Umrah is composed of four fundamental pillars that must be completed in order. This guide is written to give UK pilgrims clarity on both the religious obligations and practical advice for navigating the Holy Mosques.
Ihram and the Miqat Boundary
Ihram is the sacred state entered into before crossing the geographic Miqat boundary. For UK pilgrims flying into Jeddah, the Miqat line (Qarn al-Manazil or Yalamlam) is crossed while on the aeroplane approximately 30–45 minutes before landing.
Actions before crossing the Miqat:
- Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) or Wudu before departure or at the airport
- Men wear the two white unstitched sheets (Izar and Rida)
- Women wear modest Islamic attire with face and hands exposed
- Make the formal intention (Niyyah) for Umrah: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah"
- Recite the Talbiyah continuously until reaching the Holy Kaaba
Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba
Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, proceed to the Mataf courtyard. Tawaf consists of seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Holy Kaaba, starting and ending at the corner of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
- Align with the green light indicator on the mosque wall indicating the Hajar al-Aswad line
- Raise the right hand and say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" (Istilam)
- Complete 7 circuits. Men uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba) during Tawaf
- After completing 7 rounds, pray 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the mosque
- Drink from the Zamzam water dispensers positioned throughout the courtyard
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Sa'i consists of walking seven laps between the two historic hillocks of Safa and Marwah, commemorating the devotion of Hajar (ra) searching for water for her infant son Ismail (as).
- Start at Mount Safa and make Du'a facing the Kaaba
- Walk to Marwah (Lap 1), then from Marwah to Safa (Lap 2), ending at Marwah on Lap 7
- Men jog moderately between the two sets of green fluorescent overhead lights
- Air-conditioned multi-level Mas'a includes dedicated wheelchair and electric buggy lanes
Halq or Taqsir (Exiting Ihram)
The final act to conclude the Umrah and officially exit the state of Ihram is shaving or shortening the hair.
- Men: Shaving the head completely (Halq) is preferred and carries greater reward, or cutting hair equally from all sides (Taqsir)
- Women: Gathering hair and trimming approximately one fingertip length (approx. 1–2 cm)
- Licensed barber shops are located directly outside the Marwah exit doors
- Once completed, all Ihram restrictions are lifted and normal clothing may be resumed