Hajj and Umrah GuideUmrah step by step
The Umrah in four steps: ihram, tawaf of the Kaaba, sai between Safa and Marwa, and the cutting of the hair, with notes on timing and how it differs from the Hajj.
The Umrah, the "lesser pilgrimage", can be performed in any month of the year and takes a few hours. It has four main steps.
- Ihram. The pilgrim puts on the clothes of ihram and makes the intention for Umrah at the miqat. From then the restrictions of ihram apply. See ihram.
- Tawaf. Upon arriving at the Masjid al-Haram, the pilgrim circles the Kaaba seven times, counter-clockwise, starting and ending at the corner with the Black Stone, and then prays two rakat.
- Sai. The pilgrim walks seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa (now in an enclosed gallery), beginning at Safa and ending at Marwa.
- Halq or taqsir. Men shave the head or cut the hair short, and women cut a small lock of hair. The pilgrim then leaves ihram.
Practical points
The Umrah has its own visa category and booking procedure set by the Saudi authorities and changed from year to year; use the official portal, or an authorised agent, and check the rules before you travel. The crowd is greatest in Ramadan and school holidays. Many people combine the Umrah with a visit to Madinah.
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Questions people ask
How long does Umrah take?
Usually two to four hours for the rites themselves, depending on the crowd and the pilgrim's health.
Does Umrah replace Hajj?
No. Hajj is a separate obligation.
This is a plain introduction, not a manual and not a fatwa. Schools of thought differ on details, and pilgrims follow the guidance of the scholars of their group. Rules, fees and procedures are set by the Saudi authorities and your national Hajj authority and change every year: check the official sources. We do not sell packages.