Umrah, often described as the ‘minor pilgrimage’, contrasts with Hajj in that it can be undertaken at any time of the year. It is performed in Makkah and involves a series of ritual acts focused around the Masjid al-Haram. The pilgrimage includes entering a state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and concluding with Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (shortening the hair).
**Meaning and Significance**
The term Umrah means “to visit a populated place.” In the Islamic context, it refers to the pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Performing Umrah includes passing the designated station of Miqat where pilgrims declare their intention and don the Ihram garments.
**Religious Obligation and Merit**
While Umrah is not compulsory for every Muslim unlike Hajj, it is highly recommended. Islamic scholars differ in opinion regarding its necessity. For instance, Hanafi and Maliki schools consider it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a strongly recommended act), whereas Shafi’i and Hanbali schools regard it as mandatory if the individual has the means. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to complete Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.
**The Virtues of Umrah**
Umrah serves as an expiation for sins committed between it and the previous pilgrimage and is regarded as a means of spiritual cleansing. It is believed to bring numerous blessings, alleviate poverty, and remove sins, akin to the refining of metals. The Hadith literature emphasizes that performing Umrah brings spiritual renewal and is a profound act of worship that brings a Muslim closer to Allah.
**Types of Umrah**
**Umrah al-Mufradah** refers to the Umrah that is performed independently of the Hajj.
**Umrah al-Tamattu** involves performing Umrah during the Hajj season, specifically before the start of Hajj rites.
**Prerequisites and Conditions for Umrah**
Performing Umrah requires certain conditions similar to those for Hajj, including being a Muslim, of sound mind, mature enough, physically and financially capable, and for women, having a Mahram if necessary. These prerequisites ensure the pilgrim can perform the pilgrimage without hardship.
**Appropriate Times for Umrah**
Though Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, there are certain times when it is more spiritually rewarding, such as during Ramadan. However, it is typically advised against performing Umrah from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah due to the convergence with Hajj rituals.
**Rites of Umrah: A Concise Guide**
The performance of Umrah involves several key rites starting with the Ihram, which is the intention and physical preparation undertaken at the Miqat. This is followed by Tawaf of the Kaaba, the rapid seven times walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and concluding with the shortening or shaving of the hair. Each of these steps holds significant spiritual meaning and is performed with the intent of renewing one’s faith and submission to Allah.
Umrah Guide: Essential Practices and Rituals
Introduction to Umrah Umrah, often referred to as the minor pilgrimage compared to Hajj, can be performed at any time of the year. It involves several specific rituals performed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, including wearing Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and finally, the Halq or Taqsir, which involves shaving or shortening the hair.
Essential Steps of Umrah
1. Ihram
- Preparation: Before donning the Ihram, personal hygiene is essential—this includes clipping nails and removing hair from the underarms and below the navel. Performing ghusl (full-body ritual purification) is recommended, or at least wudhu (ablution), if ghusl is not possible.
- Attire: For men, Ihram clothing consists of two white, seamless cloths: one wrapped around the waist covering the lower body (izar), and the other draped over the shoulders (rida). For women, the dress code requires modest clothing that covers the body appropriately, maintaining the Islamic standards of dress.
- Transition to Ihram: This should ideally be completed before crossing the Miqat (the point at which pilgrims state their intention to perform Umrah). It’s advisable to change into Ihram at the airport or during a flight stopover. The intention or niyyah to commence Umrah should be declared at the Miqat.
Niyyah
The intention for Umrah ought to be formed at the Miqat or its vicinity as you proceed towards it. It’s preferable to postpone the intention until the final moments to avoid unnecessary restrictions for an extended period. Verbally expressing the intention, along with internal reaffirmation, is recommended.
Following are three examples of intentions that may be uttered in Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً ❁
Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ ❁
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrah.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي ❁
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Talbiyah
Upon formulating your intention, it is essential to recite the Talbiyah to confirm your intention and enter the state of Ihram. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, the recitation of the Talbiyah is obligatory (wajib), while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools regard it as a recommended practice (sunnah).
The recommended way to recite the Talbiyah involves pausing briefly at four specific places, indicated by the dashes. The prayer is as follows:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ – ❁
Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Upon reciting the Talbiyah, you will enter the state of Ihram and be designated as a Muhrim. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the prohibitions of Ihram and ensure strict adherence to its regulations. Violating any rule of Ihram will necessitate expiation through Damm or Sadaqah.
After reciting the Talbiyah, it is recommended to send Salawat on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to supplicate for oneself and others. Keep reciting the Talbiyah throughout your journey until you arrive at one of the entrances of Masjid al-Haram before beginning the Tawaf.
Haram of Makkah
The Haram of Makkah encompasses a sacred zone extending several miles around Masjid al-Haram in all directions. Within this area, certain prohibitions are in place:
- Cutting or harming grass, trees, or any vegetation is strictly forbidden.
- Harming or killing wild animals, including scaring away pigeons and other birds, is prohibited.
- Carrying weapons is not permitted.
- Engaging in fights or any behavior that violates the sanctity of this area is strictly prohibited.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll breach any of these rules, it’s important to uphold the sanctity of Makkah and adhere to these regulations.
Entering Makkah
As you approach the boundaries of the Haram, continue reciting the Talbiyah, engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is recommended to recite the following supplication upon entering the Haram:
اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ ❁
Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ʿala n-nār(i), wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak(a), wa jʿalnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭāʿatik.
O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to the hellfire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.
Upon reaching your accommodation in Makkah, you might wish to refresh yourself or take a rest before heading to Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf al-Umrah. If you opt for a shower, be mindful not to use any items prohibited in the state of Ihram, such as scented soap or shampoo. It’s advisable to promptly make your way to Masjid al-Haram.
Once prepared, carefully select which belongings you intend to bring, considering the presence of thieves known to operate in the mosque.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
It is recommended to enter Masjid al-Haram through Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace) as it is a Sunnah practice. However, due to the authorities’ designated entrances for Umrah pilgrims, you may need to enter through one of these entrances instead. As you enter, step through with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque. You may choose to recite either or both of these supplications:
بِسْمِ اللهِ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ ❁
Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ ❁ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ ❁ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ❁
Aʿūdhu bi-Llāhi l-aẓīm(i), wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm(i), wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm(i), mina sh-shayṭāni r-rajīm.
I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.
Remember:
- If you plan to perform Tawaf, refrain from performing Tahiyyat al-Masjid (the Prayer for Greeting the Mosque); your Tawaf will serve as the “greeting” for Masjid al-Haram.
- If you don’t intend to perform Tawaf immediately, you may perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
- In Masjid al-Haram, it’s acceptable for anyone to walk across those engaged in Salah (prayer). However, it’s important to avoid stepping on their place of prostration.
First Sight of the Kaaba
After entering the mosque, maintain a lowered gaze until you reach the mataf area, the open space designated for Tawaf. When you are ready, with a sense of humility, awe, and reverence, lift your gaze to behold the majestic sight of the Holy Kaaba.
Upon witnessing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and supplicate with utmost concentration and sincerity, recognizing this sacred place as among those where prayers are answered. Remember to invoke blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when making your supplications. As Umar ibn al-Khattab narrated:
Dua is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet ﷺ. [Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Imam Abu Hanifa I would use this opportunity to make du’a to Allah that he be among those whose supplications are always accepted.
Recite the following three times:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ ❁
Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa Llāh.
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.
It’s a sunnah to recite the following du’as:
اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً ❁ وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً ❁
Allāhumma zid hādha l-bayta tashrīfan wa taʿẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu aw iʿtamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa taʿẓīman wa birrā.
Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or Umrah—in honour, respect, esteem and piety.
اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ ❁ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ ❁ حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ ❁
Allāhumma anta s-salām, wa minka s-salām, ḥayyinā rabbanā bi s-salām.
O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.
Tawaf al-Umrah
For Tawaf to be considered valid, the following conditions are necessary:
1. Pilgrims performing Tawaf al-Ziyarah or Tawaf.
2. Performing Tawaf yourself.
3. Making an intention, verbally or not.
4. Performing Tawaf in Masjid al-Haram.
5. Being in a state of wudhu and free from anything requiring ghusl, such as menstruation.
6. Concealing the awrah.
7. Starting Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad.
8. Moving in an anti-clockwise direction.
9. Avoiding the Hatim (the semi-circle area outside the Kaaba).
10. Performing Tawaf by foot, for those who are able.
11. Completing seven circuits.
12. Performing two rak’ahs of salah after Tawaf.
Preparation:
Ensure you are in a state of wudhu. If you are male, uncover your right shoulder by passing the top sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit, letting it hang over your left shoulder (Idtiba).
Starting Point:
Position yourself in line with the corner of the Kaaba where Hajar al-Aswad is situated. This corner faces a single minaret (the other three corners face two minarets). Look for a green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba, indicating the starting point of each circuit. Stand just before this starting point facing the Kaaba.
Intention:
As with any act of worship, make the intention to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. You may also ask for acceptance and ease in your Tawaf. The following words may be said:
O Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah of the Kaaba for your sake and your sake alone. Please accept it from me and make it easy for me.
You may make the following intention, which is in Arabic:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي ❁
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of your Sacred House, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
The niyyah doesn’t have to be verbal.
Kissing, Touching, or Saluting the Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam):
Although kissing the Hajar al-Aswad is highly virtuous, reaching it can be nearly impossible. Avoid harming others around you in an attempt to reach it.
Kissing: If you manage to reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ),” and lightly kiss it. Some scholars recommend kissing it three times if possible.
Touching: If you’re within reaching distance but unable to kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and then kiss your hand(s).
Saluting: If reaching the stone is not feasible, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by facing the Hajar al-Aswad directly, raising your hands up to your earlobes (as in the start of salah), ensuring your palms face it, as though your face and hands are on the stone, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms if you wish.
If you choose to attempt kissing or touching the Hajar al-Aswad, be aware that the experience can be intense. Due to the large crowd, pushing and shoving are common, which can lead to injuries. It’s nearly impossible to reach the stone without forcing your way through the crowd. Therefore, it’s safer to perform Istilam by saluting.
The following supplication, a du’a of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), may be recited when passing parallel to the Hajar al-Aswad in each circuit:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ إِيمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيقاً بِكِتَابِكَ ❁ وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ ❁ وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ ❁
Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar. Allāhumma īmānan bika wa taṣdīqan bi kitābika wa wafāʿan bi ʿahdika wattibāʿan li sunnati nabiyyika Muḥammad ﷺ.
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfilment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s sunnah ﷺ.
Other forms of dhikr, such as Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), may also be uttered at this point.
Start the Tawaf:
Turn to your right and commence the first circuit of your Tawaf, ensuring the Kaaba is on your left. Proceed anti-clockwise and avoid walking through the Hijr Ismail. If you accidentally traverse it, the circuit will not count, necessitating repetition.
Raml:
During the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, characterized by brisk walking, forcefully lifting the legs, and extending the chest. However, if congestion occurs, especially near the Kaaba, only engage in this Sunnah if it does not inconvenience others. During peak times, performing this action may be unlikely due to crowding.
Dhikr & Du’a:
Throughout your Tawaf, recite prayers and supplications of your choice. Du’as are accepted during Tawaf, so seize the opportunity to remember Allah with sincerity and devotion. It’s advisable not to rely on a du’a book, particularly if you are unfamiliar with Arabic. As Imam Ibn Hibban remarked:
Specifying a du’a would take the moment away, because with specific du’as, one will merely be repeating words, whereas this occasion is for any du’a and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.
Thus, you should supplicate in any language and manner you prefer during Tawaf. If you wish to make Quranic and Prophetic supplications, strive to memorize and understand their meanings. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during Tawaf is also recommended.
Rukn al-Yamani:
Upon reaching the Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), which precedes the Hajar al-Aswad, if you can approach it, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” If congestion prevents this, as is likely, continue without saying Takbir or gesturing towards it.
It is Sunnah to recite the following supplication between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ❁
Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.
O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire. [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]
Imam Shafi’i recommended reciting this du’a throughout the Tawaf.
End of Circuit at the Hajar al-Aswad:
Returning to the Hajar al-Aswad signifies the completion of one circuit. Begin the second circuit by performing Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad as described earlier and saying “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” Repeat “Allāhu akbar” while performing Istilam in all subsequent circuits. In total, you will perform Istilam eight times during Tawaf: once before commencing Tawaf and once at the end of each of the seven circuits.
During Tawaf:
Tawaf should be performed continuously without interruption between circuits. However, if a congregational prayer is about to begin, you must join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from where you stopped. The circuit does not need to be repeated. The same applies if you need to renew your wudhu.
Completion of Tawaf:
Continue in the same manner until you complete seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the beginning and end of Tawaf is highly recommended, and performing Istilam on the other six occasions is desirable.
If you are in a state of Idtiba, cover your shoulder with your Ihram.
Salah at Maqam Ibrahim:
After completing Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs of salah, preferably with Maqam Ibrahim between you and the Kaaba. However, since Maqam Ibrahim is within the mataf, there may be significant congestion. If it is too crowded to pray there, you may perform the prayer anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
While moving to the place where you intend to pray the two rak’ahs, it is recommended to audibly recite the following:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ❁
Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.
And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of salah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125]
It is Sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second rak’ah after Surah al-Fatiha during the two rak’ahs of salah after Tawaf. After completing the prayer, ensure to make plenty of du’a.
Zamzam:
After completing the salah and making du’a, drink your fill of Zamzam water, which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The entrance to the old well of Zamzam has been covered to allow for more space for Tawaf.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Before drinking Zamzam water, make an intention that its consumption will fulfill your wishes, whether for good health, success in this world, or protection from the trials of the grave. When drinking the water, it is recommended to stand and face the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body. After drinking the water, you may recite the following du’a:
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا ❁ وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا ❁ وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا ❁ وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ ❁
Allāhumma innī as’aluka ʿilman nāfiʿan, wa rizqan wasiʿan, wa ʿamalan mutaqabbalan, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant, accepted deeds, and a cure for every illness.
After finishing drinking Zamzam water, you may proceed to the Multazam, situated between Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba.
The Multazam is often difficult to reach during Hajj season due to large crowds but may be accessible at other times of the year. If reachable, adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by raising your hands above your head, clinging to the wall, and pressing your chest and cheeks against it. This area is another station where supplications are accepted, so lengthen your du’a here.
If crowds prevent reaching the Multazam, face it from a distance and supplicate.
Sa’i:
It is Sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, though you may rest if needed. If fatigued or experiencing foot pain after Tawaf, rest until ready. Ensure you have adequate energy, considering Sa’i spans over three kilometers.
For valid Sa’i:
- Perform Sa’i personally.
- Enter Ihram before Sa’i and remain in Ihram until Sa’i completion.
- Perform Sa’i at the appropriate time.
- Start Sa’i at Safa and conclude at Marwa.
- Perform Sa’i post-Tawaf.
- Walk for Sa’i unless there’s a valid excuse.
- Complete seven laps.
- Cover the entire distance between Safa and Marwa.
Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad:
Before Sa’i, it is Sunnah to perform Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time, making it the ninth Istilam following the eight during Tawaf.
If forgotten or difficult due to crowds or fatigue, Istilam can be omitted. However, Istilam can be performed anywhere else in Masjid al-Haram, facing the Hajar al-Aswad.
Proceed to Safa:
Head to Safa, aligned with Hajar al-Aswad within Masjid al-Haram. Signs indicate its location. While approaching Safa, it is Sunnah to recite the following:
ِِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله ❁Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]
Then say:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ ❁
Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.
I begin with that which Allah has begun with.
These should only be recited once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.
Make Du’a at Safa
Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Your view of the Kaaba may be obscured, so make an educated guess about its location and face this direction. Don’t raise your hands up to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba as you would have done during Tawaf. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is Sunnah to recite the following supplication:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ ❁
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.
Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁
La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdahu la sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, yuḥīī wa yumīt, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.
There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.
لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ ❁ اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ ❁
La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdah, anjaza waʿdahu wa naṣara ʿabdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.
There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the Confederates alone.
After reciting this du’a, you may recite your own supplications. Read the du’a a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Proceed to Marwa:
From Safa, head towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you will encounter two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 meters apart, marking the distance that Hajar ran to seek higher ground. These markers are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the Two Green Mileposts). Men are Sunnah to run at a medium pace between these lights, while women should continue normally.
Dhikr & Du’a:
There is no fixed dhikr or du’a prescribed for Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Make Du’a at Marwa:
Upon reaching the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication, and repeat the same supplications you recited at Safa. This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning to Safa constitutes a second lap.
End of Sa’i:
Repeat this procedure until you have completed seven laps, ending at the hill of Marwa.
Dua and Salah:
It is recommended to make a final du’a here and to perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i.
Leave the Haram:
As you exit Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following du’a, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when leaving the mosque:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ ❁
Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.
After completing Sa’i, you must either shave your head (Halq) or trim your hair by at least an inch (Taqsir) to exit the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. For men, it is more virtuous to completely shave the head.
Women are only allowed to trim their hair.
Licensed barbershops in Makkah are available, open 24 hours a day, and usually close only during prayer times. Many are located in the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex, and al-Safwa Towers. Additionally, you’ll find barbers near the Marwa door after completing Sa’i.
Alternatively, you may shave or trim your own hair to exit Ihram.
Congratulations on completing your Umrah!
You are now released from the restrictions of Ihram and may change into regular clothing. If you plan on performing another Umrah, you must travel to the boundary of the Haram to enter Ihram again. Many pilgrims choose to enter Ihram at Masjid Aisha, the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis are available near the mosque.