What is Umrah?
Umrah is the visit to the Sacred House in Makkah: ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, then shaving or trimming the hair. Here is what it means and how it is done, from the ministry’s Umrah guide.
The meaning of Umrah
“Umrah is the worship of Allah through entering ihram, performing Tawaf around the Sacred House, then Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and ending with release from ihram by shaving or trimming the hair.”
The ministry describes it as one of the most virtuous acts of worship, in which the pilgrim turns heart, tongue and body to Allah by visiting His Sacred House, seeking His forgiveness and pleasure.
How Umrah is done, in short
- At the miqat: men put on the izar and rida; women wear any modest clothing that is not for adornment. Make the intention for Umrah and avoid the prohibitions of ihram.
- Recite the Talbiyah.
- Perform seven rounds of Tawaf around the Kaaba, keeping it on your left, from the Black Stone back to it.
- Pray two rak‘ahs, behind the Station of Ibrahim if possible.
- Walk seven trips of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
- Men shave or trim their hair; women cut a fingertip’s length. Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram end.
The virtues of Umrah
It removes poverty and sins
“Alternate between Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins just as the bellows removes impurities from iron, gold and silver. The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but Paradise.”
It expiates sins between one Umrah and the next
“From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for what is between them.”
When can you do Umrah?
Umrah can be done on any day of the year. Once you have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia you may perform Umrah, but to avoid crowding you must get an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before going to Makkah or the Grand Mosque.
Umrah and Hajj
- Tamattu‘: someone who intends Hajj first enters ihram for Umrah only, during the months of Hajj, completes it and leaves ihram, then enters ihram for Hajj on 8 Dhul Hijjah.
- Qiran: entering ihram for Umrah and Hajj together in one ritual.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What does Umrah mean?
In the ministry’s words, Umrah is the worship of Allah through entering ihram, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and release from ihram by shaving or trimming the hair.
Can Umrah be done at any time of the year?
Yes, on any day of the year. You need an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before going to Makkah or the Grand Mosque.
What are the steps of Umrah?
Ihram at the miqat with the Talbiyah, seven rounds of Tawaf, two rak‘ahs, seven trips of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, then shaving or trimming the hair.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Hajj is on set days of Dhul Hijjah with rites in Mina and Arafat; Umrah can be done any day and its rites take a few hours.
Where is Umrah performed?
In Makkah. Umrah is the visit to the Sacred House: Tawaf around the Kaaba, then Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. You need an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before going to Makkah or the Grand Mosque.
We quote the ministry guide and do not issue rulings. For questions of fiqh, ask a qualified scholar.