Umrah is a journey of the soul. As you step into the sacred lands of Makkah, you are not just crossing borders, but entering a divine space where the soul meets its Creator in humility and love.
This blessed journey is an invitation from Allah. It’s a chance to leave behind the noise of the world and walk toward Him with a heart full of hope, repentance, and devotion. Every step in Umrah, from donning the Ihram to the final dua, is a reminder that you are never alone; Allah is always near.
May this step-by-step guide help you perform Umrah with clarity, confidence, and a deep spiritual connection.
What to Pack for Umrah
Before we start the step-by-step Umrah guide, let’s make sure you’re well-prepared. The last thing you want during this sacred journey is to feel unprepared or forget something important.
Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure a smooth and worry-free pilgrimage.
1. Essential Documents
Keep these with you at all times:
- Passport
- Umrah visa
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmation
Tip: Carry photocopies and store digital copies on your phone or email, just in case.
2. Toiletries & Personal Care
While in Ihram, scented products are not allowed, so pack:
- Unscented soap and shampoo
- Unscented toothpaste and deodorant
- Toothbrush, wet wipes, and a comb
3. Medical Supplies
Your health is important. Make sure to carry:
- Your daily medications
- Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
- Painkillers, sanitizer, and a thermometer
- Extra face masks
4. Miscellaneous Items
These little items make a big difference:
- Universal power adapter
- Light snacks (biscuits, dates, nuts)
- A small Quran and Dua book
- A foldable prayer mat or sleeping mat
- A lightweight blanket for resting inside the mosque
Step-by-Step Umrah Process For First-Timers
If you’re performing Umrah for the first time, understanding each step clearly can ease anxiety and help you focus on the spiritual side of the journey. This Ihram and Tawaf guide will walk you through the entire Umrah process in simple terms, ensuring you’re spiritually and practically prepared every step of the way.
1. Enter the State of Ihram at the Meeqat
The very first step is to enter the state of Ihram, which marks the beginning of your Umrah. Before reaching the Meeqat, pilgrims should take a full bath (ghusl), trim their nails, and wear clean Ihram clothes.
For men, this means two white, unstitched pieces of cloth. Women can wear any modest dress that fulfills Islamic conditions.
2. Recite the Talbiyah Continuously
After entering Ihram, begin reciting the Talbiyah, a powerful chant declaring your submission to Allah.
It goes:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak.”
This is a declaration of your arrival for Allah’s service. Continue repeating this with focus and sincerity while traveling toward Makkah. Men are encouraged to recite it aloud, while women should do so softly.
3. Enter Masjid Al-Haram Respectfully
When you reach Masjid Al-Haram, the sacred mosque in Makkah, enter it calmly and respectfully. Use your right foot to step inside and say the entrance dua. Lower your gaze and let your heart feel the weight of being in the holiest site in Islam. Avoid loud voices and unnecessary conversations.
This moment can be overwhelming, so take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are standing in one of the most blessed places on Earth.
4. Approach the Ka’bah and Begin Your Tawaf
After entering the mosque, walk toward the Ka’bah with humility. Begin your Tawaf by circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. Tawaf is one of the central rituals of Umrah and should be performed with deep focus and sincerity.
Start from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Raise your right hand and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar,” even if you cannot touch the stone.
5. Pray Two Rakats Near Maqam Ibrahim
After completing Tawaf, move slightly behind Maqam Ibrahim, a glass enclosure that holds the stone where Prophet Ibrahim stood while building the Ka’bah. Pray for two Rakats here if space allows. Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second, if you can.
If it’s too crowded, you may pray elsewhere inside the mosque. What matters is sincerity and devotion.
6. Drink Zamzam Water
Next, proceed to drink Zamzam water, available at various dispensers inside the mosque. Drink it while facing the Ka’bah and make dua for your needs. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for,” so take this moment seriously.
7. Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Now, it’s time for Sa’i to walk seven times inside the mosque complex between Safa and Marwah. Begin at Safa, face the Ka’bah, raise your hands, and make dua. Then, start walking toward Marwah.
Men are required to walk briskly between the green lights; women may walk normally. Each round counts as one from Safa to Marwah or Marwah to Safa. Complete seven rounds, ending at Marwah. While walking, you may recite supplications or remain silent in reflection.
8. Shave or Trim the Hair
Once Sa’i is complete, the last step of Umrah is to remove your hair as a sign of humility and submission. Men should shave their heads or trim all over. Shaving is more rewarding, but trimming is acceptable.
Women should cut a fingertip’s length (around 1 inch) from the ends of their hair. This act symbolizes purification and a fresh start.
At this stage, you’ve almost completed all the essential steps for Umrah.
9. Exit the State of Ihram
After cutting your hair, you are now officially out of the state of Ihram. You may resume normal activities like wearing stitched clothes, applying perfume, and other everyday tasks.
Take time to thank Allah for giving you the opportunity to complete this sacred act of worship.
Wrapping Up: A Spiritual Milestone Achieved
Completing Umrah is more than just a checklist of rituals. It’s a heartfelt journey of devotion, renewal, and nearness to Allah. Each step you take, from donning the Ihram to making your final dua, brings you closer to spiritual clarity and peace.
To make this sacred journey as smooth and focused as possible, consider booking Umrah packages from Dubai through Three N Travel & Tourism LLC. Ready to begin your spiritual journey? Contact our Umrah travel agency in Dubai today and take the first step toward a truly unforgettable Umrah experience.
