Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that requires both physical preparation and understanding of proper etiquette. Whether this is your first pilgrimage or you’re returning to the blessed cities of Makkah and Madinah, knowing what to do and what to avoid can make your journey more meaningful, comfortable, and spiritually rewarding.
This comprehensive guide covers the essential dos and don’ts of Umrah, from the moment you enter the state of Ihram until you complete your final ritual. These guidelines are based on Islamic teachings, Saudi regulations, and practical experiences from pilgrims who have walked this sacred path.
Prepare spiritually and mentally. Before beginning your journey, take time for sincere repentance (Tawbah) and make the intention to perform Umrah solely for the pleasure of Allah. Settle any debts you owe, seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged, and ensure your financial affairs are in order. This spiritual preparation is just as important as your physical preparations.
Perform Ghusl (full-body purification). It is highly recommended to take a complete bath before entering the state of Ihram. This ritual purification helps you begin your pilgrimage in a state of cleanliness and spiritual readiness. If water is unavailable or you have health concerns, performing Wudu (ablution) is acceptable.
Trim your nails and remove unwanted body hair. Before putting on your Ihram garments, cut your nails and remove underarm and pubic hair according to Islamic hygiene practices. Once you enter Ihram, these actions become prohibited until you complete your Umrah.
Learn the proper duas and rituals. Familiarize yourself with the specific supplications for each stage of Umrah, including the Talbiyah, duas for Tawaf, and prayers for Sa’i. While you can make personal supplications in any language, knowing the traditional Arabic prayers enhances the spiritual experience.
Pack appropriately for Ihram. Men should pack two clean, white, unseamed cloths for Ihram. Women should bring modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers everything except the face and hands. Ensure your Ihram clothing is comfortable, as you’ll be wearing it for several hours or even days.
Perform two Rak’ahs of prayer. Before declaring your intention for Umrah, it’s Sunnah to pray two units of voluntary prayer (Salah al-Ihram). This can be done at home, at the airport, or even on the plane before reaching the Miqat.
Don’t apply perfume or scented products after performing Ghusl and before entering Ihram. Once you’ve bathed with the intention of preparing for Ihram, avoid all fragranced soaps, lotions, deodorants, and hair products. Some pilgrims mistakenly apply perfume “one last time” before Ihram, but this must be avoided. You can, however, apply unscented products.
Don’t delay your preparation until the last minute. Rushing through your pre-Ihram preparations can lead to mistakes and unnecessary stress. If you’re traveling by air, change into your Ihram clothing before boarding or early in the flight, as airlines typically announce the Miqat 30-45 minutes before landing in Jeddah.
Don’t forget to make your intention clear. When you reach or approach the Miqat, you must verbally declare your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah by saying “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah). Simply wearing Ihram clothing without making the intention and reciting the Talbiyah doesn’t put you in the state of Ihram.
Don’t cross the Miqat without entering Ihram. The Miqat are designated points beyond which you cannot pass without being in Ihram if you intend to perform Umrah. Missing the Miqat requires you to return to it or pay a penalty (dam). If traveling by air, pay close attention to the pilot’s announcement.
Recite the Talbiyah frequently. After entering Ihram, continuously repeat the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.” Recite it loudly (for men) or softly (for women) throughout your journey until you reach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf. The more you recite it with sincerity, the more spiritually connected you’ll feel.
Maintain proper conduct and manners. Ihram is not just about clothing; it’s a state of spiritual purity. Be patient with crowds, avoid arguments or disputes, speak kindly to others, and control your temper. The sacred state of Ihram requires extra mindfulness of your behavior and speech.
Keep your Ihram clean and modest. While in Ihram, you may need to wash your Ihram garments if they become soiled. This is permissible as long as you don’t use scented detergent. Men should ensure their Ihram remains properly secured, and women should maintain complete modesty.
Stay hydrated and take care of your health. The climate in Makkah and Madinah can be extremely hot, especially during summer months. Drink plenty of water (Zamzam when available) and don’t hesitate to take breaks in shaded areas. Taking care of your physical health is part of properly performing Umrah.
Pray all five daily prayers. Continue performing your obligatory prayers on time throughout your pilgrimage. If you’re in Masjid al-Haram during prayer time, pray there—the reward is multiplied tremendously. If you’re unable to reach the mosque, pray wherever you are.
Be mindful of prayer times during rituals. If the call to prayer (Adhan) sounds while you’re performing Tawaf or Sa’i, you must stop and join the congregational prayer. After completing the prayer, you can resume your ritual from where you stopped.
Don’t wear sewn clothing (men only). Men in Ihram cannot wear any stitched garments including shirts, pants, underwear, or socks. The Ihram must consist of two unseamed pieces of cloth. However, men may wear sandals that don’t cover the top of the foot and can use items like belts or pouches to secure valuables, as these aren’t considered “clothing.”
Don’t cover your head (men) or face (women). Men must keep their heads uncovered at all times while in Ihram. Women must keep their faces uncovered (though they may lower a cloth in front of their face when in the presence of non-mahram men). Some women mistakenly wear face veils or niqabs while in Ihram, but this is prohibited.
Don’t apply any fragrances or scented products. This prohibition includes perfumes, scented soaps, scented shampoos, cologne, scented lotions, and even some medications containing fragrance. Be careful with items like soap and toothpaste—use unscented versions only. Accidental exposure to strong scents (like walking past a perfume shop) doesn’t break your Ihram.
Don’t cut your hair or nails. All cutting of hair (from any part of the body) and trimming of nails is strictly prohibited while in Ihram. This remains forbidden until you complete the final ritual of Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming hair) that releases you from Ihram.
Don’t engage in intimate relations or sexual talk. All forms of intimacy with your spouse, including kissing, touching with desire, and sexual intercourse, are completely prohibited while in Ihram. Even discussing intimate matters or flirtatious talk should be avoided.
Don’t kill or harm animals. Hunting or killing animals (including insects like mosquitoes and ants) is prohibited while in Ihram. However, you may kill harmful creatures that pose a threat, such as scorpions, snakes, or rabid dogs. If you accidentally step on an insect, there is no penalty.
Don’t use harsh language or argue. The Quran specifically mentions avoiding “rafath” (obscene talk) and “fusuq” (arguing/disobedience) during pilgrimage. Even if someone is rude or cuts in line, respond with patience and kindness. Remember that you’re in a sacred state.
Don’t pluck or uproot plants. While in the sacred boundaries of Makkah (Al-Haram area), don’t pluck plants or cut trees. This applies whether you’re in Ihram or not. However, this doesn’t include fruits, vegetables, or plants that people have cultivated.
Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Begin each of your seven circuits of Tawaf from the Black Stone. Position yourself so the Kaaba is on your left side as you walk counterclockwise. If possible, kiss the Black Stone; if not, touch it with your hand and kiss your hand; if the crowd is too dense, simply point toward it and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar.”
Walk at a comfortable pace. Don’t rush through Tawaf or push others. The goal is spiritual connection, not speed. It’s better to perform a slower, more focused Tawaf than to rush through it while stressing about the crowd.
Perform Raml in the first three circuits (men only). Men should walk briskly with quick, short steps during the first three rounds of Tawaf, if possible. This is called Raml and is part of the Sunnah. In the last four rounds, walk at a normal pace. Due to large crowds, Raml is sometimes difficult, but do your best without harming others.
Perform Idtiba (men only). Men should uncover their right shoulder during Tawaf by placing the middle of the upper Ihram cloth under the right armpit and draping it over the left shoulder. This should be done for all seven circuits of Tawaf and can be covered again after completing Tawaf.
Make sincere duas. Tawaf is an incredibly blessed time for supplication. Make personal duas in any language during your circuits. There are specific recommended duas, especially between the Rukn Yamani (Yemeni Corner) and the Black Stone: “Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina adhaban-naar” (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).
Complete all seven circuits without interruption if possible. Try to complete your Tawaf continuously. However, if you need to take a break for a valid reason (bathroom, exhaustion, prayer time), you may pause and resume from where you stopped.
Pray two Rak’ahs after Tawaf. After completing seven circuits, pray two units of prayer, preferably behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible. If it’s too crowded there, pray anywhere in the mosque. This is an essential part of completing Tawaf.
Don’t push or shove others. The area around the Black Stone and during Tawaf can be extremely crowded. Never push, elbow, or force your way through crowds. If you can’t reach the Black Stone, simply point toward it—this is completely acceptable and your Tawaf is valid.
Don’t stop walking during Tawaf unnecessarily. While you’re performing Tawaf, keep moving forward. Stopping to take photos, make long duas while stationary, or chat with companions disrupts the flow and causes congestion. Save extended duas and photos for after you complete Tawaf.
Don’t talk excessively or engage in worldly conversations. Tawaf is a form of worship. While brief necessary communication is acceptable, avoid lengthy discussions about non-spiritual matters. Focus your heart and mind on your connection with Allah.
Don’t count circuits incorrectly. Keep careful track of how many circuits you’ve completed. It’s easy to lose count in the crowd. Some pilgrims use their fingers or prayer beads to count. If you’re unsure whether you completed six or seven rounds, assume you completed six and do another to be certain.
Don’t perform Tawaf while in need of purification. You must be in a state of Wudu (ablution) to perform Tawaf. If your Wudu breaks during Tawaf, leave immediately to renew it, then return and complete the remaining circuits. Women should not perform Tawaf during menstruation.
Don’t hold up the crowd by trying to kiss the Black Stone. If there’s a long line or dense crowd around the Black Stone, simply point to it while saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” and continue walking. Attempting to force your way to kiss it causes harm to others and defeats the purpose of worship in humility and patience.
Begin at Safa. Start your Sa’i by ascending the mount of Safa (or as close as you can get in the crowd) and facing the Kaaba. Raise your hands and make dua, praising Allah and making personal supplications. The recommended dua includes repeating “Allahu Akbar” three times and reciting: “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah…”
Walk at a normal pace. Unlike Tawaf, Sa’i doesn’t require rushing (except for men between the green markers). Walk calmly between Safa and Marwah, making dua and reflecting on the story of Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her) searching for water for her son Ismail.
Jog between the green markers (men only). Men should jog or walk briskly between the two green lights/markers during Sa’i. This commemorates Hajar running between the two hills. Women should maintain a normal walking pace throughout Sa’i.
Make personal duas throughout Sa’i. There are no specific required duas during Sa’i (except at Safa and Marwah), so this is an excellent time for personal supplications in any language. Ask Allah for whatever you need—for yourself, your family, and the Muslim Ummah.
Complete all seven laps. One complete lap is from Safa to Marwah. The return from Marwah to Safa is the second lap. Complete all seven laps, ending at Marwah. Keep count carefully, as it’s easy to lose track.
Take breaks if needed. Sa’i can be physically demanding, especially for the elderly or those with health conditions. It’s permissible to rest, sit down, or even use a wheelchair if necessary. You can also pause for prayer time and resume afterward.
Don’t skip Sa’i or cut it short. All seven laps of Sa’i are required to complete your Umrah. Skipping even one lap means your Umrah is incomplete. If you become too exhausted, rest and complete it later, but don’t leave it undone.
Don’t perform Sa’i before Tawaf. Sa’i must come after Tawaf. If you mistakenly perform Sa’i first, you must repeat it after completing Tawaf. The sequence is: Tawaf → Prayer → Sa’i.
Don’t rush unnecessarily (except between green markers). Many pilgrims exhaust themselves by rushing through Sa’i. Unless you’re a man between the green markers, walk at a comfortable pace. The goal is spiritual reflection, not speed.
Don’t push wheelchairs aggressively. The Sa’i area has designated lanes for wheelchairs. If you’re pushing someone in a wheelchair, use these lanes and move cautiously, respecting others performing their rituals on foot.
Don’t lose count of your laps. Use your fingers, prayer beads, or ask a companion to help you count. If you’re genuinely uncertain whether you completed six or seven laps, assume six and complete another to be safe.
Enter with your right foot and make dua. When entering any mosque, step in with your right foot first and recite the dua for entering: “Bismillah, Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik” (In the name of Allah, O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy). Upon first seeing the Kaaba, raise your hands and make sincere dua—this is a blessed moment.
Pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque). When you enter the mosque at a time other than prayer, it’s Sunnah to pray two Rak’ahs before sitting down. In Masjid al-Haram, you can perform Tawaf instead of these two Rak’ahs, as Tawaf serves this purpose.
Arrive early for prayers. Try to arrive at the mosque well before prayer time to secure a good spot, especially for Fajr and the five daily prayers. Praying in the front rows, particularly in these blessed mosques, carries immense rewards.
Drink Zamzam water abundantly. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said Zamzam water is for whatever intention you drink it for. Drink it while standing or sitting, make dua, and drink until satisfied. Zamzam is available throughout both mosques.
Give charity to those in need. You’ll encounter many people asking for help outside the mosques. If Allah has provided for you, share with those less fortunate. Even small amounts of charity in these blessed places can bring tremendous blessings.
Be patient and kind with everyone. You’ll encounter millions of pilgrims from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Show patience when people accidentally bump into you, step on your prayer mat, or seem unfamiliar with mosque etiquette. Treat everyone with kindness and mercy.
Visit Madinah if possible. While not part of Umrah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is highly recommended. Try to pray 40 consecutive prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi if your schedule allows.
Don’t take photos or videos excessively. While taking some photos for memories is understandable, don’t spend your precious time in the holy mosques taking selfies or videos. Focus on worship, not documentation. Some pilgrims spend more time on their phones than in prayer, which defeats the purpose of the journey.
Don’t reserve prayer spaces excessively. It’s common to see prayer mats laid out hours before prayer to “reserve” spots. While arriving early is good, leaving your mat unattended for hours while others struggle to find space is inconsiderate. If you need to leave, take your belongings with you.
Don’t walk in front of people praying. Always walk behind those who are praying, never in front of them. If you must pass by, wait until they finish their prayer. Stepping over people who are sitting is also disrespectful—walk around them.
Don’t raise your voice unnecessarily. Both mosques are places of worship and reflection. Speak in low tones, silence your phone, and avoid loud conversations. The only time voices should be raised is during Talbiyah (for men) or when calling someone who’s lost.
Don’t bring large bags or luggage into the mosque unnecessarily. Both mosques have storage facilities. Using them keeps the mosque uncluttered and prevents your belongings from obstructing walkways or prayer spaces. Only bring what you truly need for worship.
Don’t expect everyone to speak your language. Pilgrims come from every corner of the world. Be patient if someone doesn’t understand you, use simple words or gestures, and remember that we’re all united in our purpose regardless of language.
Don’t believe superstitions. Some people spread false beliefs about specific rituals, spots in the mosque, or numbers of prayers that guarantee wishes. Stick to authentic Islamic teachings and don’t follow innovations or superstitions you hear from other pilgrims.
Stay hydrated constantly. The Saudi heat can be extreme, especially in summer. Carry a water bottle, drink frequently, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Dehydration is one of the most common problems pilgrims face. Zamzam water is freely available throughout the mosques.
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear. You’ll walk many miles during your Umrah journey. Invest in comfortable sandals or shoes that provide good support. Break them in before your trip. Many pilgrims experience foot pain or blisters due to poor footwear choices.
Protect yourself from the sun. Use an umbrella during the day, wear light-colored clothing, and apply sunscreen to exposed skin. The sun in Makkah and Madinah is intense. Heat exhaustion and sunburn are common among unprepared pilgrims.
Get adequate rest. Umrah is physically demanding. Don’t try to perform rituals when you’re exhausted. Get sufficient sleep, take breaks when needed, and listen to your body. It’s better to perform worship with focus and presence than to rush through it while exhausted.
Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and maintain cleanliness. With millions of pilgrims, germs spread easily. Bring personal hygiene items and don’t share towels or personal items with others.
Seek medical attention if needed. Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. Don’t hesitate to visit a doctor if you feel unwell. Many pilgrims try to “push through” illness, which can make things worse. There are clinics and medical services specifically for pilgrims.
Keep emergency contacts handy. Have your embassy’s contact information, your hotel address in Arabic, and important phone numbers saved. Carry a card with your blood type and any medical conditions, especially if you don’t speak Arabic.
Don’t overexert yourself. Many pilgrims, especially first-timers, try to do too much too quickly. They perform multiple Umrahs daily, stay in the mosque for 20 hours, and exhaust themselves. Pace yourself and remember that quality matters more than quantity.
Don’t ignore warning signs of illness. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headaches, stop immediately and seek help. The hot climate and physical exertion can trigger serious health issues, especially in elderly pilgrims or those with pre-existing conditions.
Don’t share food or drinks with strangers. While generosity is encouraged, be cautious about consuming food or drinks from unknown sources due to hygiene and safety concerns. Stick to bottled water and food from reputable establishments.
Don’t walk barefoot outside the mosque. While it’s customary to remove shoes before entering the mosque, keep them on when walking outside. The ground can be extremely hot, and you risk injury or infection from stepping on sharp objects or dirty surfaces.
Don’t neglect your medication. If you take regular medication, don’t skip doses during your trip. Bring enough medication for your entire journey plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original packaging with prescriptions.
Learn basic Arabic phrases. Knowing simple greetings, “excuse me” (afwan), “thank you” (shukran), and “where is…” (ayna) makes interactions easier. Most importantly, learn how to ask for directions to the bathroom and how to request help.
Keep your valuables secure. Wear a money belt or secure pouch under your Ihram to hold your passport, money, and important documents. Petty theft, while not common, can occur in crowded areas. Never leave valuables unattended.
Make dua often. Every moment in the holy cities is blessed. Make dua while walking, sitting, and especially during Tawaf and Sa’i. Carry a small notebook with duas and things you want to ask Allah for, so you don’t forget in the moment.
Stay with your group or companions. It’s easy to get separated in massive crowds. Establish a meeting point, exchange phone numbers, and agree on how to find each other if separated. Consider using location-sharing apps during your trip.
Plan your time wisely. Decide in advance when you’ll perform Umrah, when you’ll rest, and what else you want to do (Ziyarat, shopping, etc.). Without a plan, days slip by and you might miss important activities.
Take advantage of less crowded times. The hours after Fajr and before Maghrib tend to be less crowded for Tawaf. Very late at night (after midnight) is also quieter. Use these times if crowds make you uncomfortable.
Don’t trust everyone you meet. Unfortunately, scammers target pilgrims. Be wary of people offering “special” deals, shortcuts to perform rituals, or asking for money with sob stories. Verify information with official sources and trusted contacts.
Don’t exchange money at poor rates. Research exchange rates before traveling. Use reputable exchange services in your hotel or at the airport rather than street vendors. ATMs are widely available if you need local currency.
Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. The markets in Makkah and Madinah can be tempting, but focus your time and money on worship, charity, and helping others rather than excessive shopping. Many pilgrims regret spending too much time shopping and not enough in worship.
Don’t compare your journey to others’. Every pilgrim’s experience is unique. Some perform Umrah multiple times in one trip; others perform it once. Some stay for weeks; others for days. Focus on your own spiritual journey without comparing yourself to others or feeling pressured to do more than you’re capable of.
Don’t forget the true purpose. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics, crowds, and challenges. Remember that you’re there to worship Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen your faith. Let every difficulty be an opportunity for patience, and let every beautiful moment be a reason for gratitude.
Make shukr (gratitude) to Allah. Thank Allah for granting you the opportunity, health, and resources to complete this blessed pilgrimage. Not everyone gets this chance, so recognize it as a tremendous blessing.
Continue good deeds and habits. The spiritual high you feel during Umrah should translate into lasting changes. Commit to maintaining the prayers, Quran recitation, patience, and good character you practiced during your journey.
Make dua for those who couldn’t come. Remember Muslims around the world who dream of performing Umrah but haven’t had the opportunity. Make dua that Allah grants them this blessing.
Share your knowledge, not just photos. When you return home, share the lessons you learned, the do’s and don’ts, and practical advice with others planning their journey. Help make it easier for future pilgrims.
Maintain your spiritual momentum. Set realistic spiritual goals for yourself based on what you practiced during Umrah. Whether it’s reading more Quran, giving more charity, or improving your character, take concrete steps to maintain your spiritual growth.
Don’t boast about your Umrah. While it’s natural to share your experience, avoid bragging or making others feel inferior for not having performed Umrah. Humility is essential, and true spiritual benefit comes from sincerity, not showing off.
Don’t let old bad habits return. Many pilgrims feel spiritually renewed after Umrah but gradually slip back into old patterns. Fight to maintain the positive changes, even when life gets busy or challenging.
Don’t neglect to follow up with promised changes. If you made promises to Allah or commitments to change certain behaviors, follow through on them. The purpose of Umrah is transformation, not just temporary good behavior.
Performing Umrah is a profound blessing and responsibility. These dos and don’ts are meant to help you maximize the spiritual benefit of your journey while avoiding common mistakes that can distract from worship or cause problems for yourself and others.
Remember that the essence of Umrah is not perfection in every detail, but sincerity in your heart and effort in your actions. If you make mistakes, seek forgiveness and learn from them. Allah is Most Merciful and loves those who turn to Him in repentance.
May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, answer your duas, and allow you to return home safely with your faith strengthened and your heart at peace. Ameen.
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general advice based on Islamic teachings and practical pilgrimage experience. For specific religious rulings, consult qualified Islamic scholars. For current travel regulations and requirements, verify with official Saudi Arabian government sources and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Performing Umrah independently without a tour group is not only possible it can be incredibly rewarding and spiritually liberating. While many first-time pilgrims assume they
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that requires both physical preparation and understanding of proper etiquette. Whether this is your first pilgrimage or you’re
Need More Help? Check out our other comprehensive guides: