Complete Umrah Guide: Step by Step (Urdu and English)
For many families in Pakistan, Umrah is a journey they have prayed for over many years. When the visa finally comes, the questions begin: Umrah ka tarika kya hai? Ihram kahan se baandhna hai? What should we pack? This Umrah guide step by step is written for first-time pilgrims and the family members helping them prepare. It explains the four parts of Umrah in simple English, with common Urdu terms, and links every religious point to a published source so you can read further.
This guide summarises widely agreed, mainstream guidance. Where scholars differ, we say so. For anything specific to your situation, please ask a scholar you trust or your group's religious guide.
What Is Umrah? The Four Parts
According to IslamQA and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's Umrah and Visit Guide, Umrah is made up of four things:
| Step | English | Urdu |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihram (intention and entering the sacred state) | احرام |
| 2 | Tawaf (seven rounds around the Ka'bah) | طواف |
| 3 | Sa'i (seven laps between Safa and Marwah) | سعی |
| 4 | Halq or Taqsir (shaving or shortening the hair) | حلق یا قصر |
Different schools of fiqh classify these acts slightly differently (for example, which are rukn and which are wajib). The Hanafi details followed by many Pakistanis are set out in this Banuri Town fatwa on the rulings of Umrah and Sa'i (Urdu).
Before You Travel
Learn the method first
IslamQA notes that anyone performing an act of worship should first learn how the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed it. Attend a training session if your group or local masjid offers one, and go through the steps at home with your family so everyone knows the order. A printed guide you can read without a phone signal helps a lot in the crowds. Our Umrah Guide Cards are pocket-sized, waterproof cards with the steps in English, Urdu and Arabic.
Documents and permits checklist
Rules change, so always confirm the current requirements with your operator and the official sources linked below.
- Valid passport and Umrah visa
- CNIC and photocopies of all documents
- Vaccination certificates required at the time of travel
- Flight tickets and hotel confirmations for Makkah and Madinah
- Your operator's written contract and a Saudi-side contact number
- The Nusuk app installed on your phone
Choose a verified operator. Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs publishes a list of attested Umrah tour operators. Check your company's name on it before you pay.
Umrah permit. The Saudi Ministry's Umrah and Visit Guide states that an official permit must be obtained through the Nusuk application before heading to Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah.
Health and fitness
Umrah involves a lot of walking in heat and crowds. Walk daily in the weeks before you travel, carry your regular medicines with a prescription, and break in new footwear at home, not on your first day in Makkah.
What to Pack: Umrah Checklist from Pakistan
For men - Two-piece ihram (izar and rida), plus a spare set. Some pilgrims prefer a Tubular Ihram for the lower sheet; scholars differ on newer ihram designs, so ask your local scholar if you are unsure. - Sandals that leave the top of the foot and the ankle uncovered. This is explained in a Banuri Town fatwa (Urdu). See our Ihram Sandals. - A belt or waist pouch for passport and money.
For women - Normal, loose, modest clothing. Women may enter ihram in whatever modest clothes they like, but should not wear niqab or gloves in ihram, as explained by IslamQA and the Ministry's guide for pilgrims. - Comfortable walking footwear.
For everyone - Unscented toiletries. Perfume is not allowed after entering ihram, on the body or clothes (IslamQA), so many pilgrims pack a fragrance-free kit such as the Tahara Kit. - Small backpack or neck bag, refillable water bottle, power bank - Basic medicines and blister plasters - A printed guide: Umrah Guide Cards or, for Hajj, Hajj Guide Cards
For most of these items in one order, see the Hajj & Umrah collection or our bundles. For a full item-by-item checklist for men, women and kids travelling from Pakistan, see our Umrah packing list.
Umrah Guide Step by Step: How to Perform Umrah
(Umrah ka tarika, qadam ba qadam)
Step 1: Ihram and Niyyah (احرام اور نیت)
Preparation. IslamQA describes doing ghusl before ihram as Sunnah for both men and women. Men then put on the two ihram garments. Perfume may be applied to the body before forming the intention, but not to the ihram garments (IslamQA).
Where to enter ihram from Pakistan. It is not permissible to pass the Miqat without ihram if you intend Umrah (Ministry guide). Since flights cross the Miqat in the air, Banuri Town has a fatwa on entering ihram at home or at the airport in Pakistan (Urdu). Many pilgrims put on the ihram garments before the flight and ask the crew when the Miqat is near.
Intention. The Ministry's guide says the intention is made in the heart and the pilgrim then says:
Labbayka Allahumma Umrah: Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.
Talbiyah, as given by IslamQA:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamda wa'l-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. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.)
Men recite it aloud; women recite it quietly. The Talbiyah continues until you begin Tawaf.
Things to avoid in ihram (ممنوعات احرام)
According to IslamQA, the things to avoid include:
- Removing hair and cutting nails
- Using perfume on the body or clothes
- Marital relations and touching one's spouse with desire
- Hunting game
- For men: wearing sewn, body-fitted garments and covering the head
- For women: wearing niqab or gloves
If something is done by mistake, the ruling (and any dam or fidyah) depends on the case. Ask a scholar rather than guessing.
Step 2: Tawaf (طواف)
From the Ministry's Tawaf page and IslamQA:
- Enter Masjid al-Haram with the right foot first.
- Begin Tawaf in line with the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad). Point to it and say Allahu Akbar. If you can kiss or touch it without pushing, that is Sunnah; in crowds, pointing is enough, and the Ministry says the pilgrim "is not to blame" if he cannot kiss it.
- Walk with the Ka'bah on your left (anti-clockwise) for seven rounds, saying Allahu Akbar at the start of each round.
- Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, IslamQA cites the dua: Rabbana atina fi'l-dunya hasanah wa fi'l-akhirati hasanah wa qina 'adhab al-Nar (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).
- In the rest of Tawaf, make any dhikr, dua or Quran recitation you wish; there are no fixed words for each round.
- Men uncover the right shoulder during Tawaf (idtiba') and walk briskly in the first three rounds (raml) (IslamQA). After Tawaf, cover both shoulders again.
- After Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (IslamQA). If that area is crowded, ask your scholar where else you may pray them.
Crowd tips: Fix a meeting point with your family before you start. Counting rounds is hard in the crowd; a small counter or a 7 Beads Tawaf Tasbih helps. The Ministry advises walking calmly with the flow and not against the direction of Tawaf.
Step 3: Sa'i between Safa and Marwah (سعی)
From IslamQA and the Ministry's guide:
- Go to Safa. When approaching it at the start, recite: Inna al-Safa wa'l-Marwata min sha'a'ir Allah (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah, Al-Baqarah 2:158).
- Face the Ka'bah, raise your hands, praise Allah and make dua.
- Walk to Marwah. That is one lap. Returning to Safa is the second.
- Men walk quickly between the green markers (lights).
- Complete seven laps, ending at Marwah. Make any dhikr or dua you wish during Sa'i.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (حلق یا قصر)
After Sa'i, men shave the head (Halq) or shorten the hair from all over the head (Taqsir); shaving is better. Women cut a fingertip's length of hair (IslamQA). With this, Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram end.
After Umrah: Madinah
Most Pakistani groups also spend time in Madinah. The Ministry's Umrah and Visit Guide explains that visiting certain areas of the Prophet's Mosque requires a booking through Nusuk; check the app for the current process.
Common Practical Mistakes
- Arriving without having learned the steps
- Wearing brand-new sandals on the first day
- No family meeting point
- Packing scented soap, shampoo or wipes
- Pushing to reach the Black Stone. IslamQA notes that it is better not to crowd and harm others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Umrah take?
The rituals usually take a few hours, depending on crowds and your pace. Your package length depends on your operator.
Can I enter ihram at home or at the airport in Pakistan?
Entering ihram before the Miqat is allowed according to this Banuri Town fatwa. Read it, or ask your scholar about the details.
Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?
Scholars differ on this; ask your local scholar. For visa rules, check Nusuk and your operator.
Do I have to recite specific duas in each round of Tawaf?
No. The Ministry and IslamQA both say you may make any dua or dhikr you wish. The dua between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone above is a Sunnah many pilgrims learn.
Is a tubular ihram allowed?
Scholars differ on newer ihram designs. Ask your local scholar. Our Tubular Ihram page explains how the product is made.
Is there an Umrah guide in Urdu?
Yes. Our Umrah Guide Cards have English, Urdu and Arabic on each card, and the Banuri Town fatwas linked above are in Urdu.
Conclusion
Umrah becomes easier when you prepare early: learn the four steps, sort your documents and permits, pack unscented essentials and agree on a plan with your family. Keep this Umrah guide step by step with you, and carry a printed guide so you can focus on your ibadah rather than your phone.
If you are getting ready now, explore our Umrah Guide Cards and the Hajj & Umrah collection.
May Allah accept your Umrah. Ameen.