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The Umrah guide

How Umrah is performed.

A 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

Pilgrims in ihram at the Miqat
Pilgrims in ihram at the Miqat
At the MiqatOpen in maps

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 300m300–800m800m+Masjid al-Haram
Illustrative zones around the Masjid al-Haram, not to scale. Tap a point to see what's there.
  • Under 300mPremium, walk to prayer in minutes
  • 300–800mComfort, a short, easy walk
  • 800m+Value, shuttle or a longer walk

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.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
Masjid an-NabawiOpen in maps

Quba Mosque

The first mosque in Islam. Praying two rak'ah here carries the reward of an Umrah.

Quba Mosque, Madinah
Quba MosqueOpen in maps

Mount Uhud

The site of the Battle of Uhud, with a visitor area and the graves of the martyrs.

Mount Uhud, Madinah
Mount UhudOpen in maps

Qiblatain Mosque

The Mosque of the Two Qiblas, where the direction of prayer turned toward Makkah.

Masjid al-Qiblatain, Madinah
Qiblatain MosqueOpen in maps

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.