The Umrah guide
How Umrah is performed.
A calm walkthrough of the rites, in order, with the key du'as, how to think about hotels, and practical things worth knowing. This is an introduction; always confirm the details with an authenticated source or a scholar.
How Umrah is performed, a walkthrough
Video coming soon
The rites, step by step
Step 1 of 5
Ihram and intention
At the Miqat
Enter the state of ihram before you cross the Miqat. Perform ghusl, wear the two white cloths (men) or modest dress (women), make the intention for Umrah, and begin the Talbiyah. Dhul Hulayfah is the Miqat for those coming from Madinah.
Choosing where to stay
In Makkah, a hotel is really a decision about distance. Explore the zones, transport and food around the haram.
- Under 300mPremium, walk to prayer in minutes
- 300–800mComfort, a short, easy walk
- 800m+Value, shuttle or a longer walk
- Haram-view hotelsDirectly overlooking the courtyard; the shortest walk to Tawaf.
- Clock Tower complexPremium towers with malls, food courts and quick haram access.
- Ajyad / MisfalahComfort-tier hotels a short walk or shuttle from the haram.
- Haramain train (to Madinah)High-speed rail links Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah.
- Hotel shuttle stopsComplimentary shuttles run from the outer hotel zone.
- Food courtsInternational and local options in the tower malls.
- Local restaurantsAffordable Arab, South-Asian and Turkish eateries nearby.
Ziyarah in Madinah
Most trips pair a few nights in Madinah with the Makkah stay. These are the places worth visiting, and where to find them.
Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque, home of the Rawdah and his resting place. Book Rawdah slots via the Nusuk app.
Quba Mosque
The first mosque in Islam. Praying two rak'ah here carries the reward of an Umrah.
Mount Uhud
The site of the Battle of Uhud, with a visitor area and the graves of the martyrs.
Qiblatain Mosque
The Mosque of the Two Qiblas, where the direction of prayer turned toward Makkah.
Key du'as
The Talbiyah
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, inna-l-hamda wa-n-ni'mata laka wa-l-mulk, la sharika lak.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Between the two corners
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina 'adhab an-nar.
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Good to know
- Book Rawdah visits (in Madinah) via the Nusuk app before you travel.
- Stay hydrated, carry a refillable bottle; Zamzam is available throughout the haram.
- Keep a small bag for your shoes during Tawaf and prayers.
- Women are not required to shave; a fingertip-length trim completes the rite.
- Move with the crowd calmly during Tawaf and Sa'i, there is no need to rush.