Umrah is similar to Hajj, Umrah is a service that can be performed at any time, but according to tradition, the holy month of Ramadan is the best time for believers to perform Umrah.
These are the most important Umrah steps:
- Wash your body and put on Ihram clothing to enter the state of Ihram (purity and dedication).
- At the miqat station, recite the Talbiyah to indicate your intention to make the pilgrimage.
- Make a trip to Makkah.
- Enter Al Masjid Al Haram (Holy Mosque) and conduct Tawaf - seven in the opposite direction circles around the Kaaba.
- Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah beside the Kaaba to perform Sa'ay.
- Men quit Ihram at the completion of Umrah by shaving their heads (taqseer). Umrah for women requires the removal of a small length of hair.
It should be noted that UMRAH pilgrims still require Umrah visas and must travel with authorised tour companies. Umrah does not require any extra licences for Saudi and GCC citizens.
The schedule given below includes the necessary Umrah procedures.
Day 1
- Put on Ihram and perform Tawaf and Sa'ay at the Holy Mosque.
- Attend Taqseer
- Pray at the Holy Mosque
Day 2
- Pray in the Holy Mosque
- Visit the Hajj pilgrimage destinations of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat
Day 3
- Pray at the Holy Mosque and explore Jannat Al Mu'alla, Jabal Al Nour, and the Exhibition of Two Holy Mosques Architecture (free tour in the evening)
Day 4
- Continue Umrah procedures from Day 1
- Visit Jabal Thawr
Day 5
- Spend time at the Holy Mosque to pray
- Shop for gifts and memorabilia
- Have a meal at an excellent Makkah restaurant.
Day 6
- Worship at the Holy Mosque
- Go to Taif or Jeddah
Day 7
- Make your final Tawaf
- Pray in the Holy Mosque
