Performing Umrah for the first time can feel overwhelming, so many rituals, so much to remember, and so much riding on getting it right. The good news is that Umrah is simpler than it looks. It comes down to four clear steps performed in order, and once you understand each one, the whole journey becomes calm and meaningful. This guide walks you through how to perform Umrah step by step, from entering Ihram to the final trim of your hair, with the duas, the common mistakes to avoid, and the practical planning you need as a pilgrim travelling from the USA.
The 4 steps of Umrah at a glance
- Ihram: enter the sacred state before the Miqat: make ghusl, form your intention (niyyah), and recite the Talbiyah.
- Tawaf: circle the Kaaba seven times, beginning at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
- Sa’i: walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Halq or Taqsir: shave (men) or trim (women) the hair to leave Ihram. Your Umrah is complete.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is often called the “lesser pilgrimage.” The word comes from the Arabic i’timar, meaning “to visit.” It is a visit to the Sacred House of Allah, the Kaaba, in Makkah, and it can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which falls on fixed days in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah traces the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail, and it was perfected by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ taught that one Umrah to the next is an expiation for whatever comes between them, which is why so many Muslims cherish the chance to perform it.
If you are weighing up the two pilgrimages, our guide on the key differences between Umrah and Hajj explains obligation, timing and rituals in plain terms.
Before you go: visa, permit and health
Before the rituals begin, there is some preparation to complete. As of 2026, pilgrims travelling from the United States generally enter Saudi Arabia on a Saudi visa (either the tourist eVisa or a dedicated Umrah visa) and must register for an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk platform. A meningococcal ACWY vaccination is mandatory and should be taken at least ten days before you travel. Because Saudi entry rules change from year to year, always confirm the current requirements before booking, our detailed breakdown of Umrah visa requirements for US citizens is kept up to date for exactly this reason.
Good to know: the simplest rou
te for most first-time pilgrims is a package that handles the visa, Nusuk permit, flights and hotels for you. See our Umrah packages from the USA if you would rather leave the logistics to a trusted team.
Step 1: Enter the state of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state of purity and dedication, and it is where Umrah truly begins. There are three parts to entering it correctly: preparing your body, making the intention, and reciting the Talbiyah, all before you cross the Miqat (the boundary point where entering Ihram becomes necessary).
Prepare and dress
Trim your nails, remove unwanted hair, and make ghusl (a full bath); if that is not possible, at least perform wudu. Men then wear the two white unstitched sheets of Ihram; women may wear ordinary modest clothing, as there is no fixed Ihram dress for them beyond covering properly. Apply perfume to your body (not the cloth) before entering Ihram, but not after.
Make your intention and recite the Talbiyah
Form the niyyah (intention) for Umrah in your heart, then begin the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.” Men recite it aloud; women say it softly. Repeat it often on your way to Makkah.
Once in Ihram, certain actions are restricted. For the full list of do’s and don’ts, and what to do if a rule is broken, read our dedicated guide on how to enter Ihram correctly.
Step 2: Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba
When you reach Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot and make dua as you first set eyes on the Kaaba. Then begin Tawaf: circling the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise.
- Start each circuit at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Keep the Kaaba on your left and complete seven full circuits.
- For the first three circuits, men perform Ramal (a brisk walk) with the right shoulder uncovered (Idtiba).
- Make dua and dhikr freely throughout.
After Tawaf, pray two rak’ah behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can, then drink Zamzam. For a deeper walkthrough, see how to perform Tawaf correctly.
Step 3: Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail and the miracle of Zamzam.
- Begin at Safa, face the Kaaba, and make dua.
- Safa to Marwah is the first circuit, Marwah to Safa the second, until you complete seven, ending at Marwah.
- Between the two green markers, men walk briskly; women walk normally.
Read the full method and story in Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (leaving Ihram)
Finally, cut the hair. Men shave (Halq) or trim evenly (Taqsir); shaving carries greater reward. Women trim about a fingertip’s length from the ends. With this, Ihram ends and your Umrah is complete.
Duas at every step: we have gathered the authentic supplications, in transliteration and English, in duas for Umrah.
Common mistakes beginners make
The most frequent slip-ups are crossing the Miqat without Ihram, breaking Ihram restrictions by accident, losing count during Tawaf or Sa’i, and starting Tawaf from the wrong point. We cover each, and how to fix it, in common Umrah mistakes and how to avoid them.
Umrah for women: what is different
The rituals are the same, with a few differences: modest clothing instead of a fixed Ihram dress, the Talbiyah recited softly, no Ramal, and delaying Tawaf during menstruation. See our full guide to Umrah for women.
How long does Umrah take, and when should you go?
The rituals take a few hours, but most pilgrims plan seven to fourteen days across Makkah and Madinah. Plan your dates with the best time to perform Umrah, and browse our Umrah packages, from affordable options to luxury stays near the Haram.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four steps of Umrah?
Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir, performed in that order.
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
The rituals take about two to four hours; most trips run seven to fourteen days.
Can beginners perform Umrah without a guide?
Yes, though many first-timers prefer a guided package for visa, permit, hotels and support.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory once and on fixed dates; Umrah is recommended and can be done any time.
Do US citizens need a special visa for Umrah?
They travel on a Saudi visa with a Nusuk Umrah permit and mandatory ACWY vaccination; confirm current rules before booking.
Conclusion
From the first Talbiyah at the Miqat to the final cut of hair after Sa’i, every step of Umrah is a chance to draw closer to Allah. Learn the four steps, prepare well, and may your Umrah be accepted.
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