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How can Umrah be performed, and what are the best deeds to increase in during that time?

2 min readAlso available in العربية

The acts of 'Umrah are as follows:

1. Performing Ghusl (ritual bath) and applying perfume before Ihram: The pilgrim performs ghusl and applies perfume before entering the state of Ihram for 'Umrah, then puts on the Ihram garments. He enters Ihram after an obligatory or supererogatory prayer, then recites the Talbiyah, saying: "Labbayk Allahumma 'Umrah..." (Here I am, O Allah, for 'Umrah...). He continues reciting the Talbiyah until he reaches Makkah. 2. Entering Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque): It is recommended to perform ghusl when approaching Makkah. One should enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram with the right foot while remembering Allah. 3. Circumambulating the Kaaba (Tawaf): Tawaf begins by touching and kissing the Black Stone if possible; otherwise, one points to it, saying: "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar..." (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest...). One keeps the Kaaba to their left and performs seven circumambulations. It is sunnah for men to jog (ramal) in the first three rounds and to practice idtiba' (uncovering the right shoulder) throughout the entire Tawaf. It is also sunnah to supplicate between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone with "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah..." (Our Lord, grant us good in this world...). One must be careful not to enter through the Door of Hijr and exit through the second door during Tawaf. 4. Praying two rak'ahs after Tawaf: One prays two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) if possible, or anywhere else in the mosque. 5. Performing Sa'i between Safa and Marwah: Before ascending Safa, one recites: "Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah..." (Quran 2:158). Then, one ascends Safa, faces the Qiblah, raises their hands, says "Allahu Akbar," and supplicates. After that, one descends to perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah for seven rounds, walking briskly between the two green markers. 6. Shaving or Shortening the Hair: After completing the Sa'i, a man either shaves or shortens his hair, while a woman shortens her hair by the length of a fingertip. After this, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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