Umrah (العمرة) is a pilgrimage to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj — which is obligatory once in a lifetime for every able Muslim — Umrah is a voluntary (nafl) act of worship, though it is strongly recommended (Sunnah mu'akkadah). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Umrah four times in his life and described it as 'expiation for sins committed between one Umrah and the next' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773).
What does Umrah mean?
The word Umrah (عمرة) comes from the Arabic root i'timaar, meaning 'to visit a populated place'. In Islamic usage it specifically means visiting the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and performing the rites of Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa). It is sometimes called the 'lesser pilgrimage' to distinguish it from Hajj, the 'greater pilgrimage'.
Is Umrah obligatory (fard)?
The majority opinion among Islamic scholars (including the Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools) is that Umrah is Sunnah mu'akkadah — a confirmed but voluntary act. The Shafi'i school considers it obligatory (fard) at least once in a lifetime. All schools agree that performing Umrah earns immense reward and spiritual purification.
Perform Hajj and Umrah one after another, for they remove poverty and sins as a bellows removes impurities from iron, gold and silver.
The four steps of Umrah
Umrah consists of four obligatory rites, which must be performed in order:
- 1. Ihram — entering the state of consecration by making the intention (niyyah) and donning the ihram garments, done at or before the miqat boundary.
- 2. Tawaf — walking seven circuits anti-clockwise around the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram.
- 3. Sa'i — walking seven lengths between the hills of Safa and Marwa (starting at Safa, ending at Marwa).
- 4. Halq or Taqsir — shaving the head completely (halq, recommended for men) or shortening the hair (taqsir, required for women and optional for men), which marks the end of Ihram.
Step 1: Ihram — entering the sacred state
Ihram is the state of ritual consecration required before entering Makkah for Umrah. It begins at the miqat — designated boundary points around Makkah. For pilgrims flying from the UK, the miqat is usually Dhul Hulayfah (near Madinah) or Yalamlam (if travelling by a southerly route). Most UK pilgrims enter ihram at the miqat by having their plane's captain announce it overhead.
Men wear two unstitched white sheets of cloth (izar and rida). Women wear modest regular clothing — their face and hands remain uncovered. In Ihram, certain actions become prohibited: cutting hair or nails, using perfume, sexual relations, hunting, covering the head for men, and wearing stitched garments for men.
The intention for Umrah (niyyah) is made in the heart and may be accompanied by saying: 'Labbayk Allahumma 'Umratan' (O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah). From this moment the pilgrim begins reciting the Talbiyah continuously.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka 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.
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1549)
Step 2: Tawaf — seven circuits of the Kaaba
Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, the pilgrim proceeds to the Mataf (the open area surrounding the Kaaba) and begins Tawaf. Starting at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), the pilgrim makes seven anti-clockwise circuits of the Kaaba, keeping it to their left. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone — touching or kissing it is Sunnah if possible; if not, pointing to it while saying 'Allahu akbar' suffices.
During Tawaf, men should perform Idhtiba (draping the ihram over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare) for the first three circuits and walk briskly (Raml) for those three circuits — both are Sunnah. There is no set dua for each circuit, though pilgrims may make any supplication. The Talbiyah is paused during Tawaf.
Step 3: Sa'i — walking between Safa and Marwa
After completing Tawaf and praying two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim performs Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, a distance of approximately 450 metres each way. The walk starts at Safa and ends at Marwa, making seven laps in total. Between the two green-lit pillars, men jog or walk briskly; women walk at a normal pace.
Sa'i commemorates Hajar (RA), the wife of Ibrahim (AS) and mother of Ismail (AS), who ran between these hills searching for water for her infant son. Allah caused the Zamzam spring to burst forth at her feet — an event that established the blessed well of Zamzam that pilgrims drink from to this day.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir — ending Ihram
After Sa'i, the pilgrim completes Umrah by shaving the head (Halq) or shortening the hair by at least one centimetre from all sides (Taqsir). Shaving is superior for men. Women trim a fingertip-length from the ends of their hair. This act symbolises the removal of the ego and submission to Allah, and it ends the state of Ihram — all previously prohibited acts become permissible again.
How long does Umrah take?
The rituals of Umrah themselves — Tawaf, Sa'i and Halq — typically take between two and four hours for a fit pilgrim during a quiet period. During peak season (Ramadan, school holidays), the crowds around the Kaaba and between Safa and Marwa can extend this significantly. Most UK Umrah packages include 7–14 days in Saudi Arabia, combining time in Makkah and Madinah.
When is the best time to perform Umrah?
- Ramadan — performing Umrah in Ramadan has a reward equivalent to Hajj according to the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782). However, it is also the busiest period.
- Dhul Qi'dah (month before Dhul Hijjah) — historically chosen by the Prophet ﷺ for his own Umrahs.
- Muharram and Sha'ban — relatively quieter months with good spiritual significance.
- School holidays — many UK families travel during half-term and summer holidays for practicality.
- Avoid Dhul Hijjah 8–13 — during this period Hajj takes place and the Haram is at maximum capacity.
Umrah vs Hajj: key differences
- Obligation: Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and obligatory once; Umrah is voluntary (or obligatory per Shafi'i school).
- Timing: Hajj is only during Dhul Hijjah (8–13); Umrah can be performed any time of year.
- Rites: Hajj includes standing at Arafah, spending a night at Muzdalifah, staying in Mina, and stoning the Jamarat — all absent from Umrah.
- Duration: Hajj lasts five days minimum; Umrah rites take 2–4 hours.
- UK cost: Hajj packages from the UK typically cost £5,000–£12,000; Umrah can be £900–£3,000 depending on season.
Frequently asked questions about Umrah
Can Umrah be performed without a mahram for a woman?
According to the majority of classical scholars (Hanafi, Maliki, Hanbali), a woman must travel with a mahram (husband or a male relative she cannot marry) for Umrah. The Shafi'i school and many contemporary scholars permit women to travel in a trustworthy group without a mahram, particularly for the Hajj and Umrah. Women should consult their local scholar and follow UK regulations — Saudi Arabia now permits women over 45 to travel in organised groups without a mahram.
How much does Umrah cost from the UK?
Umrah packages from the UK typically range from £900 for off-peak budget packages to £3,000+ for Ramadan and premium hotel stays near the Haram. Costs include flights, visa, accommodation and ground transfers. The Saudi government requires Umrah travellers to book through a licensed operator.
Is Zamzam water available during Umrah?
Yes. Zamzam water is freely available throughout Masjid al-Haram from cooled dispensers, and pilgrims may drink as much as they wish. Each pilgrim is also entitled to bring 5 litres of Zamzam water home in their checked luggage free of charge.
What is the Umrah visa?
UK citizens need a valid Saudi Umrah visa. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has also introduced a tourist e-visa valid for 90 days which permits Umrah without a separate Umrah visa. Pilgrims should verify the latest requirements with their travel agent or the Saudi consulate.
Can Umrah be performed on behalf of a deceased person?
Yes. A Muslim may perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased person who was unable to do so in their lifetime. The vast majority of scholars permit this (known as Umrah bil-niyabah). The performer makes the intention for the deceased person when entering Ihram.
Health and preparation for Umrah
Makkah can experience extreme heat — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in summer. Pilgrims should stay hydrated (Zamzam is available freely), use sun protection when outdoors, and consult a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations. Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is compulsory for Umrah pilgrims. The NHS provides UK-specific guidance.