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

Various Umrah Deals from the USA are available through licensed Umrah tour operators, making the pilgrimage convenient and pocket-friendly. If you’re in the USA, you can also find exclusive Umrah deals from Chicago, tailored to meet your travel needs. These packages are equally beneficial for pilgrims who are USA natives, ensuring a smooth spiritual journey.

Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

However, Hajj and Umrah are holier than the Mecca pilgrimage. Yet some differences still exist. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for every Muslim with assets and physical wealth. Umrah is a Sunnah deed of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but it is obligatory. Umrah is smaller in number and has a shorter duration. One has permission to have more frequent visitation.

Evolution of Umrah Rituals

Islamic scholars have established the practice of performing Umrah. Based on the Quran and Hadith of past centuries. The pilgrims should perform the rituals in cleanliness, modesty, and good decorum. This is a compulsory rule under Sharia law. 

Major Rituals of Umrah

The major steps observed for performing Umrah are:

1. Entering the State of Ihram

The pilgrims should be in the state of sacred purity known as Ihram and then approach the line of Miqat. That is, take a Ghusl (bath), put on plain white attire, and have the intention (niyyah) to carry out Umrah. It is not possible to carry out some activities when in Ihram. Such as perfuming, taking part in war, or copulation.

2. Carrying out Tawaf

When pilgrims reach the Mecca Grand Mosque, they make seven Tawaf in an anticlockwise direction around the Holy Kaaba. The Kaaba has to be on the left side throughout the process. Two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim can be performed as Sunnah after Tawaf. One’s sin is cleansed by touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner. This happens during Tawaf, as per one of the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH).

3. Sa’i

To-and-fro walking seven times between Marwa and Safa hills, within the Grand Mosque. This is in memory of Hagar (RA) to-and-fro walking looking for water for her young son, Ishmael (AS). This is in a quest that Zamzam spring erupted suddenly, an act of Allah’s (SWT) benevolence.

4. Halq or Taqsir

The last Umrah step is Halq or Taqsir, i.e., shaving the head. The step is a symbol of humility and spiritual rebirth and marks the culmination of the Umrah pilgrimage. Due to the step, the state of Ihram is lost.

Why Performing Umrah during Ramadan Matters

Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims and the Holy Quran’s revelation. Umrah that takes place during Ramadan is highly virtuous and spiritually rewarding. Carrying out Umrah in Ramadan is rewarded at the same level as the Prophet (PBUH), as a Hadith reward. For that reason, most Muslims undergo the pilgrimage during that holy month by seeking the services of a reliable Umrah tour operator.

Types of Umrah

Two principal types of Umrah, both time-wise and Hajj-wise:

1. Independent Umrah (Umrah al-Mufradah):

It is the most frequently performed Umrah. It may be undertaken at any time of the year except certain Hajj days in the Dhul Hijjah.

2. Enjoyment Umrah (Umrah al-Tamattu):

This Umrah is performed during Hajj time (Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and the beginning of Dhul Hijjah). As such, the pilgrims are planning to travel to the Hajj of the same year, too.

Tour of Medina During Umrah

A tour of Medina is not an Umrah ritual, but is recommended anyway. The pilgrims visit Medina after performing Umrah in Mecca. They recite the prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque), pray for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at his tomb, and pray supplication (Du’a) within the sacred grounds known as Rawdah. Pilgrimages to such holy sites add to the religious pilgrimage and also to the feeling of being a part of Islamic heritage.

Essentials for an Original Umrah Visa

You can get an Umrah Visa through Umrah and book it with approved tour operators or agents. An authentic Umrah travel agency may offer visa processing, accommodation, and travel. Others to allow the pilgrims would focus on the religious tour.

Conclusion: A Journey of Piety and Loyalty

It is a deed of obedience to Allah (SWT). It enables one to visit the Creator. Ask for forgiveness, and receive one’s belief reinforced by another pilgrim. Umrah pilgrimage or Ramadan, or nothing at all, the trip is very spiritual and expiatory by opting for the superior choice of authentic Umrah tour operators, visiting Umrah Deals 2025 from the USA, and procuring an appropriate Umrah Visa. You can perform your pilgrimage in a spiritual and rewarding manner. And pleasing Allah (SWT). Wishing your Umrah experience to be showered with blessings, self-knowledge, and spiritual enhancement.

Essential Duas to Recite During Your Umrah Journey

Before Departing for Umrah

As Muslims, we know that our intention determines our actions. So this sacred journey also begins with intention. Your intention( niyyah) should be clear and sincere. Even before you leave your home, making dua for a safe and accepted journey is very important.

Dua for Travel (Safar):

Subḥānal-ladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbinā lamunqalibūn.

Translation: “Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it by our efforts. And indeed, to our Lord, we will surely return.”

(Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:13–1)

You can also make personal duas.

Entering the State of Ihram

Before starting your Umrah, you must enter a religious state known as Ihram. Men need to wear two white unstitched clothes. And ladies need to dress modestly without covering their hands and faces.

Niyyah (Intention):

At the Miqat, make your intention:

Allahumma inni urīdu al-‘Umrata fa yassirhā lī wataqabbalhā minnī.

Translation: (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.)

Talbiyah :

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda wa ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

Translation: (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Truly, all praise, blessings and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.)

You should repeat the Talbiyah again and again until you begin your Tawaf.

Entering Masjid al-Haram and Seeing the Kaaba

Seeing Kaabah for the first time is the most important moment for every muslim because it is the time for sincere dua. It is one of the most powerful experiences during Umrah. Everyone keeps thinking to experience this moment just after getting their Umrah Visa. And many people are overwhelmed with emotions. 

Dua Upon Seeing the Kaaba for the first time:

Allāhumma zid hādhā al-bayta tashrīfan wa ta‘zīman wa mahabatan wa birran.

Translation: (O Allah, increase this House in honour, dignity, respect, and righteousness.

You can ask for anything you wish, whether it’s health, forgiveness, guidance, wealth or help in this world and the hereafter.

Performing Tawaf

You have to circle around the Kaabah seven times in a counterclockwise direction to perform Tawaf. This begins with (Hajar al-Aswad), the black stone.

Each time you pass the Hajar al-Aswad, say:

Bismillāhi Allāhu Akbar

Translation:  (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest)

Between the Yemeni Corner and Hajar al-Aswad, recite this common and highly recommended dua:

Rabbana ātinā fī al-dunyā ḥasanah wa fī al-ākhirati ḥasanah wa qinā ‘adhāb an-nār.

Translation: (Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201)

You can recite the Quran, make dhikr, or dua in your own language during other parts of the Tawaf.

Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

You must walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah to perform Sa’i.

At Safa and Marwah, recite the following ayah:

Inna as-Safā wal-Marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh.

Translation: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)

Then raise your hands and make dua facing the Kaaba. 

The Prophet would say:

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, lā ilāha illallāh..

You can make any personal dua between the hills, especially during the quick walking part (men only).

Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq or Taqsir)

Your Umrah has ended when you shave your head. Shaving (halq) is preferred for men. And Women usually trim a small portion (around an inch) from the ends of their hair.

Dua after Halq/Taqsir:

Allāhumma ghfir lī wa li man ḥalaqa ra’sah.

Translation: (O Allah, forgive me and those who shaved their heads.)

You are now out of Ihram and can continue normal activities. Because this completes your Umrah. 

General Duas for the Journey

You can keep making duas during your whole journey. You can ask for:

• Forgiveness of past sins
• Acceptance of your Umrah
• Guidance for your future
• Protection for your family and community
• A safe return home

Final words:

Umrah is not just a series of rituals. It is time to refresh your soul spiritually. While these duas are important, you should also speak to Allah in your own words. Ask for His mercy and forgiveness again and again. Remember, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Dua is worship.”

(Tirmidhi, 2969)As we know, Umrah is a sacred journey for muslims all over the world. Even if you are looking for Umrah deals 2026 from Canada, it’s important to remember that beyond the travel plans, the true preparation is spiritual. We should ask Allah to accept our Umrah and grant us His countless blessings, peace, and forgiveness.