Umrah is a journey of the heart. Whether it is your first time or you are returning, knowing what to expect helps you focus on worship instead of worry. This guide covers the journey step by step.
- Check your passport is valid six months beyond travel; we arrange your visa.
- Enter Ihram at or before the Miqat, make your intention and begin the Talbiyah.
- Tawaf: seven circuits of the Kaaba, starting at the Black Stone corner.
- Sa'i: seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, then shave or trim your hair.
- Spend time in Madinah: the Prophet's Mosque, the Rawdah and guided Ziyarat.
Your Umrah at a glance
Before you travel
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Your visa is arranged as part of your Yusrah package, and we confirm your flights, hotels and ground transportation before departure. In the weeks before you go, increase your prayers and reading about the rites, settle any debts and disagreements, and prepare your family at home. We hold pre-departure guidance for our groups so you leave confident.
Entering Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state you enter before performing Umrah, at or before the Miqat (the boundary points around Makkah). Men wear two white cloths; women wear their normal modest dress. Before entering Ihram, bathe, trim your nails, apply unscented care products, and make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah, then begin reciting the Talbiyah: ‘Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk...’
Tawaf: circling the Kaaba
On arriving in Makkah and settling into your hotel, you proceed to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf: walking around the Kaaba seven times, beginning at the Black Stone corner, keeping the Kaaba on your left. Pray as your heart moves you between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone. After Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs, ideally behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drink Zamzam water.
Sa’i: between Safa and Marwah
Next comes Sa’i: walking seven lengths between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail. Men move a little faster in the marked green-lit section. After completing the seventh length at Marwah, men shave or shorten their hair and women trim a fingertip’s length. With that, your Umrah is complete and you exit Ihram. Alhamdulillah.
Visiting Madinah
Most of our packages include time in Madinah, the city of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Pray in the Prophet’s Mosque, give salam at the Rawdah area as arranged, and join our guided Ziyarat tours to sites such as Mount Uhud, Quba Mosque and the Qiblatain Mosque.
Travel with a group you can trust
Yusrah Travels and Tours has guided more than 2,000 pilgrims since 2006, led by an Imam and Islamic scholar. Our packages include flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) or Lagos (LOS), visa processing, hotels near the Haram, ground transportation and guided Ziyarat tours. If you are planning Umrah, call us on (240) 601-1406 or email info@yusrahtravels.com. We would be honoured to guide you.
Questions and answers
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months beyond your travel dates. Your visa is then arranged as part of your Yusrah package.
What do women wear in Ihram?
Women wear their normal modest dress. Men wear two white cloths.
How many times do I walk around the Kaaba?
Seven times, beginning at the Black Stone corner and keeping the Kaaba on your left.
When is my Umrah complete?
After the seventh length of Sa’i at Marwah, once men shave or shorten their hair and women trim a fingertip’s length.
