The Sunnah Way to Perform Umrah

The Sunnah way to perform Umrah rituals include certain actions and etiquettes to be followed. If you want to perform your Umrah by following the Sunnah way, you need to consider the following things:

Pre-Umrah Preparation

The preparation before you embark on your holy journey following the Sunnah way includes a list of things such as your intention, purification, ihram, perfume and Salah:

Declaring Pure Intention/ Niyyah:

First of all, you need to make a pure intention to perform Umrah with all your heart and devotion. This means that you fully declare your pure intention and your purpose and show full submission to Allah’s will.

Physical and Spiritual Purification:

As a Muslim, if you also wish to follow the Sunnah way, you need to make sure that you follow Prophet PBUH’s way of performing Umrah. You need to first make a pure intention and clear purpose of Umrah. Next, you take ghusl or bath, which include trimming of nails and removal of unwanted hair. Make sure to wear clean garments before you enter the mosque and proceed to perform Umrah rituals.

Entering Ihram:

Ihram for men are two clean pieces of white cloth that pilgrims wear when they go to perform Umrah whereas for women Ihram is their modest clothing that covers their bodies well. It is not just a piece of cloth but a state of observing humility before Allah. Pilgrims need to observe and enter ihram before they leave to perform Umrah rituals.

Applying Perfume:

It is the Sunnah of Prophet PBUH to apply perfume before you enter Ihram. If you want to follow the Sunnah way of performing Islamic rituals, make sure that you follow all the actions that the Prophet (PBUH) did.

Two Rakaat Salah before Umrah:

The Prophet PBUH used to perform two rakaat Salah after entering Ihram and before performing Umrah. If you wish to follow the Sunnah way, you can follow this action.

Entering Meeqat and Talbiyah

As a pilgrim, you enter your Ihram in the Sunnah way such that you enter Meeqat by saying the Talbiyah. The Talbiyah is recited repeatedly: “Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamda, wan-ni’mata, laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak”. The Talbiyah shows the pilgrims intentions to perform Umrah. Moreover, it is a Sunnah to be in the state of Wudu throughout your Umrah rituals.

Doing the Tawaf:

Tawaf is also known as the circumambulation of the Ka’aba. Pilgrims must enter Ka’aba in such a way that they enter with their right foot first inside the Holy Mosque and start reciting the holy supplication as you enter the Meeqat. Pilgrims perform seven rounds of Ka’aba in an anti-clockwise direction. It is also Sunnah to touch or kiss the Blackstone if possible while performing Tawaf. This circulating ritual means aligning one’s will with the will of Allah. After Tawaf, it is Sunnah to perform two rakaat Nawafal prayers if possible.

Performing the Sa’i ritual:

After performing the Tawaf comes the ritual of Sa’i. The Sa’i reminds us of the story of Hajar searching water for her son. This ritual also involves going to and fro between the mounts of Safa and Marwa completing seven circuits.

Drinking the Zamzam water:

It is not obligatory to drink Zamzam water nor is it a part of Umrah ritual, but if you want to follow the Sunnah way to perform Umrah, you may also drink the Zamzam water after performing Tawaf or Sa’i.

The Halq or Taqsir Ritual

The last step after performing the Sa’i ritual is the Halq or the Taqsir. The Halq for men is shaving the head whereas the Taqsir involves trimming your hair. For women, they can cut a small piece of their hair.

Exiting the state of Ihram

After completing all your essential Umrah rituals, you can leave the state of Ihram and carry on with your normal life activities. If you want to perform your Umrah rituals by following the Sunnah way, you can book all-inclusive Umrah Packages with Islamic Travel for a smooth and stress-free journey. Our Umrah Packages 2026 from UK are now open for bookings

Don’t worry about trying to feel super emotional when you are doing Umrah. What really matters is just being present, feeling that link with the Qur’an as you move through the rituals, and always coming back to why you made this journey in the first place.

Understanding Mindfulness Through the Qur’an

You’ll often find the Qur’an emphasising awareness, reflection, and consciousness. These ideas are the main part of what we now call “mindfulness.”

Allah says:

This is the Book! There is no doubt about it, a guide for those mindful of Allah. 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2)

Taqwa is not only about keeping yourself away from sins. It’s about living with constant awareness that Allah sees us and guides us.

In Surah Qaf (50:16), we are reminded that:

“Indeed, it is We Who created humankind and fully know what their souls whisper to them, and We are closer to them than their jugular vein.”

These verses are reminders to carry a sense of that Allah is aware of our every action, including Umrah. Whether you are planning your next spiritual journey from the UK or checking Umrah deals, remember that the true journey starts with true sincerity of heart.

Start with the Right Intention

You should set your intention clearly before you leave for Umrah. Because in Islam, we are judged by our intentions. This is not only a checklist trip. This is an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Having a clear intention to seek Allah’s pleasure will help you stay focused. You can even write it down and reflect on it daily during your journey.

Bringing Mindfulness Into the Rituals

Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

When you walk around the Kaaba, keep in mind that you are joining the flow that has been ongoing since Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Allah mentioned in the Quran:

And remember when We made the Sacred House a centre and a sanctuary for the people, saying, “˹You may˺ take the standing-place of Ibrahim as a site of prayer.” And We entrusted Abraham and Ishmael to purify My House for those who circle it, who meditate in it, and who bow and prostrate themselves ˹in prayer. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)

Focus on your own heart as it “circles” back to its true centre, Allah. Let go of distractions. You don’t need to say a thousand words. Just be conscious. Praise Allah, remember His names, and reflect on how everything in creation revolves around Him.

Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158), Allah says:

Indeed, the hills of Ṣafa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the ˹Sacred˺ House, let them walk between the two hills. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.

When you walk around Safa and Marwa just remember that Hajar’s (RA) search for water was not just a part of history. It’s a symbol of human effort and trust in Allah’s plan. You might get tired during this part, but this part of Umrah is a powerful reminder that the efforts that we make in His path are always seen. Allah always sees the patience of His servants and rewards them accordingly.

Drinking Zamzam

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah)

Try to drink slowly. Make dua. Just think about how Allah provides water in a desert for a woman and her baby. That same water continues to flow today. It’s a sign of Allah’s mercy.

How to Stay Mindful Practically

Sometimes it becomes difficult to stay focused when you are surrounded by thousands of people, managing heat, tiredness, and emotions. Here are a few practical ways:

• Try to read short Quranic verses on your phone or from a small pocket Quran during breaks. Focus on 2 to 3 verses at a time.
• Use dhikr to centre yourself: repeating “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” or “La ilaha illallah” keeps your tongue and heart active.
• Breathe slowly and reflect before each ritual. A 10-second pause can help reset your focus.
• Keep a small notebook or use a voice memo app to record your feelings linked to certain Quranic teachings.
• Recite or listen to the Qur’an while waiting in lines or during long walks.

Final Thoughts 

Umrah is not just the name of performing some rituals. It is more than a journey. It’s a way to return to Allah, and the Tarteel of Quran guides you, acting as your map along the path of spiritual growth. If you are planning your Umrah and looking for Umrah Packages from Birmingham try to engage your heart and mind through Quranic mindfulness. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need sincere presence. Allah sees our efforts and rewards on the basis of our intentions.