Introduction — The Journey of a Lifetime
Umrah is one of the most profound spiritual experiences a Muslim can undertake. Unlike Hajj which is obligatory once in a lifetime, Umrah is a Sunnah act — a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "An Umrah to another Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
This complete guide covers every step of Umrah in sequence — from the moment you put on the Ihram at Meeqat to the moment you shave your head at the end. Every dua is provided in Arabic with English transliteration and meaning. Every Sunnah practice is clearly explained so you can focus on worship rather than wondering what comes next.
This guide is based on the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and has been reviewed by our qualified scholars. Over the years, our team at Bakar & Sons has guided hundreds of Indian pilgrims through this sacred journey.
🗺️ Overview — The 4 Steps of Umrah
1. Ihram — Entering the sacred state of purification at Meeqat
2. Tawaf — Circling the Kaaba 7 times anti-clockwise
3. Sa'i — Walking between Safa and Marwa 7 times
4. Halq or Taqsir — Shaving or cutting the hair to exit Ihram
📍 STEP 1 — MEEQAT: Entering the State of Ihram
The Meeqat is the boundary point beyond which no pilgrim may pass without entering the state of Ihram. For Indian pilgrims arriving by air, the Meeqat Yalamlam is typically declared from the aircraft before landing. For those travelling by road from Madinah, the Meeqat is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali).
Before Reaching Meeqat — Preparation
- Ghusl (full body bath) — Perform a complete purification bath before wearing Ihram. This is Sunnah and highly recommended even for women in their menstrual cycle.
- Cut nails and trim body hair — This must be done BEFORE wearing Ihram as these are prohibited afterwards.
- Apply Itr (perfume) — Apply to your body ONLY, not to the Ihram cloth itself. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Once Ihram is worn, no perfume is permitted.
- Wear the Ihram — Men wear two unstitched white sheets. Women wear their normal modest clothing covering everything except face and hands.
- Change footwear — Men should wear open sandals (slippers) that do not cover the top of the foot or ankle.
The 2 Rakat Nafl Prayer at Meeqat
Before making the Niyyah (intention), pray 2 rakat Nafl Salah.
- 1st Rakat: Recite Surah Al-Kafirun (قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ) after Surah Al-Fatiha
- 2nd Rakat: Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas (قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ) after Surah Al-Fatiha
📿 Niyyah (Intention) for Umrah
After the prayer, make the Niyyah for Umrah with your heart and tongue:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Transliteration: Labbayka Allāhumma 'Umratan
Meaning: O Allah, I respond to Your call for Umrah.
If you fear you may be prevented from completing Umrah due to illness or any obstacle, add:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ حَبَسَنِي حَابِسٌ فَمَهِّلْنِي حَيْثُ حَبَسْتَنِي
Transliteration: Allāhumma in ḥabasanī ḥābisun fa-mahillī ḥaythu ḥabasatanī
Meaning: O Allah, if anything prevents me, then release me where You have detained me. (This protects you — if you become ill, you can exit Ihram without penalty.)
📿 The Talbiyah — Recite Continuously Until Tawaf Begins
From the moment of Niyyah until the first sight of the Kaaba, recite the Talbiyah loudly and repeatedly. Men recite aloud; women recite softly.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ،
إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk, labbayk lā sharīka laka labbayk,
Innal ḥamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak
Meaning:
Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am.
Truly all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
⚠️ Prohibited Actions After Wearing Ihram
Once Ihram is worn, the following are forbidden until the Umrah is complete:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Applying perfume to body or Ihram
- Wearing stitched clothing (for men)
- Wearing head covering (for men)
- Wearing underwear (for men)
- Covering the top of the foot or ankle (for men)
- Marital relations
- Killing any living thing — even insects
- Uprooting plants or cutting trees within the Haram boundary
🕌 Entering Makkah Al-Mukarramah
As you approach Makkah, increase your Talbiyah. When entering the city, recite:
اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ، وَأَمِّنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa-amnuka fa-ḥarrimnī 'alan-nār, wa-aminnī min 'adhābika yawma tab'athu 'ibādak, waj'alnī min awliyā'ika wa-ahli ṭā'atik
Meaning:
O Allah! This is Your Sanctuary and Your place of security. Make me forbidden to the Fire, keep me safe from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants, and make me among Your friends and the people of Your obedience.
🕌 Entering Masjid Al-Haram
Enter the mosque with your right foot first and recite:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration:
Bismillāhi was-ṣalātu was-salāmu 'alā rasūlillāh ﷺ
Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
Meaning:
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
O Allah! Open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Also make the intention: "Nawaytus sunnat al-i'tikāf fī hādhal masjid mā dumtu fīh" — I intend the Sunnah of I'tikaf in this mosque for as long as I remain in it.
📿 First Sight of the Kaaba — The Most Blessed Moment
When you first see the Kaaba, stop and raise your hands. This is one of the most blessed moments of a Muslim's life — duas made at the first sight of the Kaaba are accepted by Allah. Take your time here.
Sunnah Dua at First Sight:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Transliteration:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar.
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul ḥamdu wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr
Meaning:
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.
There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.
Mustahab (Recommended) Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَبِرًّا
Transliteration:
Allāhumma zid hādhal bayta tashrīfan wa-ta'ẓīman wa-takrīman wa-mahābatan, wa-zid man sharrafahū wa-karramaḥu mimman ḥajjahū awi'tamarahū tashrīfan wa-ta'ẓīman wa-takrīman wa-birrā
Meaning:
O Allah! Increase this House in honour, greatness, nobility and awe. And increase those who honour and revere it — those who perform Hajj or Umrah — in honour, greatness, nobility and goodness.
💡 Important: After these duas, make any personal dua in your own words or language. Ask Allah for everything — forgiveness, health, rizq, marriage, children, success in dunya and akhirah. This is a moment of special acceptance (Qubuliyyat).
⭕ STEP 2 — TAWAF: Circling the Kaaba 7 Times
Tawaf means to circle the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Hajar Al-Aswad (the Black Stone). The Kaaba must always be on your left side.
Rules of Tawaf
- Wudu is required — Tawaf is invalid without ablution. If your wudu breaks during Tawaf, leave, perform wudu, and restart that round from the beginning.
- Idtiba' for men — Expose the right shoulder by placing the Ihram cloth under the right arm for the entire Tawaf. Cover again when Tawaf is complete.
- Ramal for men in first 3 rounds — Walk briskly with pride and confidence (chest forward, slightly quick pace). This is Sunnah in the first 3 rounds only. The remaining 4 rounds are at normal pace.
- Tawaf must be outside Hatim — The Hatim is the small curved wall attached to the Kaaba. You must circle outside it — if you walk inside Hatim your Tawaf does not count for that round.
- If prayer time begins — Stop and pray in your place, then continue Tawaf from where you left off.
Starting Tawaf — At Hajar Al-Aswad
The Tawaf begins at the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad). The green lights on the wall mark the exact line. Stand facing the Black Stone, raise your right hand towards it and say:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration: Bismillāhi, Allāhu Akbar
Meaning: In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
If you can reach the Black Stone, kiss it. If you can touch it, touch and kiss your hand. If the crowd is too dense, simply raise your right hand towards it and say the above. Do not push or harm others.
📿 Duas During Tawaf
There is no fixed dua for each round of Tawaf. The Prophet ﷺ did not prescribe specific duas for each round. During Tawaf, recite any combination of:
Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness):
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Transliteration: Astaghfirullāha wa-atūbu ilayh
Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him.
Durood Sharif (Salawat):
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
Transliteration: Allāhumma ṣalli 'alā Muḥammad wa-'alā āli Muḥammad
Meaning: O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.
Tasbeeh: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar
Personal Duas: Ask Allah for anything you need — in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu or any language. Allah hears all languages.
📿 Dua Between Rukn Yamani and Hajar Al-Aswad (Recite Every Round)
This is the one specific dua the Prophet ﷺ recited in this section of the Tawaf — between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration:
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa-qinā 'adhāban-nār
Meaning:
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
After Completing 7 Rounds — Salah Al-Tawaf
After completing 7 rounds, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim and pray 2 rakat behind it (or near it if crowded). Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rakat and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rakat.
If praying in congregation (Fard prayer) is happening, join the congregation — this counts as your Salah Al-Tawaf.
📿 Drinking Zamzam Water
After Salah Al-Tawaf, proceed to the Zamzam water stations. It is Sunnah to drink while standing, facing the Kaaba, in 3 sips or 3 separate drinks. Before drinking, recite:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma innī as'aluka 'ilman nāfi'an, wa-rizqan wāsi'an, wa-shifā'an min kulli dā'
Meaning:
O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and cure from every illness.
💡 Zamzam Tip: You may drink as much as you wish. Pour some on your head and face — this is also Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam water. It is a food that satisfies and a cure for illness." (Tabarani)
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🏃 STEP 3 — SA'I: Walking Between Safa and Marwa
Sa'i commemorates the blessed act of Hajar (Hagar) 'alayhas-salam — the wife of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ — who ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water for her infant son Ismail. This is one of the most emotionally moving parts of Umrah.
Sa'i consists of 7 rounds: Safa to Marwa = 1 round. Marwa to Safa = 2nd round. The 7th and final round ends at Marwa.
At Safa — Beginning of Sa'i
Walk to Safa and climb the hill. Face the Kaaba direction and recite:
نَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
Transliteration: Nabda'u bimā bada'allāhu bih
Meaning: We begin with what Allah began with.
Then recite the Quranic verse:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
Meaning (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158):
Indeed Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah — there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good — then indeed Allah is Appreciative and Knowing.
Then face the Kaaba and recite the following three times:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ
وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
Transliteration:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar.
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul ḥamdu wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr.
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah, anjaza wa'dah, wa-naṣara 'abdah, wa-hazamal aḥzāba waḥdah.
Meaning:
Allah is the Greatest (×3). There is no god but Allah alone. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He has power over all things.
There is no god but Allah alone — He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and alone defeated the confederates.
Recite this 3 times, then make personal dua facing the Kaaba. Then begin Sa'i.
Running Between the Green Lights — Sunnah of the Men
In the Sa'i corridor, there are two green pillars marking a short stretch. Men should walk briskly / jog lightly between these green lights — this commemorates Hajar's desperate run searching for water. Women walk at normal pace throughout.
At Marwa — Rounds 1, 3, 5, 7
Each time you reach Marwa, face the Kaaba direction, raise your hands, and make dua — anything you wish. You may also repeat the dua recited at Safa.
Completing Sa'i
The 7th round ends at Marwa. There is no special dua for completion of Sa'i beyond personal thanksgiving and dua.
✂️ STEP 4 — HALQ or TAQSIR: Exiting the State of Ihram
After Sa'i, exit from Marwa and proceed to a barber. This is the final rite of Umrah.
- Halq (Shaving completely) — Preferred and earns greater reward. The Prophet ﷺ made dua three times for those who shave and once for those who trim.
- Taqsir (Trimming equally from all sides) — Permissible if you do not wish to shave. The trim must be equal from all sides — not just a snip from the front.
- For women: Cut approximately one fingertip length (about 2.5 cm) from the ends of the hair. This is done privately.
The moment the hair is shaved or cut, the Ihram restrictions are lifted and your Umrah is complete. You may now wear normal clothing, apply perfume, and resume all normal activities. Alhamdulillah!
📋 Complete Umrah Checklist — Quick Reference
☐ Ghusl before Ihram
☐ Cut nails and body hair before Ihram
☐ Apply Itr on body only
☐ Wear Ihram correctly
☐ Pray 2 rakat Nafl at Meeqat
☐ Make Niyyah for Umrah
☐ Recite Talbiyah continuously until Tawaf
☐ Enter Makkah with dua
☐ Enter Masjid Al-Haram with dua (right foot first)
☐ Make dua at first sight of Kaaba
☐ Perform Tawaf — 7 rounds anti-clockwise with wudu
☐ Ramal in first 3 rounds (men)
☐ Recite Rabbana atina dua between Yamani Corner and Black Stone
☐ Pray 2 rakat Salah Al-Tawaf at Maqam Ibrahim
☐ Drink Zamzam water with dua
☐ Perform Sa'i — 7 rounds Safa to Marwa
☐ Recite duas at Safa and Marwa
☐ Men jog between green lights
☐ Shave or trim hair — Halq or Taqsir
☐ Umrah complete — Alhamdulillah!
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Walking inside Hatim during Tawaf — The Hatim is part of the Kaaba. Always walk outside it.
- Pushing to kiss Black Stone — Raising your hand and saying Allahu Akbar is fully valid. Never harm others for the kiss.
- Doing Tawaf without wudu — Tawaf requires wudu. Sa'i does not require wudu but it is recommended.
- Starting Sa'i from Marwa — Sa'i must start from Safa. Starting from Marwa means that first leg does not count.
- Trimming only the front of the hair — Taqsir must be equal from all sides.
- Wearing stitched clothing in Ihram — Even wearing a watch or ring is permissible. Only stitched garments and head coverings (for men) are prohibited.
- Forgetting the intention — The Niyyah is in the heart. You do not need to say elaborate words — sincerity is what matters.
🕌 Duas for After Umrah — Back at the Hotel
After completing your Umrah, spend time in the Haram making nawafil prayers, reading Quran, and making dua. Here are some powerful duas to recite during your stay:
Dua for Acceptance:
اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Transliteration: Allāhumma taqabbal minnā innaka antas-samī'ul 'alīm
Meaning: O Allah! Accept from us. Indeed You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
✈️ Plan Your Umrah with Bakar & Sons
At Bakar & Sons Tour and Travel, we have been helping Indian pilgrims perform Umrah with ease and confidence for years. Our packages include:
- Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa processing
- Return flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Patna
- Hotel accommodation within 50–500 metres of Masjid Al-Haram
- Madinah stay (4–7 nights) near Masjid Al-Nabawi
- Guided Ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah
- Airport transfers and local transport
- 24/7 WhatsApp support from our team in Saudi Arabia
- Pre-departure Umrah training session with all duas explained
Our Economy Package starts at (available soon) per person (7 nights). Contact us on WhatsApp or fill our booking form to get a personalised quote for your family.
May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you Jannah. Ameen. 🤲