What is Umrah? 

The word “Umrah,” of Arabic origin, carries meanings such as repairing, restoring, reviving and visiting. As a religious term, Umrah refers to “the act of worship performed by entering the state of ihram (without being tied to a specific time), circumambulating the Kaaba, performing Sa’i (ritual walking) between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming the hair to exit the state of ihram.”

The two obligatory (fard) components of Umrah are ihram and tawaf.

Ihram is a condition (shart) for its validity.
Tawaf (circumambulation) is a pillar (rukn).
The necessary acts (wajib) of Umrah are performing Sa’i and shaving/trimming the hair to exit ihram.

What is done on Umrah?
For a Muslim, Umrah involves entering the state of ihram (ritual consecration) from the Meeqat boundary (a designated point for pilgrims), performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, completing Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa), and then shaving or trimming the hair to exit the state of ihram.  In the Hanafi and Maliki madhhab, Umrah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah), while in the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, it is considered obligatory (fard).

When Does Umrah Begin and How is it Performed? | When is Umrah Performed?
Umrah can be performed year-round except during the Hajj season (the days of Eid al-Adha). However, due to concerns about individuals exploiting Umrah or tourist visas to perform Hajj illegally, entry restrictions to Saudi Arabia are enforced from the end of the month of Shawwal as a precaution.

Why Should We Perform Umrah?
Unfortunately, many in our society hold a misguided belief: that visiting holy sites should be postponed until old age, while indulging in excesses during youth. Core religious duties—prayer, fasting, charity, and other obligations—are neglected under the influence of ego and Satan. Some assume that sins, including missed prayers and fasts, will be forgiven simply by repenting after visiting Makkah. While sincere repentance and proper conduct during the pilgrimage can lead to forgiveness, past obligations such as missed prayers, fasts, or transgressions like backbiting or usury (riba) require direct reconciliation (khalas) with those affected and making up missed acts of worship (qada). Claiming, “Allah’s mercy is vast; He will forgive me,” is a deception of Satan and a grave ignorance.

Some fear that performing Umrah at a young age might disrupt their lifestyle, requiring them to avoid sins, and thus delay it. But why fear living in alignment with our creation? Why postpone embracing an Islamic life through repentance and self-discipline? Remember, as humans, we are the most noble creation when we live according to the Quran and Sunnah. Otherwise, as the Quran states, we risk falling lower than animals, leading to eternal punishment and deprivation of divine mercy.

Though humans inevitably stumble into the traps of the ego and Satan, we must rise from our falls. The widespread deviation from Quranic principles around us does not justify neglecting halal and haram. Nor will others’ hypocrisy—such as performing Hajj/Umrah while sinning—excuse us on Akhirah – Judgment Day. Not everyone who performs Hajj or Umrah becomes a awliyah – saint; some may return merely as “tourists.” As the saying goes: “Those who come with adab return with (lutf) blessings; the disrespectful may return empty-handed or burdened with sins.”

How is Umrah Performed, and How Long Does It Take?
After the above overview, let’s address the practical steps. Umrah can technically be completed in a few hours, allowing someone to return to their country in the same day if the distance is nearby. However, first-time pilgrims with financial means are advised to join 14-day programs to learn the rituals, adapt to the environment, and account for travel logistics (e.g., arrival, transit between Makkah and Madinah, and departure).

Most Umrah tour companies begin their programs in either Makkah or Madinah, depending on flight availability. First-timers are recommended to start in Madinah, as its calm atmosphere and milder climate ease adjustment. In Madinah, pilgrims wear regular clothing and visit holy sites without ihram. Before departing for Makkah, pilgrims don the ihram (two seamless cloths for men; modest attire for women) and formally enter the state of consecration at the Meeqat boundary, such as Masjid Dhul-Hulaifah.

Note: Women’s ihram is their standard modest dress.

For those flying directly to Jeddah (closer to Makkah), pilgrims wear ihram before boarding, pray the ihram prayer at the airport, and make their intention (niyyah). Although Jeddah lies outside the Meeqat, crossing it mid-flight necessitates this precaution. Upon arrival, passport control, baggage claim, and transfer to Makkah can take hours, requiring strict adherence to ihram restrictions (e.g., avoiding scented products, altering one’s physical appearance).

The Rituals of Umrah

Tawaf: After entering Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims begin Tawaf at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), raising their hands in salute (Istilam) and circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise. Men uncover their right shoulder (Iztaaba). Each circuit (shawt) must keep the Kaaba to one’s left.

Two Rak’ahs of Tawaf Prayer: Performed if possible near or behind Maqam Ibrahim( as), followed by drinking Zamzam water at your heart’s content. 
Sa’i: Walking seven times between Safa and Marwa.
Shaving/Trimming Hair: Men shave or trim their hair; women cut a fingertip’s length. This concludes Umrah, exiting ihram.

Reminder: Removing ihram clothing (e.g., for bathing) does not exit the state of consecration. Avoid scented products until fully exiting ihram.

Umrah, like Hajj, involves hardship—financial planning, travel challenges, physical endurance, and climatic adjustments. Yet, it spiritually rejuvenates the heart, purifies sins, and offers a renewed perspective on life. Approach it with sincerity, humility, and adherence to etiquette (adab), for “those who come with etiquette return with blessings.”