Clear, honest guides for first-time pilgrims — so you arrive knowing exactly what to do.
Basics
Umrah is a visit to the Kaaba in Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. It has four essentials: entering Ihram, Tawaf (seven circuits of the Kaaba), Sa'i (seven trips between Safa and Marwah), and cutting the hair.
Rituals
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before Umrah, marked by simple clothing, a clear intention (niyyah) and the Talbiyah. It must be entered at the appointed boundary (Miqat) before reaching Makkah.
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times, counter-clockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner with the Kaaba on your left. After completing it, you pray two rak'ah near Maqam Ibrahim.
Sa'i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. It recalls Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il, and it is performed after Tawaf.