.

How Long Does It Take to Make Umrah?

There is no fixed amount of time required to complete Umrah.

The duration can depend on crowd levels, walking speed, prayer times, accessibility, and other circumstances.

During busy periods such as Ramadan, the rituals may take longer because Masjid al-Haram can be significantly more crowded.

It is therefore wise to allow plenty of time rather than planning another activity immediately after completing Umrah.

What Should First-Time Pilgrims Know?

Knowing how to make Umrah is only part of preparation. Practical planning is also important.

Learn the Rules of Ihram

Understand the restrictions of Ihram before travelling. This can prevent accidental mistakes.

Keep Important Items Secure

Carry your passport, accommodation information, phone, money, and other essentials safely.

Stay Hydrated

Walking between different areas of the mosque and completing Sa’i can be physically demanding. Drink water regularly and take appropriate breaks.

Wear Comfortable Clothing Outside Ihram

You may spend considerable time walking during your trip, so comfortable and suitable clothing can make the journey easier.

Avoid Unnecessary Crowds

You do not need to rush through your rituals. Choose a suitable time when possible and follow current mosque guidance.

Ask a Qualified Scholar When Unsure

Questions about specific religious rulings can vary depending on circumstances and school of thought. If you are unsure about a particular issue, ask a qualified scholar or knowledgeable religious guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah

First-time pilgrims sometimes make avoidable mistakes because they are unfamiliar with the ritual process.

Some common issues include:

• Not preparing for Ihram before reaching the Miqat
• Losing track of the Tawaf count
• Rushing because of crowds
• Pushing other pilgrims
• Assuming every circuit requires a different Dua
• Forgetting that Sa’i starts at Safa
• Forgetting that the seventh trip finishes at Marwah
• Delaying Tahallul after completing Sa’i
• Not learning the rules of Ihram beforehand

Preparing in advance can make the experience considerably less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you perform Umrah for the first time?

A first-time pilgrim should enter Ihram before the appropriate Miqat, make the intention, recite the Talbiyah, perform seven circuits of Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs, complete seven trips between Safa and Marwah, and finish with Tahallul.

How do you do Umrah step by step?

The basic sequence is Ihram, intention, Talbiyah, Tawaf, prayer, Sa’i, and Tahallul.

Does Umrah start at the Kaaba?

The pilgrimage preparation begins before reaching Makkah. A person intending to perform Umrah must enter Ihram and observe the relevant requirements before crossing the appropriate Miqat.

How many rounds are required in Tawaf?

Seven complete circuits around the Kaaba are required for Tawaf.

How many trips are made during Sa’i?

Seven trips are made between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.

When is Umrah finished?

Umrah is completed after Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul. Once Tahallul is completed, the pilgrim leaves the state of Ihram.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make Umrah does not have to be complicated. The key is to remember the order of the rituals and understand what is required at each stage.

Prepare for Ihram before reaching the Miqat, make your intention, perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, complete Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finish with Tahallul.

With proper preparation, patience, and an understanding of the rituals, first-time pilgrims can approach their Umrah journey with greater confidence and focus on the spiritual purpose of the pilgrimage.