1. Make the intention (niyyah). Quietly form the intention in your heart to perform
‘Umrah for the sake of Allah. Niyyah is internal — you don’t have to say it out loud,
but be clear in your heart.

2. Prepare & enter Ihram at the miqāt. — Perform ghusl (full ablution) or wudu, put on
Ihram clothing (for men: two unsewn pieces; for women: modest dress that fulfills
hijab). — Apply perfume before putting on Ihram (do not apply after). — Declare the
intention to enter Ihram and begin reciting the Talbiyah:

Transliteration: Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayk lā sharīka laka labbayk. Innal
hamda wan-niʿmata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am — You have no partner. Verily,
all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You; You have no partner.”

Continue reciting the Talbiyah aloud as you travel toward Makkah until you reach
the Masjid al-Haram and are about to begin Tawaf.

3. On arrival — enter Masjid al-Haram respectfully. Ensure you have wudu. Maintain
proper etiquette: modest dress, lower voice, avoid pushing, and keep focus on
worship.

4. Perform Tawāf (circumambulation of the Kaʿbah). — Begin at the corner of the
Kaʿbah where the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is located. If possible, touch/kiss it
saying Bismillāh, Allāhu Akbar; if not reachable, point toward it (known as israr) and
say Allāhu Akbar. — Make seven complete circuits (counter-clockwise). Each circuit
starts and ends opposite the Hajar al-Aswad. Recite dhikr, Qur’ān, or personal duʿāʾs;
there is no single required supplication. — Sunnah for men: the first three rounds are
often done at a brisk walk (raml); women should walk normally. — After completing

seven circuits, go to the area of Maqām Ibrāhīm (if accessible) and offer two rakʿahs
of prayer. If Maqām Ibrāhīm is crowded, you may pray anywhere in the Masjid al
Haram.

5. Drink Zamzam (optional but recommended). After Tawaf and the two rakʿahs, you
may drink Zamzam water and make duʿāʾ — it is encouraged to ask Allah for your
needs.

6. Perform Saʿī between Safa and Marwah. — Proceed to Safa, face the Kaʿbah, raise
hands, and make duʿāʾ. Then walk toward Marwah — that is counted as the first leg.
— Walk back and forth between Safa and Marwah until you have completed seven
legs (this ends at Marwah). During the two short marked sections, men may walk
briskly (raml); otherwise, walk at a normal pace. Make duʿāʾs freely during Saʿī.

7. Complete Halq (shaving) or Taqsīr (trimming). — Men: choose between shaving the
head (halq — complete shave) or trimming the hair (taqsīr). Shaving is considered
more complete, but trimming is permissible. — Women: cut a small portion of hair
(commonly a fingertip’s length) — many women simply snip a small lock. After this
act, your Ihram restrictions are lifted.

8. Exit Ihram. Once hair is cut/shaved, the prohibitions of Ihram end, and you return to
normal dress and can resume normal activities permitted outside Ihram.

9. Final etiquette & optional acts. — You may perform additional voluntary tawāf
(Tawāf al-Nafl) if you wish. — Maintain humility, patience, and good manners
throughout; help fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments or harm.

10. Practical reminders & common rules. — Stay in a state of wudu when performing
Tawaf and the prayers; if you lose wudu, renew it. If water is not available, perform
tayammum where appropriate. — Do not cut nails or hair, use perfume (men),
engage in sexual relations, or hunt while in Ihram. Women should follow their usual
modest covering (they may cover/uncover the face according to their personal
madhhab or practice). — If you are combining Umrah with Hajj, or performing rituals
during Hajj season, some rules differ — follow guidance specific to Hajj.