Umrah is often called the “minor pilgrimage,” but for the pilgrim standing at the Miqat for the first time, every ritual deserves to be understood in advance. Here is the sequence, explained simply.
1. Entering Ihram at the Miqat
Before crossing the boundary of the sacred zone, pilgrims perform ghusl (ritual bath), wear the Ihram garments — two unstitched white sheets for men, and modest regular clothing for women — and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah, followed by reciting the Talbiyah.
2. Tawaf — Circling the Ka’bah
On reaching Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims perform seven counter-clockwise circuits of the Ka’bah, beginning and ending at the Black Stone corner. Each circuit is an opportunity for personal supplication.
3. Sa’i — Between Safa and Marwah
Pilgrims then walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar’s search for water — a ritual that ends near the well of Zamzam.
4. Halq or Taqsir — Completing the Rites
Umrah concludes with men either shaving the head (Halq) or trimming the hair (Taqsir), and women trimming a small portion of hair, after which the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
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