The Complete Umrah Guide Every First-Time Pilgrim Needs

The first glimpse of the Kaaba is simply unforgettable – the call to prayer echoing through the heart of Makkah, the white marble of Masjid al-Haram gleaming under the sun, and pilgrims from every corner of the world moving together in unison, following the sacred steps for Umrah.

For first-time visitors, understanding how to perform Umrah and where to stay can make the experience easy and rewarding.

Unlike Hajj, which is only performed during specific days of Dhul Hijjah and is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, Umrah travel can take place at any time of the year. The Umrah itself typically takes about 2–4 hours if you go directly to perform the rites. It has no minimum or maximum duration, and can even be done multiple times in one trip. This makes it accessible for millions of Muslims who long to visit the holy city of Makkah.

Understanding how to perform Umrah and planning your trip with the right accommodation in mind will be essential to making the experience both spiritually enriching and practical. Keep reading this go-to Umrah guide so you can be ready for this profound healing journey. 

Umrah is sometimes referred to as the “minor” pilgrimage, but it’s no less significant in the life of a Muslim. It consists of four main rituals that symbolise devotion and submission to God. In fact, the word Islam in Arabic means submission, or surrender. The steps for Umrah, which are an embodiment of this commitment, are performed within the sacred areas of Makkah, with the Kaaba at the heart of the experience.

Pilgrims who’ve performed Umrah often describe it as a renewal of faith, an act of repentance, and a source of inner peace.

For many, Umrah travel is also a stepping stone towards Hajj, offering a first glimpse of the profound spiritual atmosphere of Makkah. Because Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, it’s a cherished opportunity for Muslims who wish to experience the blessings of the holy city outside the limited timeframe and the great crowds that come with Hajj.

For those preparing to embark on their first Umrah, knowing how to perform the rites is going to be the most essential part of the pilgrimage. The steps for Umrah begin with entering Ihram. Entering this state of spiritual purity and intention takes place before crossing into the sacred boundaries of Makkah. To learn more, read our detailed Ihram guide for first-time pilgrims.

First, pilgrims have to declare their intention to perform Umrah and enter a purified state before or at the Miqat, a designated boundary that differs depending on where you’re travelling from. Many pilgrims enter this state before or on their flight to Makkah from their respective countries. Most regional airlines will announce the approach to the Miqat, allowing pilgrims to prepare for the intention of Umrah.

Purification includes ghusl, or sacred washing, the trimming of any unwanted body hair, and other hygienic steps using non-perfumed materials. After that, men wear two seamless white clothes while women dress modestly in garments that cover the body and hair fully, and both dedicate their focus to worship. Both men and women must show their faces and hands at all times, so this means the burqa and niqab are not permitted.

Then, as the pilgrims approach the holy city, they start to recite the Talbiyah: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak.” This iconic declaration of submission to Allah can be heard on the radio and televisions across the Muslim world, especially throughout Ramadan during the peak Umrah season. For many Muslims, it is an emotional and deeply moving call.

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims are drawn immediately to the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. Here begins Tawaf, the act of circulating around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at the Black Stone. Each circuit is filled with prayer, supplication, and sometimes tears, as pilgrims walk shoulder to shoulder with fellow Muslims from across the globe.

The journey then continues with Sa’i, which means hastening or pursuance in Arabic. This is a ritual that recalls the story of Lady Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (may Allah be pleased with her), when she ran in search of water for her son in Makkah. Pilgrims walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, following in her footsteps and reflecting on her perseverance and faith in God’s mercy and generosity.

Finally, the pilgrimage concludes with Tahallul, the symbolic act of shaving or trimming the hair. For men, this often means shaving the head entirely or cutting the hair short, while women usually trim a small, symbolic portion. This act represents self-renewal and the completion of the pilgrimage.

Embarking on Umrah requires careful preparation also in practical matters. First-time pilgrims should make sure that their travel documents, including passports and visas, are valid and in order. Health regulations, including necessary vaccinations, should be observed before departure. Also, remember to pack the required garments for Ihram, comfortable clothing, prayer essentials, and items that provide ease during the long hours spent walking within Masjid al-Haram.

Since Umrah involves a great deal of physical exertion, especially walking long distances, preparing one’s body through light exercise before the journey can make a huge difference. Importantly, approaching Umrah with the right mindset helps make the journey more meaningful.

Accommodation plays a central role in shaping the overall experience of Umrah travel. Pilgrims spend significant time resting, reflecting, and preparing for the sacred rituals at their hotel, so choosing the right place to stay is important.

For those seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort, ibis Styles Makkah stands out as the perfect choice. The hotel provides modern, well-kept rooms, room service, and a convenient location that allows pilgrims to focus on the spiritual aspects of their journey without unnecessary worries.

Every pilgrim will have their own unique experience, yet planning ahead can make a first Umrah journey go smoother. This is the best approach, especially for those travelling to Makkah during peak seasons such as Ramadan, when both flights and hotels are in high demand. Staying hydrated and pacing oneself during the rituals is also key, as the climate in Makkah can be hot and intense, and the crowds large.

If you don’t already speak Arabic, learning a few simple Arabic phrases can enrich the experience of interacting with locals, even though English is widely spoken in hotels and commercial areas.

Budgeting is another important factor to keep in mind. From meals to transportation, costs can add up quickly, so staying at a budget-friendly hotel like ibis Styles Makkah is a good choice to manage expenses.

While the focus of Umrah is spiritual devotion, many pilgrims also find inspiration in exploring the history and culture of Makkah. The city is home to sites that provide a deeper connection to the history of Islam and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Jabal al-Nour, the Mountain of Light, holds the cave of Hira where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first received revelation. Meanwhile, Jabal al-Thawr is known for the cave that sheltered the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr during their migration to Madinah.

Meanwhile, the modern Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, offers panoramic views of the city and houses a fascinating museum dedicated to Islamic history. For those interested in local traditions, the vast souks of Makkah provide opportunities to shop for dates, prayer beads, Islamic literature, and other keepsakes. 

While the rituals of Umrah are central, what truly matters is the sincerity with which they are performed. Preparing with the right Umrah guide and familiarising yourself with the rites and steps will make your pilgrimage go smoothly.

When choosing the right Umrah guide, look for one that offers clear, step-by-step instructions, is tailored to first-time pilgrims, and balances both spiritual insights and practical travel advice.

Whether this is your first Umrah or you’re helping someone else on their journey, may Allah reward you for your initiative, place calm in your heart, and bless your steps every step of the way.