One of the most spiritual trips every Muslim desire to perform once in their lifetime is the performance of Umrah. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of the year and comes with tremendous blessings pertaining to rewards. Thus, whether you are going to travel solo, with family, or via Umrah packages UK it is important to know every step before you go on this holy trip. Hereby, a step-by-step guide for pilgrims according to Sunnah is presented that explains each step in detail. Explained right from entering Ihram to accomplishing the rituals with devotion and sincerity.
Complete Guide for Performing Umrah According to Sunnah
Step1: Perform Ghusl:
Before entering the state of Ihram, take a bath, full-body purification. This shows physical and spiritual cleanliness. Men should cut their nails, shave any unnecessary hair, and apply perfume on their bodies (but not on the Ihram clothes). Women can perform the same purification without using perfume. These steps helps you start the journey in a state of cleanliness and purity.
Step 2: Enter the State of Ihram:
The first step of Umrah is to wear Ihram. It is a sacred state of purity and devotion to Allah. For ladies, this involves some specific preparations. If you book Umrah packages 2026 Ramadan then the agents will guide you. Before putting on Ihram, pilgrims must take a ritual shower for bodily and spiritual cleansing. The call for personal hygiene and clean clothes is because there will be much walking around and hours are spent inside the holy places. Pilgrims must wear modest comfortable clothes. For women, they should wear the abaya that covers their body except for face and hands. The fragrance is not allowed in Ihram, so it is better that you avoid perfumes.
Step 3: Make Niyyah (Intention):
Prepare yourselves, then make the intention of ‘Umrah from the Miqat-this is the boundary point designated for entering Ihram-sincerely to Allah:
“Labbayka ‘Umrah”-Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah.
This intention, therefore, makes the journey a sort of holy adoration.
Step 4: Recite the Talbiyah:
Then, immediately after making the intention, one should start reciting Talbiyah. Talbiyah is an act of your submission and devotion to Allah. It should be done as much as possible until one reaches in both holy cities.
Step 5: Tawaf:
Once you arrive in holy cities, perform all the rituals of Umrah. Now begin your next step which is Tawaf. Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right leg saying the supplication of entry to the masjid. When one look Kaaba for the first time, this is one of the most memorable moments of one’s life. The Tawaf starts at Black Stone. While men must bear their right shoulder and walk fast during the first three rounds, ladies are exempted from all these formalities.
They are not pushing or running but should walk calmly with modesty while performing Tawaf. And where possible, try to keep to the area for women. Each round starts and ends with the Black Stone, and during the walk, prayers and duas can be made silently or peacefully.
It does not need to be touched; try to touch your right hand on the Black Stone. Say Bismillah and Allahu Akbar at the time of touching the Black Stone.
And when you go to holy places like Maqam Ibrahim then you must pray. If the space is less, then pray in any part of the mosque.
Step 6: Sa’i:
After Tawaf and drinking Zamzam then perform Sa’i. It is an act of Prophet Ibrahim’s wife, in searching for water for her son. Now, at Safa facing the Kaaba, do your dua before you begin. Then walk towards Marwah. To walk seven times between them will complete the rite. From Safa to Marwah counts as one circuit and from Marwah back to Safa counts as another. The ladies are to walk at a normal pace. Sa’i represents patience, hope, and dependence on Allah alone. It is an inspiration derived from the very story of Hajar’s iman when faced with trials. After the seventh round, ending at Marwah, raise your hands for prayers and make sincere duas for yourself, your family, and the whole Muslim Ummah.
Step 7: Shaving or Trimming the Hair:
While for women, it is permitted only to cut a small portion of hair from every braid or lock, about an inch. This nevertheless covers the completion of Umrah. Renewal and purification mean that only the ends of hair need to be cut, as opposed to full head shaving by men.
Step 8: Exit Ihram:
When the haircutting is over, you do not need to stay in the state of Ihram. You can wear your normal clothes and use perfumes if you want. Here your Umrah is end which is a spiritual journey of devotion and closeness to Allah. It is recommendable to book Umrah packages from the UK in advance with any of the trusted Umrah travel agents. Book with whoever offers Umrah at the cheapest rates. This will help save money by making smooth arrangements. Most of the bundles will include visas, hotels, and transport.
- Ladies mainly prefer performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan to avail of multiple rewards.
- One must think about advance booking of Umrah packages 2026 Ramadan
- to get an economical price with comfortable accommodation.
- Be modest and comfortable. A breathable, modest outfit is important and take extra Abayas as you will stay for long hours at the mosque.
Besides this, protect the documents and avoid overcrowding when there are rituals on. Make dua and offer extra prayers for spiritual benefits during the pilgrimage.
