🕋 How to Perform Umrah – Step by Step (UK Guide for Beginners)

Umrah is a beautiful, voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. For first-time pilgrims in the UK, especially from London, understanding how to perform Umrah step by step can bring clarity and peace of mind before the journey.

This guide breaks down the entire process—from preparation to completion—in easy-to-follow steps.

🌍 Step 1: Prepare for Your Journey from the UK

✈️ Before Departure:

• Book a guided Umrah package with a trusted UK-based travel agent.
• Ensure your passport is valid (at least 6 months).
• Obtain a Saudi Umrah visa (often included in guided packages).
• Take any required vaccinations (such as meningitis).
• Pack Ihram clothing and essentials (personal hygiene items, prayer mat, comfortable shoes, etc.).

🕊️ Step 2: Enter the State of Ihram (Miqat)

What is Ihram?

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah.

How to Enter Ihram:

📍 At the Miqat (boundary station for Ihram):

• Men wear two white unstitched cloths.
• Women wear modest Islamic dress (no specific color or material).
• Make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, here I am for Umrah)
• Begin reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

🕋 Step 3: Perform Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

What is Tawaf?

You walk around the Kaaba seven times, counterclockwise.

How to Perform Tawaf:

• Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and make an intention.
• Circle the Kaaba 7 times.
• Recite duas or dhikr (praises of Allah) throughout.
• After completing 7 rounds, pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows.

🏃 Step 4: Perform Sa’i (Safa and Marwah)

What is Sa’i?

Walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, symbolising Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma’il (AS).

How to Perform Sa’i:

• Begin at Safa. Face the Kaaba and make dua.
• Walk to Marwah – this is one lap.
• Repeat this 7 times, ending at Marwah.
• Men should walk briskly in the green-lit area.

✂️ Step 5: Hair Cutting/Shaving (Halq or Taqsir)

Final Step:

• Men: Either shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) the entire head.
• Women: Trim a fingertip-length of hair (1-2 inches).

🎉 Congratulations! Your Umrah is now complete.

📌 Tips for First-Time Pilgrims from the UK

• Book through guided Umrah packages London to receive full support.
• Ask Umrah travel agents near me for training sessions and itinerary briefings.
• Travel in a group if it’s your first time—it’s easier and spiritually uplifting.
• For families: Choose child-friendly hotels and group services.
• For professionals: Consider shorter packages with efficient timelines.