Pilgrims performing Umrah around the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah

UMRAH RITUAL CHECKLIST

How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

A clear first-time pilgrim walkthrough of the core Umrah sequence: enter Ihram at the correct Miqat, perform seven circuits of Tawaf, complete seven passages of Sa'i, then finish with Halq or Taqsir.

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The four core stages of Umrah

For practical orientation, the Umrah journey can be understood in four main stages: Ihram and intention at the Miqat, Tawaf, Sa'i, and completion through Halq or Taqsir. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nusuk present the rites in this same journey-based sequence.

This guide explains the sequence and practical context. It is not a substitute for qualified religious guidance on individual rulings, and operational requirements can change. Always check current Saudi official information before travel.

STEP BY STEP

How to perform Umrah

Use this as a route map for the rites, then open the detailed SaudiWelcome guides for deeper preparation.

Pilgrims in Ihram preparing to begin Umrah

01IHRAM & MIQAT

Enter Ihram before passing your Miqat

Before reaching or aligning with the Miqat that applies to your route, be prepared to enter the sacred state of Ihram for Umrah. The official Saudi guidance warns pilgrims intending Umrah not to pass the applicable Miqat without entering Ihram.

If your first arrival is through Jeddah by air, official guidance tells pilgrims to be prepared to make the intention when the aircraft reaches the Miqat alignment rather than waiting until after landing. Route and personal circumstances can differ, so learn your Miqat before departure.

Before the flightKnow your route, keep your Ihram preparation accessible, and do not leave Miqat planning until you arrive in Makkah.

Read the detailed Ihram guide → Open the Miqat guide →

Pilgrims completing Tawaf around the Kaaba

02MASJID AL-HARAM

Perform seven circuits of Tawaf

At Masjid al-Haram, Tawaf is performed around the Kaaba. Nusuk's official Umrah journey describes beginning aligned with the Black Stone, keeping the Kaaba to the left, moving counterclockwise, and continuing until seven circuits are completed.

In practice, crowd density and access arrangements can affect how long this stage takes. Follow current mosque instructions, avoid pushing through crowds, and prioritize safe movement.

Counting tipOne complete circuit returns you to the starting alignment. Keep a calm count and avoid letting crowd movement rush you.

Read the detailed Tawaf guide →

Pilgrims walking in the Sa'i area between Safa and Marwah

03SAFA & MARWAH

Complete Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, continue to Sa'i. The rite is completed through seven passages between Safa and Marwah. The first passage is from Safa to Marwah; the return from Marwah to Safa is the second, continuing until the seventh passage finishes at Marwah.

Tawaf plus Sa'i can involve substantial walking. Plan your energy, keep essential medication accessible, and use appropriate accessibility services if needed.

Counting tipSafa → Marwah is 1, Marwah → Safa is 2. The seventh passage ends at Marwah.

Read the detailed Sa'i guide →

Pilgrims in Makkah after the core Umrah rites

04COMPLETION

Complete Umrah with Halq or Taqsir

After Sa'i, Umrah is completed through Halq or Taqsir—shaving or shortening the hair according to the religious guidance applicable to the pilgrim. This marks completion of the core rites and exit from Ihram.

For detailed rulings, including differences that apply to men and women or to individual circumstances, use qualified religious guidance rather than relying on a short web checklist.

Plan aheadKnow how you will complete this final stage and use appropriate, hygienic services.

Read the completion guide →

BEFORE YOU START

A first-time pilgrim checklist

The rites are concise, but preparation makes the journey easier to follow.

Confirm current travel requirements

Visa, entry, permit and operational requirements can change. Check current Saudi official channels close to your travel date.

Official-source updates →

Know your Miqat

Identify the Miqat for your route before departure, especially if you will approach Makkah by air.

Miqat guide →

Prepare physically

Expect walking, crowds and changing temperatures. Keep necessary medication and plan around mobility needs.

Preparation resources →

Learn the sequence

Remember the simple route map: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, then Halq or Taqsir.

Complete Umrah Guide →

COMMON CONFUSION

Five mistakes to avoid in your planning

MIQAT

Learning about Miqat too late

Do not wait until your Makkah hotel. Your Ihram planning begins before you pass the applicable Miqat.

COUNTING

Mixing up circuits and passages

Tawaf has seven circuits. Sa'i has seven passages, with Safa to Marwah counted as the first.

CROWDS

Building an inflexible timetable

Movement through Masjid al-Haram can take longer during busy periods. Leave room in your schedule.

INFORMATION

Using old operational advice

Check current official Saudi information for requirements and services instead of relying on an old screenshot or checklist.

OFFICIAL-SOURCE STANDARD

Verify changing information before travel

SaudiWelcome keeps ritual orientation separate from time-sensitive operational information. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's 2026 Umrah and Visit Guide covers preparation, entry procedures, Ihram, rites, transport, health guidance and digital services, while Nusuk provides official journey guidance and services.

Use SaudiWelcome to understand and organize the journey, then verify changing requirements through Saudi official sources near your travel date.

KEEP LEARNING

Open the detailed Umrah guides

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