Complete Umrah Guide, Step by Step: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and Halq (Umrah Ka Tarika)
Umrah explained practically, the way I filmed it in Masjid al-Haram: Ihram and Talbiyah, wudu and where to leave your shoes, starting Tawaf at the Black Stone, Zamzam, Sa'i between Safa and Marwa, and Halq or Qasr.
By Hafiz Tayyab · 15 October 2026 · 2 min read
The route
- MeeqattoMasjid al-HaramIhram + Talbiyah
- Hajr-e-Aswadto7 roundsTawaf
- SafatoMarwaSa'i, 7 trips
- BarbertoDoneHalq or Qasr
Ihram & Talbiyah
Before the Meeqat, with the intention for Umrah.
Tawaf
Seven rounds, starting and ending at the Black Stone line.
Sa'i
Seven trips; men jog lightly between the green lights.
Halq or Qasr
Shave or trim to finish Umrah.
This is the guide I wish I'd had before my first Umrah. It follows my video, filmed inside Masjid al-Haram, step by step. It's practical, not a fatwa: for questions of fiqh, please ask a qualified scholar.
Step 1: Ihram and Talbiyah
Put on Ihram and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah before you cross the Meeqat.
- Flying in: many people change at home or in transit. On my Ramadan trip I changed in Dubai and we said the Talbiyah on the plane before the Meeqat.
- Coming from Madinah by road: the buses stop at Dhul Hulayfah (Masjid al-Shajarah). That's where I tied my Ihram.
From then on, keep reciting the Talbiyah: Labbaik Allahumma labbaik…
Step 2: Wudu, and where to leave your shoes
Make wudu before you enter. Then decide what to do with your shoes:
- Use a shoe rack and remember your gate number, or
- Carry them in a small bag.
I've lost shoes in the Eid crowd. It happens.
Step 3: The first sight of the Kaaba
Many pilgrims keep their gaze lowered until they reach the courtyard. When you see the Kaaba for the first time, stop and make dua. It's a moment many people wait their whole lives for.
Step 4: Tawaf, 7 rounds
- Start at the line in line with the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone). Face it, raise your hand towards it and begin.
- Walk anticlockwise, keeping the Kaaba on your left.
- Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) and walk briskly (ramal) in the first three rounds.
- Seven rounds, each ending at the Black Stone line.
If your wudu breaks during Tawaf, there's a short on Hafiz Tayyab Shorts about what to do; check with a scholar too.
Step 5: Two rakat and Zamzam
After Tawaf, pray two rakat behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim if there's space, or anywhere in the mosque. Then drink Zamzam from the coolers.
Step 6: Sa'i between Safa and Marwa
- Start at Safa, face the Kaaba and make dua.
- Walk to Marwa: that's one trip. Marwa back to Safa is the second.
- Seven trips, ending at Marwa.
- Between the green lights, men jog lightly.
Step 7: Halq or Qasr
Finish with Halq (shaving the head) or Qasr (trimming the hair). For men, shaving carries more reward. Women trim a small amount. There are barbers right outside the Haram.
That's it: your Umrah is complete.
Practical tips
- Go after Isha or late at night for a calmer Tawaf.
- Wheelchairs are available if you're with elderly parents.
- Keep your gate number in your phone.
- Stay hydrated. Zamzam is everywhere inside.
Next steps: the Makkah ziyarat tour, the Madinah ziyarat guide, and if you'd like help with the whole trip, Travel with Tayab Umrah Services.
Watch the episodes
Questions people ask
What are the steps of Umrah?
Ihram with the intention before the Meeqat, Tawaf of the Kaaba (7 rounds), two rakat after Tawaf, Sa'i between Safa and Marwa (7 trips), and Halq (shaving) or Qasr (trimming) the hair.
Where does Tawaf start?
At the line in line with the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) corner of the Kaaba. Each round ends back at the same line.
Where should I keep my shoes in Masjid al-Haram?
Use the shoe racks and remember the gate number you entered from, or carry your shoes in a small bag. Shoes get lost easily in the crowds.
Where did Hafiz Tayyab put on Ihram when coming from Madinah?
At Dhul Hulayfah (Masjid al-Shajarah), the Meeqat for people travelling from Madinah to Makkah.
Is this a religious ruling?
No. It is a practical walkthrough of how he performed Umrah. For rulings, ask a qualified scholar.
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