If you have chosen to travel to Umra this year, count yourself lucky to have been chosen by Allah to partake in this revered experience. Make the most of this chance and express your thankfulness to Allah for giving you the means to accomplish so. Now that you have made this important choice, it is time to organize and maximize your travel. It is crucial to comprehend the correct processes and methods in order to get the most out of your Umra and make sure you are carrying it out correctly. We have prepared this all-inclusive handbook to assist you, which will lead you through the steps before you set out on your spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca. Let us first clarify what Umrah is.

It’s time to go into the specifics of doing the Umrah now that you have a clearer idea of what it involves. It is imperative to adhere to the prescribed rituals and procedures when performing the Umrah to fully reap the joys and advantages of this spiritual pilgrimage. This comprehensive guide will take you through every stage of the Umrah, from getting ready for the journey to finishing the last rites. Now let’s set off on this voyage and master the Umrah.

Ihram:

One needs to follow the Ihram ritual in order to perform the Hajj or Umra effectively. The Hajj or Umra will not be regarded as legitimate without this crucial component of the pilgrimage. While carrying out these religious duties, pilgrims reach the holy state of Ihram. People had to wear certain clothes and do certain purifying procedures in order to enter this state. All Hajj and Umra pilgrims wear the same ihram, which eliminates social and economic disparities between them and promotes equality. When everyone is dressed the same, it is impossible to determine who is wealthy or not. It’s crucial to remember, nevertheless, that going into Ihram has additional limitations that one needs to be aware of, like:

Men are not allowed to clip their nails or shave their beards.

Men are not permitted to wear clothing that is woven or stitched. An Ihram is any completely white or black garment that covers a woman’s entire body, excluding her face and hands. Therefore, during the Umrah or Hajj, ladies are allowed to wear clothing with stitching.

A woman’s hands and face should be the only parts of her body that are exposed.

All scent-producing products, such as perfumes, deodorants, aftershaves, and scented soaps, are inappropriate for wear by either gender. Unscented soaps will be given to you to use on the journey.

It is forbidden for pilgrims to go close to one another in an intimate way.

It is forbidden for pilgrims to go hunting or to chop down trees or vegetation.

Entering in Ihram:

It’s crucial for air travelers to enter the state of Ihram before passing through the designated Miqat. Before arriving in Mecca, airlines like Saudi Airlines may announce the Miqat. If at all possible, it is advised to change into your Ihram at the airport prior to departure or during a layover. Before checking in, you can change at the airport restroom or prayer area. If you prefer, you can change into your Ihram while in flight, but keep your mind that restrooms on airplanes are frequently cramped and small, especially as Miqat draws near. Make careful to change on the plane at least an hour before crossing the Miqat if you decide to do so.

When the intention is made, only then can the state of Ihram be formally entered. Make sure you are physically clean before donning the Ihram garment by either washing your hands and face (wudhu) or having a bath (ghusl). There are two simple, seamless white pieces that make up the Ihram attire. The Rida is draped over the top body like a shawl, while the Izar is wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body. The Hanafi school of thought states that the top of the foot should also remain uncovered, and that the sandals should not conceal the heel or ankle. In Ihram, there isn’t a set dress code for ladies. They should cover their heads, whatever of hue, and dress modestly in Islamic garb. Socks are OK, but hands and faces must be kept uncovered.

Before putting on the Ihram, it is usual to recite two units of prayer, called Rakahs. If prayer facilities are available, you can perform this after donning your Ihram garment at the airport or aboard the aircraft. It is important to pray with the goal of completing two Nafl Rakahs for Ihram.

You can pray with your head veiled as you are not yet in the Ihram state. Though other chapters can also be recited, it is advised to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) in the second. Remember to offer a dua following this prayer.

As you approach the relevant Miqat, declare your intention to enter the state of Ihram and Umra. Next, say the Talbiyah prayer, which is a required declaration of that purpose.

Miqat:

Before crossing one of the specified Miqats, pilgrims must declare their intention (niyyah) to conduct the Hajj or Umrah. The Talbiyah, a unique prayer that must be recited till one reaches Masjid Al-Haram, should be recited after the niyyah, which is an inner desire to perform an act of worship.

Miqats are designated sites by the Prophet (PBUH) where pilgrims going on the Hajj or Umrah must enter the state of Ihram. There are five Miqats in all, and the one that applies to you will rely on where you are starting from. The following Hadith, as related by Abdullah ibn Abbas I, mentions four of them:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ designated Dhul Hulayfah as the Miqat for the Madinah people, al-Juhfah for the Sham people, Qarn al-Manazil for the Najd people, and Yalamlam for the Yemeni people. Therefore, the aforementioned are the Mawaqit for everyone who resides in those locations; in addition, those who visit those locations with the goal of performing the Hajj and Umra should assume Ihram from their place of residence, just as Makkah residents can assume Ihram from Makkah.
[Narrated in the Sahih al-Bukhari]”

After Basra and Kufa were taken, an extra Miqat was erected during the rule of Umar Ibn al-Khattab I, the second caliph. According to Abdullah ibn Umar I,

“Following the conquest of these two towns, Basra and Kufa, the populace went to Umar and proclaimed, “O Chief of the faithful believers! For the people of Najd, the Prophet ﷺ designated Qarn as the Miqat; it is outside of our path and challenging for us to cross. “Take as your Miqat a place opposite Qarn on your usual way,” he advised. He therefore corrected Dhat Irq (as their Miqat).
[Narrated in the Sahih al-Bukhari]”

The following five places are Miqat:

• Rabegh or Al-Juhfah: For travelers coming from Egypt, Syria, or the West
• Yalumlum: For travelers arriving from Yemen, India, or Pakistan.
• If you are coming from Madinah, go to Abyar Ali or Dhul-Hulaifah.
• For those coming from Taif and Najd, Qarn-Al-Manazel
• For those coming from Iraq, Dhatul-Irq.

Reciting the words of the Umrah niyyah is equally as important as doing it in your heart. To create your niyyah, you can say any one of the following three prayers:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

Labbayka llāhumma ‘umratan.

O Allah, here I am to perform Umra.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umra.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umra, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

To confirm your purpose and enter the state of Ihram, you must say the Talbiyah after making your Niyyah. As per the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thinking, the uttering of the Talbiyah is considered Wajib. Both the Hanbali and Shafi’i schools see it as a Sunnah.

At least once after declaring your intention to do Umra, you must say the Talbiyah. An invalid Umra will result from not doing this!

The four dashed locations represent the Sunnah way of temporarily pausing during the Talbiyah recitation. Here is the prayer:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ –

Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.

At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

You shall now be in a state of Ihram and be recognized as a Muhrim after pronouncing the Talbiyah. Make sure you understand the Ihram’s prohibitions and that you follow its guidelines. In the event that an Ihram regulation is broken, Damm or Sadaqah will be needed as restitution.

After reciting the Talbiyah, it is advised to make du’a for oneself and other people and to send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ. For the remainder of your journey, recite the Talbiyah until you arrive at one of Masjid al-Haram’s entrances. Only then should you perform Tawwaf.

Tawwaf ul Umrah:

The Arabic term “Taafa,” which meaning “to encircle something,” is the source of the English word “Tawwaf.” Tawwaf is the ritual of making seven counterclockwise rounds of the Ka’abah during the Umrah or Hajj. Although there are five distinct kinds of Tawwaf, we will talk about Tawwaf Al-Umrah since it is an essential component of Umrah.

Preparation:

It is essential to have completed wudhu and to be pure in order to perform Tawwaf. Wudhu must be performed and Tawwaf restarted from the point where it was interrupted if it is lost during the ritual. It is necessary to wear pure and clean Ihram clothes when conducting Tawaf. Women’s ihrams must cover their complete body, excluding their hands and faces, while men’s ihrams must cover the region from the navel to the knees.

Entering Mecca:

The Haram of Makkah is a holy region that encircles Masjid al-Haram in all directions for several miles. It is not permitted in this location to:

• Trim or injure trees, grass, or any other kind of flora.
• kill or injure wild creatures. This involves frightening off birds, such as pigeons.
• Keep firearms on you.
• Fight or act in a manner that might compromise this place’s holiness.

Though it’s doubtful that you’ll break any of these guidelines, remember that Makkah is sacred. When you approach the boundaries of the Haram, repeat the Talbiyah aloud, perform Dhikr, and offer Salawat to the Prophet ﷺ. It is advised to recite the following dua upon entering the Haram:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ، وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ.

Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ‘ala-n-Nār, wa amminnī min ‘adhābika yawma tab’athu ‘ibādak, wa j‘alnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭā’atik.

Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants; and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

It is advised to recite a prayer for entering a mosque and to enter Masjid al-Haram by going via Bab al-Salam, the Gate of Peace, with your right foot first. You can utilize two alternative prayers for this:

.بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ. اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِك

Bismi-llāh, Allāhumma ṣalli alā Muhammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.

 

In the name of Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your Bounty.

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ، مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

A‘ūdhu bi-llāhi-l-Aẓīm, wa bi-wajhihi-l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi-l-qadīm, mina-sh-Shayṭāni-r-rajīm.

I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.

Observations:

• If you would like to greet the mosque with prayer, don’t do so; your Tawaf will serve as Masjid al-Haram’s “greeting.”
• You can perform Tahiyatul Masjid instead of Tawaf if that is not your immediate purpose.
• It’s acceptable for anyone to pass by someone praying in Masjid al-Haram. However, one should avoid going to their location of prostration.

Once you are inside the mosque, look down until you see the Mataf, or Tawaf area. When you arrive, take in the Ka’abah with reverence, amazement, and humility. When you first view the Ka’abah, lift your hands and offer up honest, concentrated prayers. It is advisable to incorporate bestowing blessings onto the Prophet ﷺ in your request, since prayer is recognized to be answered in this hallowed location. According to tradition, a dua cannot be accepted until blessings are bestowed to the Prophet, who is suspended between heaven and earth. Say the next three times out loud:

.اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ. اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ . لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ

Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa-llāh.

Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.

It’s a Sunnah to recite the following Duas:

  .اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ أَهْلَ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً

 

Allāhumma zid hādhā-l-Bayta tashrīfan wa ta’ẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu awi-’tamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa ta’ẓīman wa birrā.

 

Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umra—in honour, respect, esteem and piety.

اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ.

Allāhumma Anta-s-Salāmu wa minka-s-salām, ḥayyinā Rabbanā bi-s-salām.

 

O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.

Point to Start:

As is customary for Tawwaf Al-Umra, after you are in Mataf, observe Idtiba, or the exposure of the right shoulder. The upper sheet of your ihram can be easily passed under your right armpit and slung from your left shoulder. During the Tawwaf, you should not cover your right shoulder. The corner of the Ka’abah where Hajr Al-Aswad, or the black stone, is located is where Tawwaf begins. Place the black stone on your right side and face the Ka’abah. This is the point at which you will prepare the niyyah for Tawwaf. Declare your intention by saying the following aloud:

.اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.

O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of the Sacred Mosque, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

 

 

Sending a kiss, a touch, or a greeting to the Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam):

While it is exceedingly noble to kiss the Hajar al-Aswad, do not injure those around you in your pursuit of it.

• Kissing: When you get to the Hajar al-Aswad, put your hands on it, put your face in between them, say, “bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (ِسْمِ اللَِٓ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” and give it a gentle kiss. It’s better to kiss it three times if you can, according to some academics.
• Touching: Make contact with it with one or more of your hands, then give it a quick kiss if you can’t reach it.
• Saluting: Face the Hajar al-Aswad directly and raise your hands to your earlobes (as you would when starting Salah) to conduct a symbolic Istilam from a distance if reaching the stone is not possible, as is likely the case. Assume that your hands and face are on the Hajar al-Aswad and face it as well. Say, “Bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (ِسْمِ اللََِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” If you would like, you can kiss your palms.

Tawwaf:

Turning to face the right, begin the first circumambulation round, maintaining the Ka’abah to your left. Avoid going through the Hijr Ismail and proceed counterclockwise. The round will not be counted if you unintentionally walk through it, and you will have to start over.

When approaching the Hajar al-Aswad in each circuit, one may recite the following dua, or prayer, of Ali I:

سْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيْمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ

Bismi llāhi wa llāhu akbar, Allāhumma īmānan bika wa taṣdīqan bi kitābika wa wafā’an bi ahdika wattibā’an li sunnati nabiyyika Muḥammadin ﷺ.

In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfilment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah ﷺ.

Raml:

Men are advised to walk quickly and elevate their legs strongly while thrusting out their chests during the first three rounds of Raml. But in a crowded place, especially close to the Ka’abah, only follow this Sunnah if you can do so without endangering or bothering other people.

Dhikar and Dua:

You are welcome to say prayers and offer up requests of your choosing while you walk around. Make the most of this opportunity to offer dua and remember Allah with fervor and sincerity. It is not recommended to read from a book of dua, particularly if you are not fluent in Arabic.

In Tawwaf:

It is a good idea to offer prayers and duas during the Tawwaf since it is thought that they will be accepted. Duas can be recited in Arabic or in your native tongue. For Tawwaf, it is advised to commit the Arabic Sunnah duas to memory and recite them. To improve your experience of prayer, it is crucial that you comprehend the duas and maintain humility when reciting them. Sunnah recommends reciting the following dua in between the Yamani corner and the Hajr Al-Aswad:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.
[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]

A round is concluded when you finish a circuit and head back to Hajar al-Aswad. Repeat the Istilam procedure on Hajar al-Aswad for the second circuit, stating “Allahu Akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. Saying “Allahu Akbar” is appropriate during the Istilam in each of the next seven circles. Throughout the Tawaf, you will execute Istilam eight times in total—once at the beginning and once at the conclusion of each of the seven circuits.

After Tawwaf:

It is recommended that you pray with Maqam Ibrahim for two units after the Tawaf, between you and the Ka’abah. But because of the dense population in the Mataf area, this can be difficult. In the event that praying there is not possible, one may pray elsewhere in the mosque. The following should be chanted aloud as you travel to the place of worship.

 وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى

Wattakhidhu min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.

And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125]

Surah al-Kafirun (Qul Yā Ayyuha-l-Kāfirūn) should be recited in the first Rakah, following Surah al-Fatiha, and Surah al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwa-llāhu Ahad) in the second. Make sure that when the prayer is over, you say a lot of dua.

Zamzam:

It is advised to drink the Zamzam water, which is available in several places throughout Masjid al-Haram and around the Tawwaf region, after completing the two Rakahs of Salah and reciting prayers to Allah. During Tawaf, the original Zamzam well was covered to create additional space. The Prophet Muhammad asserts that drinking Zamzam water can achieve one’s goals, whether they be protection in the afterlife, prosperity in this life, or good health. It is advised to stand with your back to the Kaaba, say “Alhamdulillah” once you’ve finished drinking, breathe three times, and recite “Bismillah” before you start. You can also massage your body and face with the water. Following the water’s consumption, it’s advised to recite the following:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَ شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ

Allahumma innī as’aluka ‘ilman nāfi’an, wa rizqan wāsi’an, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.

O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant and a cure from every illness.

Sa’i:

 

One of the main elements of Umra is the act of Sa’i. The seven hills between Safa and Marwah are traversed on foot. While it is ideal to conduct Sa’i right away following Tawwaf, it is allowed to take a respite if necessary. It’s acceptable to stop in the pavilion until you’re ready if Tawwaf leaves you feeling worn out or if your feet hurt. Remember that Sa’i requires you to travel over three kilometers, so before you begin, make sure you have adequate energy.

 

Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad is traditionally performed one last time before Sa’i begins, for a total of nine times (counting the eight performed during Tawwaf). You can conduct Istilam in any other site in the Masjid al-Haram as long as you are facing the Hajar al-Aswad. If, for some reason, you were unable to perform the ninth Istilam at the Hajar al-Aswad or you are too fatigued to reach it, you may omit it.

Head towards Safa’s hill, which is parallel to the Hajar al-Aswad. Its location is indicated by a white sign. Reciting the following is Sunnah when you approach Safa:

 

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

Inna ṣ-ṣafā wa l-marwata min sha’ā’iri llāh(i).

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

 

Then Say:

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ

Abda’u bimā bad’allahu bihi.

I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

Dua at Safa:

Turn to face the Ka’abah at Safa Hill and raise your hands in prayer. Despite the possibility that it won’t be visible, estimate the Ka’abah’s location roughly and face that way. As you did during Tawwaf, refrain from making any motions towards the Ka’abah or raising your hands to your earlobes. You might bless the Prophet ﷺ and say “Allāhu akbar” and “lā ilāha illā Allāh.” The following Dua should be spoken.

اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi l-ḥamd.

Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah(u), lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumīt(u), wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death and He has power over everything.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اَللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah(u), anjaza wa’dahu wa naṣara ‘abdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the confederates alone.

Once you have finished this Dua, you are free to repeat your own prayers. As was the Prophet ﷺ’s Sunnah, read the Dua three times in total, making your own prayers in between.

Proceed to Marwa:

Proceed in the direction of Marwa from Safa. You will find two sets of green fluorescent lights between Safa and Marwa, spaced about 50 meters apart. These lights represent the distance Hajar ran to reach higher ground. The two green mileposts are referred to as Milayn al-Akhdharayn. It is Sunnah for men to run at a medium pace between these two lights, while ladies should proceed as usual.

Dua and Dhikar:

You can recite any prayers or supplications you choose and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ during Sa’i, as there is no set Dhikr or Dua that must be read.

Dua at Marwa:

When you get to the hill of Marwa, turn to face the Ka’abah, lift your hands in prayer, and say the same prayers you said at Safa again.

This concludes a full circuit of Sa’i. Making a second lap back to Safa is seen as such.

End of Sa’i:

Continue in this manner until you have completed seven circuits, at which point you ought to arrive at Marwa’s hill.

Halq or Taqsir:

 

 

To terminate the state of Ihram, Halq or Taqsir must be performed after Sa’i. You will continue to be in the Ihram condition if you don’t complete either. While Taqsir denotes shaving a little portion of hair, Halq refers to shaving the entire head.

To complete the process, shave your scalp if you are hairless. You have to trim all areas with hair to at least the length of a fingertip in order to perform Taqsir. You have two options when it comes to hair cutting: do it yourself or hire an expert.

 

Halq is not permitted for women to perform. Regardless of how short their hair is, they only need to trim a length from the ends that equals the tip of their finger.

You will come out of Ihram after finishing Halq or Taqsir. You will be released from the accompanying prohibitions, which include not wearing perfume, doing your nails, getting married, and so on, as soon as your Ihram finishes. You can now put on your usual clothing. Marital interactions will remain prohibited until Tawwaf al-Ziyarah if your Umra is included in the Hajj, but other Ihram prohibitions will be removed.

 

Leaving Haram:

 

Step outside with your left foot and utter the following Dua as you exit Masjid al-Haram, following the Prophet ﷺ’s Sunnah:

 

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إَنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ

Bismi llāhi, wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ‘ala rasūli llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.

In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.