Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy city of Makkah. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah is a highly rewarding act of worship. The rituals of Umrah can be completed in a few hours and involve a series of spiritual acts performed at Masjid al-Haram.

1. Enter the State of Ihram
Before reaching Makkah, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram at designated boundaries called Miqat. Pilgrims should make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah, declaring their intention to perform the pilgrimage.

2. Perform Tawaf
After arriving at Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims proceed to the Kaaba and perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Pilgrims usually start from the corner where the Black Stone is located.

3. Perform Two Rak’ahs of Prayer
After completing Tawaf, pilgrims perform two units of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim if possible. If the area is crowded, the prayer can be performed anywhere within the mosque.

4. Drink Zamzam Water
Pilgrims then drink the blessed water from the Zamzam Well and make personal supplications (dua).

5. Perform Sa’i
Next, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual commemorates the struggle of Hajar searching for water for her son Ismail.

6. Halq or Taqsir (Cutting Hair)
The final step of Umrah is cutting the hair.

Men shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir).
Women cut a small portion of their hair (about a fingertip length).
Once this step is completed, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram and the Umrah pilgrimage is officially complete.