Step-by-Step: How to Perform Umrah (The Complete Rites)

Umrah is sometimes called the lesser pilgrimage, but there is nothing small about its reward or its meaning. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at almost any time of year, and its rites are beautifully simple once you understand them. This step-by-step guide walks you through the complete rites of Umrah — from entering the state of ihram to completing Sa'i and leaving ihram — along with the main supplications and practical advice for Nigerian pilgrims performing it for the first time.

This is a general guide to help you prepare and feel confident, not a replacement for learning from a knowledgeable scholar or an experienced group leader. Approach your Umrah with sincerity, patience and the correct intention, and the rest follows naturally.

Before You Begin: The Right Intention

Everything in Islam begins with intention, and Umrah is no different. Before you set out, purify your intention so that your journey is for the sake of Allah alone. Settle any outstanding debts and disputes where you can, seek forgiveness, and go with a humble, hopeful heart. Many pilgrims also make a point of praying for family and friends who asked to be remembered.

Step 1: Entering Ihram

Ihram is both a physical state and a spiritual one. Physically, men wear two pieces of plain white, unstitched cloth — one wrapped around the lower body, the other over the upper body — with sandals that leave the ankle bones exposed. Women have no special dress; they wear ordinary modest clothing, keeping the face and hands uncovered in the usual rulings while avoiding face veils and gloves in ihram, according to the guidance you follow.

Before entering ihram, it is recommended to prepare the body: trim the nails, remove unwanted hair, perform ghusl (a full ritual bath) if possible, and for men, apply fragrance to the body (not the ihram cloths) before entering the state. Once in ihram you must avoid certain things, including:

• Cutting hair or nails.
• Using perfume or scented products.
• Covering the head (for men) or the face (in the case described above for women).
• Hunting or harming living creatures.
• Marital relations and anything leading to them.
• Arguing, quarrelling or using bad language.

You enter ihram at or before the designated boundary known as the miqat. For pilgrims flying into Saudi Arabia, this is often done before landing — your group leader will tell you when. At this point you make the intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.

Step 2: Reciting the Talbiyah

From the moment you enter ihram, you recite the Talbiyah frequently, aloud for men and quietly for women. The words are: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa an-ni'mata laka wa al-mulk, la sharika lak — "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner." Keep repeating it as you travel towards Makkah; it sets the heart in a state of readiness and devotion.

Step 3: Entering the Masjid al-Haram and Tawaf

On reaching the Masjid al-Haram, enter if possible with your right foot, making the recommended supplications for entering a mosque, and approach the Kaaba with reverence. The first rite is Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, beginning and ending at the corner of the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad).

Each circuit starts at the Black Stone. If you can reach it, you may kiss or touch it; if not — and it is usually extremely crowded — simply point towards it with your right hand and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar, then continue. You do not need to push or endanger yourself to touch it. Men are encouraged to perform a brisk walk (raml) in the first three circuits where possible, and to uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) throughout Tawaf.

There is no fixed supplication required during Tawaf; you may make du'a in your own words, recite Qur'an, or repeat remembrances of Allah. Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, many pilgrims recite: Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasanah, wa fi'l-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhab an-nar — "Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."

After completing the seventh circuit, cover your shoulder again and, if you can find space, pray two short units (rak'ahs) behind the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim), or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Then, if possible, drink from the blessed Zamzam water.

Step 4: Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah

The next rite is Sa'i — walking seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah, now enclosed within the mosque's walkway. This commemorates Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon them) searching desperately for water for her infant son Isma'il, a story of faith and trust in Allah.

Begin at Safa, where you may face the Kaaba and make du'a. Then walk towards Marwah; one trip from Safa to Marwah counts as one, and the return counts as the second, so seven trips end at Marwah. Men perform a light jog between the green markers (where it is safe to do so in the crowd); women walk throughout. There is no obligatory supplication for Sa'i — make du'a freely, remember Allah, and reflect on Hajar's patience and reliance on her Lord.

Step 5: Halq or Taqsir — Trimming or Shaving the Hair

The final rite of Umrah is cutting the hair. Men may either shave the whole head (halq), which carries greater reward, or trim it evenly all over (taqsir). Women trim only a small amount — about a fingertip's length — from the ends of their hair. Women do not shave.

With this step, your Umrah is complete. You exit the state of ihram, and all the restrictions that applied during ihram are lifted. It is a moment of quiet joy and gratitude — you have fulfilled the rites that millions long to perform.

After Umrah: Making the Most of Your Time

Completing the rites does not mean your spiritual work is over. Pilgrims usually spend their remaining days in Makkah returning to the Haram for the five daily prayers, performing additional voluntary Tawaf (a recommended act whenever you can), reading Qur'an, and making heartfelt du'a. Every prayer in the Masjid al-Haram carries immense reward, so use your time generously.

Most Nigerian pilgrims also travel to Madinah as part of the same trip. Although visiting Madinah is not a rite of Umrah, praying in Masjid an-Nabawi and sending salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is a cherished part of the journey for almost everyone. Treat Madinah with the same reverence and gratitude.

Practical Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

• Stay with your group. The crowds are vast; agree on meeting points and keep your group leader's number saved.
• Keep hydrated and rested. The exertion of Tawaf and Sa'i, especially in the heat, is real. Drink Zamzam, rest between rites, and do not overexert if you are elderly or unwell.
• Memorise a few key du'as but do not worry about reciting everything perfectly — sincere du'a in your own language is fully accepted.
• Be patient and gentle. Avoid arguments and pushing. Good character is part of the worship.
• Ask when unsure. A knowledgeable guide can answer questions on the spot, which is one reason travelling with an experienced group is so valuable for first-timers.

Performed with knowledge and sincerity, Umrah is a profound reset for the soul — a chance to seek forgiveness, renew your faith and return home lighter in heart. Learn the steps, prepare well, and let the experience itself do the rest.

When you are ready to perform Umrah, you can explore GoGlobia's Umrah packages with real departure dates, hotels close to the holy mosques, experienced group leaders and transparent inclusions. Our team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step of planning and booking — reach out whenever you are ready to begin your journey.