The Minor Pilgrimage
About Umrah,a journey to the House of Allah.
What Umrah is, how it differs from Hajj, when it can be performed, and the rites every pilgrim completes in Makkah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a journey to the holiest place in Islam, the Kaaba in Makkah. It is known as the minor pilgrimage, while Hajj is the major pilgrimage and one of the five pillars of Islam.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a voluntary spiritual journey. Muslims of every gender, ethnic group, colour, social status and culture undertake it as a sign of devotion to Allah. Many pilgrims see it as a way to cleanse the soul, ask for forgiveness and pray in the place they face five times a day.
The word Umrah comes from an Arabic root meaning "to visit". Pilgrims answer the call to visit the sacred mosque, Masjid al-Haram, leaving behind work, status and worldly concerns for a short period of worship.
Those who perform Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. They came to His house at His call, and He will give them what they ask.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Umrah and Hajj: the difference
Both pilgrimages lead to Makkah and share some rites, such as Tawaf and Sa'i. They differ in status, timing and length.
Umrah
The minor pilgrimage
- A voluntary act of worship
- Can be performed at any time of the year
- Takes a few hours to complete
- Rites: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting the hair
Hajj
The major pilgrimage
- One of the five pillars of Islam
- Held once a year, on fixed dates
- Takes several days across different sites
- Includes Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina and more
The rites of Umrah
Umrah is completed in four steps, performed in order. Together they are often finished within a few hours.
Ihram
State of sacred consecration
Ihram is both a state of mind and a dress code. Before crossing the boundary point (miqat) for Makkah, the pilgrim makes the intention for Umrah and begins reciting the Talbiyah. Men wear two plain, unstitched white sheets. Women wear modest everyday clothing, with the face and hands uncovered. While in Ihram, pilgrims avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, hunting, arguments and marital relations.
Tawaf
Circling the Kaaba
On arriving at Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims walk seven times around the Kaaba, counter-clockwise, beginning at the Black Stone. Each circuit is spent in dhikr, dua and remembrance of Allah. Afterwards, pilgrims pray two rak'ahs behind the Station of Ibrahim if they can, or anywhere in the mosque, and many drink Zamzam water.
Sa'i
Between Safa and Marwa
Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. The rite recalls Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim, who searched for water for her infant son Ismail. Today the route is an air-conditioned, covered walkway inside the mosque.
Halq or Taqsir
Shaving or trimming the hair
To finish, men shave their heads, in the likeness of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or trim their hair as a lighter option. Women clip a single lock, about a fingertip in length. This marks a fresh start and purity, and ends the state of Ihram.
When can Umrah be performed?
Umrah has no fixed season, so you can perform it at any time of the year. The exception is the days of Hajj itself, when the holy sites are reserved for Hajj pilgrims and Umrah is not usually practical.
Ramadan is the most popular time, and Umrah performed in this month is considered especially rewarding. It is also the busiest and most expensive period. School holidays and the weeks around Eid see similar demand. The quieter months usually mean smaller crowds, lower prices and a calmer experience in the mosque.
The meaning and virtue of Umrah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that one Umrah to the next is an expiation for the sins committed between them. For many pilgrims, the journey is a spiritual reset: a chance to repent, renew their intention and return home with stronger faith.
Every rite carries a lesson. The white Ihram garments remove all signs of wealth and rank, so rich and poor stand as equals. Tawaf places the worship of Allah at the centre of life. Sa'i teaches trust in Allah and perseverance in the face of hardship. Cutting the hair marks the end of one chapter and the start of another.
Before you travel
A little preparation makes the journey smoother and lets you focus on worship. Make sure your passport is valid, your Umrah visa is issued, and your flights and hotels are confirmed. Learn the steps and duas in advance, and carry comfortable walking shoes, as you will cover a lot of ground inside and around the mosque.
Stay hydrated, allow time to rest, and be patient in the crowds. Treat everyone around you with kindness, since good conduct is part of the pilgrimage itself.