Step-by-Step Rituals from Ihram to Tahallul

Umrah is a journey of a lifetime and a spiritual purification for the heart. We understand that planning for it might seem overwhelming for first-timers. Therefore, at Alpayt, we have prepared a practical, simplified, and documented guide for you. We will accompany you step-by-step, from packing your bags to completing your rituals with tranquility and devotion.

Whether this is your first Umrah or your tenth, this guide will help you focus on your intention and organize your steps.

Pillars and Duties of Umrah in Brief

Before starting, you should know that Umrah has three essential pillars without which it is invalid:

1. Ihram: (Intention).
2. Tawaf: (Circumambulation around the Kaaba).
3. Sa’i: (Walking between Safa and Marwah).Shaving or trimming the hair is considered mandatory (Wajib) by the majority of scholars and concludes the rituals.

Step 1: Ihram (The Beginning of the Journey)

Ihram is not just about wearing white clothes; it is the intention to enter into the sacred state.

1. Ghusl (Purification) and Perfuming

It is Sunnah for the pilgrim to perform Ghusl (full body wash) as one would for Janabah, and to apply perfume to the body (not the Ihram garments) before making the intention.

2. Wearing Ihram Garments

• For Men: Two clean white sheets (Rida and Izar). Men must remove any stitched clothing (tailored to fit limbs) and keep their heads uncovered.
• For Women: They may wear any modest clothing they wish that is not decorative. They should not wear a Niqab (face veil tailored for the face) or gloves.

3. Intention at the Miqat

Upon reaching the Miqat (or aligning with it while on the plane—usually announced by the pilot about 30 minutes prior), the pilgrim intends with their heart and says with their tongue:

“Labbayk Umrah” (Here I am for Umrah)

Then, they begin the Talbiyah:

“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, La sharika lak.”

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)

Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation)

Upon arriving at the Masjid Al-Haram, enter with your right foot and recite the dua for entering the mosque.

1. Idtiba (For Men Only): Uncover your right shoulder and place both ends of the Rida (upper garment) over your left shoulder (this is done only during Tawaf of Arrival/Umrah).
2. Starting Tawaf: Begin at the Black Stone (or the green light marker opposite it).
3. Takbeer: Point your right hand towards the Black Stone and say “Allahu Akbar”.
4. Circumambulating: Perform 7 rounds, keeping the Kaaba on your left.
5. Ramal (For Men): It is Sunnah to walk briskly with short steps during the first three rounds only.
6. Dua: Supplicate with whatever good you wish for in this life and the Hereafter. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, say: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar” (Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire).

After Completing Tawaf:

• Cover your right shoulder (for men).
• Pray two Rak’ahs behind “Maqam Ibrahim” if possible, or anywhere else in the Haram.

Step 3: Sa’i (Between Safa and Marwah)

After praying and drinking Zamzam water, proceed to the “Mas’a” (place of Sa’i).

1. Starting at Safa: Ascend Mount Safa and recite: ﴾Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…﴿. Face the Qibla, raise your hands, praise Allah, make Takbeer, and supplicate as you wish.
2. Walking: Descend towards Marwah. It is Sunnah for men only to “run” (brisk walk) between the two green markers. Women walk at their normal pace.
3. Reaching Marwah: Upon reaching Marwah, do as you did at Safa (face Qibla and supplicate). This completes the first round.
4. The Count: Returning from Marwah to Safa counts as a second round. Repeat this until you complete 7 rounds (ending at Marwah).

Step 4: Shaving or Trimming (Tahallul)

After completing the seventh round at Marwah:

• For Men: Shaving the head (using a razor) is preferred, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “O Allah, forgive those who shave.” Alternatively, trimming (using scissors) from all over the head is acceptable. Ensure you use authorized barbers and single-use tools for your health and safety.
• For Women: Cut a small portion (about the length of a fingertip) from the end of their hair gathered together.

Umrah Completed!

By doing this, you have completed your Umrah, and everything that was forbidden during Ihram becomes lawful again. May Allah accept your worship.

Alert: Please check the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah official website and use the Nusuk Platform for the latest regulatory updates and Umrah permits before traveling.

Official Sources & Useful References

• General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta: For more Fiqh details and documented religious rulings.
• General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque: To know open gates and services available for pilgrims.

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