"And complete the Hajj and 'Umrah for Allaah."
(Qur'an 2:196)
Umrah is often called the "lesser pilgrimage," but there is nothing small about its spiritual weight. It is a journey of love—a voluntary return to the House of your Beloved, an opportunity to wash your soul in the fountain of divine mercy.
Unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates, Umrah is an open invitation. You can answer it any time of the year. But the rites themselves are timeless, unchanged since the Prophet ﷺ taught them to his companions.
Step 1: Ihrām
Before you cross the boundary (Mīqāt), you enter a state of purity and intention.
For Men
Two white, seamless cloths—one wrapped around the waist, the other draped over the shoulders. No stitches, no adornment. Just humility.
For Women
Simple, modest clothing that covers the body, free from beautification.
The Niyyah (Intention)
“Labbayka Allaahumma ‘Umrah”
“Here I am, O ALLAAH to perform ‘Umrah”
The Talbiyah
"Labbayk Allāhumma Labbayk, Labbayka lā sharīka laka Labbayk. Innal-ḥamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak."
"Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all praise, grace, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner."
This is your declaration of arrival. The heavens echo it. The earth bears witness.
Step 2: Ṭawāf
Enter the Sacred Mosque with your right foot, and say:
"Bismillāh, Allāhumma ṣalli 'alā Muḥammad, Allāhumma-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik."
Then, before you, is the Ka'bah. The first house of worship. The direction of every sincere prayer on earth.
- ✦ Begin at the Black Stone (Al-Ḥajar al-Aswad). Kiss/touch it, or raise hands and say: "Bismillāh, Allāhu Akbar."
- ✦ Walk counter-clockwise keeping it on your left. Complete seven circuits.
- ✦ The Pace: Men do small, quick steps (Ramal) for first 3 circuits; then normal pace for last 4.
- ✦ Du'ā: Speak from your heart in any language. This is your private audience with the King.
Recite between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone:
"Rabbana ātinā fid-dunyā hasanah, wa fil-ākhirati hasanah, wa qinā 'adhāban-nār."
"Our Lord, give us in this world good, and in the Hereafter good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
After Ṭawāf, pray two rak'ahs behind the Station of Ibrāhīm (Maqām Ibrāhīm), if possible.
Step 3: Sa'y
Head toward the hills of Ṣafā and Marwah. As you approach Ṣafā, recite:
"Innaṣ-Ṣafā wal-Marwata min sha'ā'irillāh."
"Indeed, Ṣafā and Marwah are among the symbols of Allaah." (Qur'an 2:158)
Begin at Ṣafā and walk toward Marwah. This is where Hājar ran, desperate for water for her dying son. Her trust transformed a barren valley into a spring of mercy that still flows today.
- Walk seven segments: Ṣafā to Marwah (1), Marwah to Ṣafā (2), and so on.
- For men, quicken the pace between green markers.
- Make du'ā throughout. Your striving is worship.
Step 4: Taqṣīr or Ḥalq
Upon completing Sa'y, the journey reaches its symbolic conclusion:
Men: Shave head completely (Ḥalq) or trim hair (Taqṣīr). Shaving is more virtuous.
Women: Trim a small lock of hair, about a fingertip's length.
The Journey Continues
Your Umrah is done. But its echo should remain.
You have walked where Prophets walked. You have supplicated where angels descend. Now carry that light back into your world.
At Daarul-Hikam, we ensure your 'Umrah is not just a ritual, but a revolution of the heart.
Select any of our Umrah packages and let us guide you through every step with knowledge and care.
The Lesser Pilgrimage • Eternal Reward • Daarul-Hikam