How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Performing Umrah is one of the most beautiful acts of worship a Muslim can undertake. For Muslims living in Canada, the journey to Makkah may involve considerable planning, especially for those performing Umrah for the first time. Understanding the rituals beforehand can help you focus less on logistics and more on worship, dua, remembrance of Allah, and spiritual reflection.

Allah says:

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
— Qur’an 2:196

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encouraged Muslims to perform Umrah and explained its great virtue. Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that one Umrah to another is an expiation for the sins committed between them. This hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

This beginner-friendly guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step, from preparing for the journey in Canada to completing the rituals in Makkah.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Sacred House in Makkah that can be performed at various times of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates.

The essential journey of Umrah involves entering into Ihram, making the intention, reciting the Talbiyah, performing Tawaf around the Ka’bah, performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finally shaving or shortening the hair.

Although Umrah is sometimes called the “minor pilgrimage,” it is a deeply significant act of worship. The purpose is not simply to visit Makkah but to worship Allah according to the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Preparing for Umrah from Canada

For Canadian Muslims, preparation should begin well before the flight to Saudi Arabia. Start by learning the rituals, checking current travel requirements, arranging accommodation and transportation, and making sure your travel documents are in order.

Many Canadians also choose an organized package that combines flights, accommodation, transportation, and pilgrimage-related services. When comparing Umrah Packages from Canada, look carefully at what is included, the hotel’s distance from Masjid al-Haram, transportation arrangements, group support, and the experience of the travel provider.

Check Your Travel and Visa Requirements

Saudi Arabia’s current pilgrimage procedures can change, so Canadian travelers should verify requirements through official Saudi channels before departure.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that Umrah visitors need appropriate authorization and that visa and package services can be accessed through approved channels, including the Nusuk Umrah platform and other authorized routes. An Umrah permit is also handled through the Nusuk application according to current official guidance.

Therefore, arrange your Umrah Visa and related permissions early, and verify the latest requirements before booking non-refundable travel.

Learn the Rituals Before You Travel

Do not wait until you arrive in Makkah to learn how Umrah is performed.

Before leaving Canada, familiarize yourself with:

• Ihram and its restrictions
• The Miqat
• Talbiyah
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
• Shaving or trimming the hair
• Recommended duas and dhikr
• The basic etiquette of Masjid al-Haram

The goal is to perform the rituals according to the Sunnah rather than following unfamiliar practices simply because other people are doing them.

Step 1: Enter Ihram Before the Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It begins with the intention to perform Umrah and continues until the pilgrim completes the required rituals and exits Ihram.

Men generally wear two pieces of unstitched cloth, while women wear normal modest Islamic clothing that fulfills the requirements of hijab.

Make Ghusl and Prepare

Before entering Ihram, it is recommended to perform ghusl and prepare yourself physically and spiritually.

Men should remove any prohibited hair and trim their nails before entering Ihram if needed. After entering Ihram, certain activities become prohibited.

These include matters such as:

• Cutting hair or nails
• Using perfume after entering Ihram
• Hunting land animals
• Sexual relations
• Certain forms of marital intimacy
• For men, wearing normal fitted clothing and covering the head

Women remain in their normal modest clothing. They do not wear a special color or a particular “Ihram uniform.”

Make the Intention for Umrah

When you reach the Miqat or the point where you need to enter Ihram, make your intention for Umrah.

You can say:

“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah.”

Meaning:

“Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”

The intention is fundamentally an act of the heart. The important point is to sincerely intend to perform Umrah for Allah.

Recite the Talbiyah

After making the intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah:

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

Meaning:

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, blessings and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”

Men may raise their voices with the Talbiyah, while women recite it quietly.

Continue reciting the Talbiyah until you reach Masjid al-Haram and are ready to begin Tawaf.

Step 2: Enter Masjid al-Haram

When you arrive at Masjid al-Haram, enter respectfully and remember that you are entering one of the most sacred places on earth.

You should maintain humility, avoid pushing or harming others, and keep your heart focused on Allah.

Do not become so focused on taking photographs or videos that you lose the spiritual purpose of the journey.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides official guidance and services for pilgrims, and the Nusuk ecosystem continues to provide digital assistance for Umrah visitors.

Step 3: Perform Tawaf Around the Ka’bah

Tawaf means circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times.

Before beginning, position yourself so that the Ka’bah is on your left side and begin from the area aligned with the Black Stone.

How to Perform Tawaf

Follow these basic steps:

1. Begin at the Black Stone.
2. Face toward it and say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” if appropriate.
3. Move counterclockwise around the Ka’bah.
4. Complete seven circuits.
5. Keep the Ka’bah on your left throughout the Tawaf.
6. Remember Allah and make dua during the Tawaf.
7. Avoid pushing, shouting, or causing harm to other pilgrims.

There is no requirement to recite a particular dua for every individual circuit.

You can make personal dua in your own language, recite Qur’an, make dhikr, or ask Allah for forgiveness and guidance.

Sunnah During Tawaf for Men

For men, Idtiba’—exposing the right shoulder—is practiced during Tawaf in the manner established in the Sunnah.

It is also Sunnah for men to walk briskly during the first three circuits when circumstances permit, while walking normally during the remaining four.

These Sunnahs should not be performed in a way that causes harm or inconvenience to other pilgrims.

What About the Black Stone?

If you can reach the Black Stone without pushing or harming anyone, you may kiss it.

If you cannot reach it safely, simply gesture toward it and say “Allahu Akbar.”

Do not fight through crowds to touch or kiss the Black Stone. Protecting fellow Muslims from harm is more important than attempting to perform an optional act in a way that causes injury or distress.

Step 4: Pray Two Rak’ahs After Tawaf

After completing seven circuits, pray two rak’ahs if it is reasonably possible.

Traditionally, this is performed behind Maqam Ibrahim when possible, but the large crowds around the Ka’bah mean that praying elsewhere in the mosque may be more appropriate and safer.

Allah says:

“And take the standing place of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
— Qur’an 2:125

Do not block pathways or inconvenience other worshippers while trying to pray in a particular location.

Step 5: Drink Zamzam Water

After Tawaf, pilgrims can drink Zamzam water and make dua to Allah.

Take the opportunity to ask Allah sincerely for forgiveness, guidance, beneficial knowledge, righteous family, good health, and acceptance of your worship.

Step 6: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

Sa’i has walked between Safa and Marwah seven times.

This ritual commemorates the efforts of Hajar (عليها السلام), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), when she searched for water for her son Ismail (عليه السلام).

Allah says:

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
— Qur’an 2:158

How to Perform Sa’i

Start at Safa.

The sequence is:

• Safa to Marwah = 1
• Marwah to Safa = 2
• Safa to Marwah = 3
• Marwah to Safa = 4
• Safa to Marwah = 5
• Marwah to Safa = 6
• Safa to Marwah = 7

You therefore finish at Marwah.

At Safa and Marwah, remember Allah and make dua. There is no requirement to recite a specific dua throughout every portion of Sa’i.

Walking Between the Green Markers

Men traditionally walk more quickly between the designated green markers, following the Sunnah associated with this part of Sa’i.

Women walk normally.

As with Tawaf, avoid pushing or rushing in a way that could harm other people.

Step 7: Shave or Trim the Hair

After completing Sa’i, the final major step of Umrah is cutting the hair.

For Men

Men may either:

• Shave the entire head (Halq), or
• Shorten the hair (Qasr).

Shaving the head has special virtue in the Sunnah.

For Women

Women do not shave their heads. Instead, they trim a small amount from the ends of their hair.

After the hair is cut, the restrictions of Ihram end and the Umrah is complete.

Alhamdulillah—you have completed your Umrah.

What Should You Do After Completing Umrah?

Completing the rituals does not mean the spiritual journey has ended.

Use your remaining time in Makkah for:

• Salah in Masjid al-Haram
• Reciting the Qur’an
• Making abundant dua
• Dhikr and istighfar
• Giving charity
• Studying the Seerah
• Avoiding arguments and unnecessary distractions
• Showing patience toward fellow pilgrims

The Prophet ﷺ taught Muslims the importance of good character, patience, mercy, and avoiding harm to others.

Remember that Umrah is an opportunity to return to Allah with a renewed heart.

Should You Visit Madinah After Umrah?

Many Canadian Muslims choose to visit Madinah as part of their Saudi Arabia journey.

Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is a virtuous act, but it is important to understand that visiting Madinah is not a required part of Umrah.

When visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, Muslims should send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ and maintain the proper manners of the mosque.

The official Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides information and services for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque, including religious lessons and Qur’an-related resources.

Common Mistakes First-Time Canadian Pilgrims Should Avoid

Treating Umrah Like a Tourist Trip

Makkah and Madinah are places of worship. While taking photographs and seeing historical locations may be part of the journey, worship should remain your priority.

Not Learning the Rituals Before Departure

A little preparation in Canada can make the experience much easier.

Study reliable sources and, if you follow a particular madhhab, consult a qualified scholar regarding detailed matters where scholarly differences exist.

Getting Too Focused on Specific Duas

There are authentic supplications associated with various parts of the pilgrimage, but you do not need to memorize a different dua for every Tawaf circuit.

Speak to Allah sincerely.

You can make dua in English, French, Arabic, Urdu, or any language you understand.

Pushing to Touch the Ka’bah or Black Stone

Never harm another Muslim to perform an optional act.

Patience and good manners are themselves important parts of your worship.

Forgetting the Canadian Climate

If you are travelling from Canada during winter, the sudden transition from a cold Canadian climate to the heat of Saudi Arabia can be significant.

Stay hydrated, rest when necessary, use appropriate footwear, and plan your daily worship schedule realistically—especially if travelling with children, elderly family members, or people who are not accustomed to long periods of walking.

A Simple Umrah Checklist for Canadians

Before leaving Canada, consider checking the following:

• Passport validity
• Current Saudi entry requirements
• Umrah Visa and required authorization
• Approved accommodation
• Flights and airport transportation
• Nusuk account/application
• Umrah permit requirements
• Ihram clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes for use outside Ihram
• Essential medications and personal items
• Copies of important travel documents
• Canadian emergency/contact information
• Basic knowledge of Umrah rituals
• Dua list
• Qur’an or Qur’an application
• Sufficient local payment options

Always verify the latest Saudi requirements before traveling because visa, permit, health, and entry regulations can change.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Umrah About Allah

For a first-time pilgrim from Canada, Umrah can seem overwhelming at first. There are flights to arrange, accommodation to book, visa requirements to understand, and rituals to learn.

But once you understand the basic sequence, the journey becomes much easier.

Remember the essential order:

Ihram → Intention → Talbiyah → Tawaf → Two Rak’ahs → Zamzam → Sa’i → Shaving/Trimming → Completion of Umrah

Most importantly, remember why you are making the journey.

You are leaving your home, traveling thousands of kilometers from Canada, and standing before the Ka’bah to worship Allah.

Make sincere dua. Seek forgiveness. Read the Qur’an. Follow the Sunnah. Be patient with other Muslims. Avoid arguments and unnecessary distractions. And ask Allah to accept your Umrah.

May Allah make the journey easy for every Muslim traveling from Canada, accept their Umrah, forgive their sins, answer their duas, and return them home with stronger iman and a heart closer to Him. Ameen.