These are the core physical rituals of Umrah, performed within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
1. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba) 🕋
Tawaf involves walking around the Kaaba (the sacred cube-shaped building, located in Makkah) seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Purity (Wudu) Requirements: 💧 You must be in a state of Wudu (ablution) to perform Tawaf. If your Wudu breaks during Tawaf, you must re-perform it and then continue from where you left off, or restart the current circuit.
Starting Point: ▶️ Begin your Tawaf from the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone), which is typically marked by a green light on the wall of the Grand Mosque. Stand facing the Kaaba, with the Hajar al-Aswad to your right.
Intention: Make your Niyyah (intention) for Tawaf.
Circuits: 🔄 Walk seven circuits around the Kaaba. Each circuit begins and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad.
Idtiba' (for men): For the first three circuits, men should uncover their right shoulder by placing the Rida' (upper Ihram cloth) underneath their right armpit and over their left shoulder.
Raml (for men): For the first three circuits, men should walk briskly with short steps, almost jogging (this is the "Raml"). For the remaining four circuits, walk normally.
Istilam: At the beginning of each circuit and when you pass the Hajar al-Aswad, try to kiss it if possible. If not, touch it with your hand and kiss your hand. If it's too crowded, simply point towards it from a distance and kiss your hand.
Duas: 🗣️ Recite Duas (supplications) throughout your Tawaf. While there are specific Duas for each part, you can also make personal prayers from your heart. A common and recommended supplication to recite between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is:
Arabic: رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar."
Translation: "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
After Tawaf:
Prayer: 🙏 Perform two Rak'ah (units of prayer), ideally behind Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) if possible. If it's too crowded, you can pray anywhere else in Masjid al-Haram.
Zamzam Water: 🥤 Drink Zamzam water, which is available freely throughout the Haram. It's blessed water from a well near the Kaaba.
2. Sa'i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah) 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Sa'i is the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It commemorates the struggle of Hajar, Prophet Ibrahim's wife, in her desperate search for water for her infant son, Prophet Ismail (AS).
Starting Point: Begin Sa'i at Safa hill. Climb a few steps onto Safa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make Dua.
Circuits: 🔄 Walk towards Marwah. This constitutes one round. From Marwah back to Safa is the second round. Repeat this until you complete seven rounds, ending your final round at Marwah.
Running (for men): 🏃♂️ Between the two green lights (or green markers), men should walk briskly or jog. Women walk normally throughout this section.
Duas: 🗣️ Make Duas throughout your Sa'i. While there are specific Duas for starting from Safa and Marwah, any Duas or remembrance of Allah (SWT) is highly encouraged.
Important Note: While Wudu is recommended for Sa'i, it is not a strict condition for its validity (unlike Tawaf).
3. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair) ✂️
This is the final ritual of Umrah, signifying your exit from the state of Ihram.
Halq (Shaving): 🧑🦲 For men, it is highly recommended to shave the entire head. This is considered more virtuous.
Taqsír (Trimming): 💇 For men, trimming all hair evenly by at least an inch is also permissible. For women, it is compulsory to trim at least an inch (or the length of a fingertip) of their hair. You can do this by taking a small portion of hair from the back and trimming it.
After Halq/Taqsír: Once you have performed Halq or Taqsir, you are released from the state of Ihram, and all the prohibitions that applied during Ihram are lifted. You can now wear regular clothing, use perfumes, and engage in activities that were previously forbidden.