Umrah draws the heart in a way many Muslims struggle to describe. It gives clarity. It gives a pause from pressure at work. It gives a chance to stand in front of the Kaaba and let worries melt away. Yet when you start planning the trip from the UK it can feel confusing. The steps can feel unclear. The crowds can feel worrying. You might fear making a mistake.
This guide explains how to perform Umrah in a clear step by step way. The aim is to help you feel steady before you travel. You can also save it on your phone to read during your journey. Everything here follows the most common practice and avoids unnecessary detail that causes stress.
Why Umrah matters so much
Umrah is a journey of peace. It brings your heart close to Allah in a direct way. It gives you space to reflect on your life. It helps you clean your heart. It makes you stand with nothing between you and Allah except humility.
There is a hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that one Umrah to the next wipes away sins between them. This is reported in Sahih Muslim number 1350. This gives huge hope. It reminds you that Allah accepts sincere effort. It tells you that the journey itself is already part of His mercy.
UK Muslims often save money for years for this trip. Some plan it around school breaks. Some use annual leave and shift swaps. Some wait until their children are settled. All of this effort is seen by Allah.
Understanding the basic structure of Umrah
Umrah has four main steps. Ihram. Tawaf. Sa’i. Cutting or trimming the hair.
Everything else builds around these steps. Once you know them well the rest becomes lighter.
UK travellers often feel anxious before their first Umrah. They fear forgetting the order. They fear doing something wrong in Ihram. The steps below will calm that fear.
Preparing in the UK before your Umrah trip
Preparation makes a huge difference. A little planning saves you stress on the journey. Below are the most common things UK Muslims deal with before departure.
Passports visas and travel rules
Check your passport early. Many UK Muslims discover close to travel that their passport expires too soon. Saudi usually requires six months validity from your travel date. Allow time for renewal if needed.
Visa rules change from time to time. Many travellers now use the Saudi e-visa or tourist visa. Some still choose an Umrah visa. Always check the latest official guidance. Do not rely only on stories from friends.
Vaccinations and health notes
Some seasons require a meningitis vaccine. Airlines can ask for proof. Book this early. Many GPs in the UK have long waiting times. Pharmacies sometimes provide quicker appointments.
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire trip. Bring the prescription label. Many UK Muslims have asthma or hay fever and the sudden change in climate can make symptoms flare. Keep inhalers and allergy tablets in your hand luggage.
Budgeting as a UK traveller
Prices in Saudi are often higher than visitors expect. Food can feel pricey. Taxis can add up. Hotels near the Haram cost more. Make a budget that includes meals drinks snacks Ihram items wheelchair hire if needed and emergency costs.
If you want complete package, you can contact the Ziyuf Al Rahman team. where expert umrah advisers provides the complete support.
Packing for the journey
The flight from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah can feel long. The heat at arrival can feel heavy. Pack light clothes and keep a spare top in your bag. Many UK travellers use a neck pillow for the flight because it helps with rest before reaching the miqat.
A simple packing list appears later in this article.
The spiritual intention behind Umrah
Everything in Umrah begins with intention. You place the intention in your heart. You decide you are performing Umrah for Allah alone. You seek His mercy. You seek His closeness. You seek a cleaner heart.
One famous hadith reported in Sahih Bukhari number 6502 tells us that nothing brings a servant closer to Allah than doing what He has made obligatory. This reminds you that sincere worship is what Allah loves most.
Another hadith reported in Sahih Muslim number 223 states that patience is light. That becomes important during your journey. Queues can stretch. Heat can rise. Delays happen. This hadith helps you stay steady.
Step 1 Entering Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state. It is not only clothing. It is a mindset. It is a moment of humility. Men wear two pieces of white cloth. Women wear modest clothing that covers well and avoids bright decoration.
When to enter Ihram
You enter Ihram before crossing the miqat. Many flights announce this moment. Some flights do not. To stay safe put on Ihram clothing early. Many UK travellers put it on during a flight stop or in the plane toilet long before approaching the miqat point.
How to enter Ihram
- Make ghusl before travel if possible. If not possible a normal shower is fine.
- Put on Ihram clothing.
- Pray two rak’ah if you can.
- Make the intention for Umrah inside your heart.
- Say the Talbiyah softly.
The Talbiyah many recite is:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labayk Allahumma ‘umrah
O Allah here I am performing Umrah
What to avoid in Ihram
Ihram brings restrictions. Avoid perfume. Avoid cutting nails. Avoid shaving. Avoid intimate relations. Avoid hunting animals. Avoid arguing.
Many Muslims worry about using toiletries. Choose unscented items before your journey. Most shops near the Haram also sell unscented soaps and creams.
Step 2 Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
Tawaf is walking seven rounds around the Kaaba. It starts at the Black Stone. You raise your hand. You say Allahu Akbar. You begin walking anti clockwise.
The first sight of the Kaaba
The moment Muslims first see the Kaaba is powerful. Some cry. Some stay silent. Some feel overwhelmed by the crowd. Some feel nothing due to tiredness after a long flight. All these reactions are normal. Allah knows your heart and your effort.
How to perform Tawaf
- Stand facing the Black Stone from a safe distance.
- Raise your right hand and say Allahu Akbar.
- Begin walking anti clockwise.
- Keep to a steady pace.
- Complete seven rounds.
- Do not push. Stay calm.
You do not need to touch the Black Stone. Many UK travellers injure themselves trying to do so. Lifting your hand towards it is enough.
A Qur’an verse related to the sacred house
وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ
Wa tahhir bayti liltta’ifeen
Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf
Surah Al Hajj 22:26
After completing Tawaf
Pray two rak’ah if possible, behind Maqam Ibrahim. It is often crowded. If it feels unsafe pray anywhere in the mosque. Drink Zamzam water. This is a moment to make heartfelt duas for your family and your future.
Step 3 Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. It is seven laps. It recalls the story of Hajar who searched for water for her child with trust in Allah.
A Qur’an verse about Safa and Marwah
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah
Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah
Surah Al Baqarah 2:158
How to perform Sa’i
- Start at the lower part of Safa.
- Face the direction of the Kaaba.
- Make dua for guidance strength and mercy.
- Walk towards Marwah.
- Men walk faster in the green lit area. Women walk normally.
- Reach Marwah and make dua.
- Return to Safa. This completes the next lap.
- Do this until you finish seven laps ending at Marwah.
Muslims often underestimate the distance. Wear comfortable footwear. Drink water.
Step 4 Cutting or trimming the hair
This is the final step. When you complete Sa’i you leave Ihram by cutting or trimming your hair.
Men often shave their heads fully or trim the hair short. Women trim a small section equivalent to a fingertip. This completes your Umrah. Many Muslims feel emotional at this stage because the journey that felt long becomes complete.
Common mistakes during Umrah and how to fix them
Below is a useful table showing mistakes many UK Muslims make along with simple fixes.
Table Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Why it happens | Simple fix |
| Rushing Tawaf | Feeling pressure from crowds | Slow your pace and stay calm |
| Touching the Black Stone | Thinking it is required | Raise your hand from a distance |
| Not drinking enough water | Heat difference from UK | Sip water often and use Zamzam |
| Wearing scented toiletries | Not checking labels | Use unscented products only |
| Losing track of laps in Sa’i | Tiredness or distraction | Use a lap counter on your phone |
A helpful packing list for UK Muslims
Packing well helps you stay comfortable. Below is a simple table.
Table Packing Checklist
| Item | Note |
| Ihram clothing | Carry in hand luggage |
| Unscented soap and cream | Avoid issues in Ihram |
| Rehydration salts | Useful in heat |
| Spare socks | For comfort during Sa’i |
| UK plug adapters | Some hotels differ |
| Lightweight bag | For sandals and water |
| Medication | Keep prescriptions with you |
A simple workflow for Umrah steps
UK travellers often like a simple workflow table.
Table Step by Step Workflow
| Step | Action |
| Ihram | Shower, dress, intention, Talbiyah |
| Tawaf | Seven rounds around the Kaaba |
| Prayer | Two rak’ah then drink Zamzam |
| Sa’i | Seven laps between Safa and Marwah |
| Final step | Cut or trim hair to exit Ihram |
Managing UK-specific challenges during Umrah
Heat and hydration
The shift from British weather to Saudi heat can be sharp. Even winter can feel hot to someone arriving from the UK. Drink often. Keep rehydration sachets. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
Jet lag and fatigue
Flights from London Manchester Birmingham and other UK airports take time. Arriving tired is normal. Do not rush to complete Umrah as soon as you reach Makkah. Rest for a short while if needed.
Work schedules and school holidays
Many UK Muslims travel during Easter summer or Christmas breaks to match school calendars. Flights are busy in these periods. Hotels cost more. If you want advice and umrah package you can contact umrah experts from Ziyuf Al Rahman.
Food and digestion changes
Saudi food can feel heavy. UK travellers often switch to lighter meals like soups fruit yoghurt and simple grilled dishes. Stay hydrated.
Duas you can use during Umrah
Duas come from the heart. There are no long compulsory duas. Below are short and authentic duas you can use.
Dua for mercy and forgiveness
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي
Allahumma ighfir li
O Allah forgive me
Dua commonly used during Tawaf
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanah wa fil akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhab an-nar
Our Lord grant us good in this world and good in the next and protect us from the fire
Dua for ease
اللَّهُمَّ يَسِّرْ وَلَا تُعَسِّرْ
Allahumma yassir wa la tu’assir
O Allah make it easy and do not make it hard
Travelling with family from the UK
Many worries about bringing children or elderly relatives. Yet thousands of UK Muslim families manage each year.
If you take children choose stroller friendly routes. Keep snacks. Keep ID wristbands on young kids. Choose hotels close to the Haram if your budget allows because walking distance makes a big difference. If you travel with elderly parents consider wheelchair services.
A sample day plan for completing Umrah
Below is a gentle example. Timing may change.
Morning Arrive in Jeddah or Madinah.
Afternoon Travel to hotel in Makkah and rest.
Early evening Walk to Masjid al Haram and begin Tawaf.
Later evening Complete Sa’i.
Night Cut or trim hair and return to hotel.
Keeping your heart steady during the journey
Stay patient
Crowds grow. Delays happen. You might feel worn out. Each moment of patience is worship. Remember the hadith from Sahih Muslim number 223 which says patience is light.
Remember your intention
You came for Allah. Not comfort. Not speed. Not comparison. If your mind wanders bring it back with a short dua.
Find quiet moments
Many Muslims sit quietly in the mosque after Umrah. They look at the Kaaba and reflect. These moments stay with you long after returning to Britain. They guide your heart through busy work weeks and school routines.
Returning to the UK after Umrah
When you come home you may feel emotional. Some feel uplifted. Some feel empty. Both are normal. Keep your heart connected by praying on time reading Qur’an each day and making dua to return again.
