How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Pilgrims

Before you travel: preparing for Ihram

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before crossing the Miqat (the boundary for entering Ihram). Because you will be on a plane when you cross the Miqat, most pilgrims from Pakistan prepare at home or at the airport.

• ✓Take a bath (ghusl), trim nails and remove unwanted hair before leaving home.
• ✓Men wear two unstitched white sheets: the izar (lower) and the rida (upper). Pack a spare set.
• ✓Women wear normal modest clothing that covers the body, with the face and hands uncovered.
• ✓Men may apply perfume to the body before making the intention; once in Ihram, use only unscented soap and toiletries.

Step 1: Make the intention and recite the Talbiyah

Flights from Pakistan to Jeddah cross the Miqat before landing, and the cabin crew usually announce when you are approaching it. At this point, make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah:

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

Once you are in Ihram, avoid its prohibitions: cutting hair or nails, using perfume, hunting, marital relations, arguing, and (for men) covering the head or wearing stitched clothing.

Step 2: Tawaf around the Kaaba

1. 1
   Enter Masjid al-Haram

   Enter with your right foot and the supplication for entering the mosque. Stop the Talbiyah when you begin Tawaf.
2. 2
   Start at the Black Stone

   Begin each circuit in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. Raise your right hand towards it, say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”, and begin walking.
3. 3
   Walk seven circuits

   Circle the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, keeping it on your left. Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) during this Tawaf and walk briskly (raml) in the first three circuits if possible.
4. 4
   Make dua

   There is no fixed dua for each circuit — make sincere dua in any language. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, many recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…”.
5. 5
   Pray two rak’ahs

   After Tawaf, cover the shoulder again and pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Then drink Zamzam water.

Step 3: Sa’i between Safa and Marwah

1. 1
   Go to Safa

   Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, praise Allah and make dua.
2. 2
   Walk seven laps

   Walk to Marwah (lap 1), then back to Safa (lap 2), and so on. The seventh lap ends at Marwah.
3. 3
   Hurry between the green lights

   Men walk quickly between the two green markers; women walk at a normal pace.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir

After Sa’i, men either shave the head (halq, which is more rewarding) or trim the hair evenly (taqsir). Women cut about a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair. With this, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.

Practical tips for Pakistani pilgrims

• ✓Wear Ihram before boarding in Pakistan to avoid changing on the plane.
• ✓Perform Tawaf late at night or after Fajr when it is less crowded, especially with elderly parents.
• ✓Wheelchairs and electric carts are available for elderly pilgrims for Tawaf and Sa’i.
• ✓Download the Nusuk app before travelling — you will need it for a Rawdah permit in Madinah.
• ✓Keep a small bag for your shoes and note the gate number you entered from.