Umrah Guide Complete A To Z According To Authentic Sunnah

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that requires both mental and physical preparation. I have made an A to Z complete Umrah guide, including what is forbidden and what is not forbidden while in the state of Ihram, as well as Innovations (Bidah) related to Umrah and Ziyarah, an Umrah checklist and Places to visit (Ziyarah) in Makkah and Madinah at the end of this article.

Arkan (Pillars) And Wajibat (Obligatory Acts) Of Umrah

The Pillars Of Umrah Are Three:

1. Ihram (The Intention): This is not just about wearing the clothes, but about the sincere intention to begin the rituals of Umrah.
2. Tawaf: Circling the Kaba seven times.
3. Sa’i: Walking seven laps between Safa and Marwa.

The Wajibat (Obligatory Acts) Of Umrah Are Two:

1. Entering Ihram from the Miqat: You must make your intention at or before passing the boundary (Miqat). If you pass it and make your intention later, you must offer a sacrifice.
2. Shaving or Trimming Hair:

• Men must either completely shave the head or trim the hair short same size all around the head; shaving is better and more rewarding than trimming.
• Women do not shave; they only bunch their hair together and cut a fingertip’s length (about 1 inch) from the ends of the hair.

Miqats Of Umrah

Miqat refers to specific locations (Boundaries) where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before performing Hajj or Umrah. There are five main Miqat points around Makkah, each designated for pilgrims coming from different regions. 4 out of 5 Miqats are recommended by Hadith, and one was selected during the reign of Caliph Umar Bin Khattab (RA).

[Hadith for 4 Miqats: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1526, Book 25, Hadith 14, Volume 2]

1. Dhul Ḥulayfah (Abyar Ali):

• Dhul Hullayfah Mosque is located around 450 kilometres from Makkah and 9 kilometres from Madinah.
• Miqat for Pilgrims coming from Madinah or passing through it.

2. Al-Juhfah (Near Rabigh):

• Al-Juhfah is located approximately 190 kilometres northwest of Makkah.
• Miqat for Pilgrims coming from (Sham), Syria, Egypt, Europe, North Africa, North America, Morocco, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, and various African countries.

3. Qarn Al-Manazil (As-Sayl Al-Kabir)

• Qarn Al-Manazil is located approximately 80 kilometres east of Makkah near Ta’if.
• Miqat for Pilgrims coming from (Najd), Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and similar regions.

4. Yalamlam:

• Yalamlam is located approximately 100 kilometres south of Makkah.
• Miqat for Pilgrims coming from Yemen, South Africa, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and Southern regions countries.

5. Dhat Irq:

• Dhat Irq is located approximately 94 kilometres northeast of Makkah.
• Miqat for Pilgrims coming from Iraq, Iran, China, Russia and Central Asia.
• Dhat Irq Miqat was established during the Caliphate of Umar (RA) and was named after the largest mountain in the area, Irq Aswad. Following the capture of the towns of Basra and Kufa, Muslims expressed difficulty reaching Qarn (The Miqat fixed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for inhabitants of Najd). In response, Umar Bin Khattab (RA) suggested establishing a Miqat opposite Qarn as a usual route. Consequently, he designated Dhat Irq as a new Miqat.

Starting Of Umrah

1. Entering The State Of Ihram:

Before reaching the Miqat (Boundary where Ihram becomes mandatory), it is Sunnah to perform physical purification:

• Ghusl: Perform a ritual bath.
• Grooming: Clip nails and remove unwanted hair.
• Perfume (Men only): Apply scent to the head and beard, but not to the Ihram garments themselves.
• Garments: Men wear two white unstitched cloths (Izar and Rida); women wear their regular modest clothing (hands and face must remain uncovered). No special garments required for women. Men may wear the clothes of Ihram before reaching the Miqat, but they do not make the intention for Ihram [and utter the Talbiyah] until they reach the Miqat.

2. The Intention (Niyah) At The Miqat:

Upon reaching the Miqat, it is obligatory to assume the Ihram by dressing appropriately, and you should vocalise the intention. The mere intention in the heart to perform Umrah is not sufficient. You must also physically and verbally enter the state of Ihram. So, at the Miqat, men/women both will recite the intention (Niyah) by saying:

Labbaika Allaahumma Bi-Umrah.

O Allah! I am present here for Umrah.

Optional Condition: If you fear you might not finish (due to illness/travel), say:

اللَّهُمَّ مَحِلِّي حَيْثُ حَبَسْتَنِي

Allāhumma maḥillī ḥaythu ḥabastanī.

“O Allah, my place of exiting Ihram is where You have restrained me.”

3. The Journey (Reciting Talbiyah):

From the Miqat until you reach the Kaba, recite the Talbiyah constantly.

• Men must recite Talbiyah loudly.
• Wemen should recite Talbiyah silently.

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni‘mata laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, you have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.”

4. Entering The Masjid Al-Haram:

When you reach the Masjid Al-Haram, you put forward your right foot to enter it and say:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ، اَللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

Bismillaahi, Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, Allaahummaf ta’hlii abwaba ra’hmatik.

In the Name of Allah, O Allah, please send blessings and peace upon Muhammad (ﷺ). O Allah, open before me the doors of Your mercy.

Then you head for the Kaba, aiming for the corner where there is the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad), so that you may begin your Tawaf. You do not say: “I intend the Tawāf..” This type of utterance is not reported from the Prophet (ﷺ). The place of the intention is in the heart. You only have to utter the Niyah while entering the state of Ihram at the Miqat. Wudoo is an obligation for Tawaf in the most correct opinion of the scholars, but it is not a requirement for Sa’i.

5. Tawaf (7 Circuits):

Stop reciting Talbiyah when you reach the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad).

• Start: At the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad), touch it with your hand and kiss it if possible. If it is not possible to kiss the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad), then touch it with your hand, and then kiss your hand. If you cannot touch it, then you should raise your hand towards it and just say the takbir:
  

  بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَر
  

  ‘Bismillāhi. Allāhu Akbar (With The Name of Allah, Allah is Greatest).

• Men only: Perform Idtiba (uncover the right shoulder). Wears the upper cloth (rida) under their right armpit and over the left shoulder throughout the Tawaf and Raml (walk briskly/jog) for the first 3 circuits only.

Women do not jog/brisk or run during Tawaf. They walk at a normal pace.

• General Supplication: There is no fixed Dua for each round of Tawaf. So you may recite the Quran or utter any Dhikr from the Sunnah. This Dhikr is performed only individually and not in unison or in chorus.
• Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad): You touch the Yemeni corner with your hand each time you pass, and do not kiss it. If you are not able to touch it, then you should not make any sign towards it with your hand. The other two corners are not to be touched or signalled towards. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad), recite:
  

  رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
  

  Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah, wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ‘adhāb an-nār.
  “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

• Each Time Reach The Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad): At the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad), point or touch it and say:
  

  اللهُ أَكْبَر
  

  Allāhu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).

6. After Tawaf Move To The Maqam Of Ibrahim:

• Upon completion of the seven circuits, men must cover their right shoulder and move to the Maqam (Station) of Ibrahim, which is a small glass and brass structure not far from the Black Stone. So, with the Maqam of Ibrahim somewhere in front of you, recite the following dua: 

 وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ مُصَلًّى

Wattakhidhū min-maqāmi Ibrāhīma musallā. 

[And take the station of Ibraheem as a place of prayer].

• Pray 2 Rakat: Preferably behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Masjid if not possible behind Maqam Ibrahim). Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rakah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
• Drink Zamzam: After praying the two rakat, walk to the Zamzam water fountains and drink from it, and pour some over your head. You can make whatever dua you wish while drinking Zamzam water.
• Returns to the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad): Then you return to the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad) and touch it if you are able to do so; otherwise, you do not signal with your hand towards it. So if you are not able to touch it, then make your way to Mount Safa.

7. Sa’i (7 Laps Between Safa And Marwa):

• Approaching Safa: When you reach the verge of Mount Safa, you recite:
  

  إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ. أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ
  

  Innaṣ-Ṣafā wal-Marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh. Abda’u bimā bada’allāhu bih.
  “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. I begin with what Allah began with.”

You do not recite this dua except at this point at the foot of Mount Safa, and do not repeat it again.

• On the Safa Hill: When you ascend Safa until you can see the Kaba [if possible]. You face the Kaba, raise your hands and praise Allah and glorify Him as the Prophet (ﷺ) would, saying:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَه أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَ نَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr. Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah, anjaza wa‘dah, wa naṣara ‘abdah, wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is none truly worthy of worship except Allah alone, without a partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise. He alone gives life and causes death, and He is All-Powerful over everything. There is none truly worthy of worship except Allah alone, without a partner. He has fulfilled His promise and helped His servant, and He alone has defeated the confederates.”

You repeat this three times, and after the first and second recital only, you should supplicate to Allah with whatever dua you wish, for as long as you wish.

Then you descend from Mount Safa and walk towards Mount Marwa until you reach the green lights. Once you reach it (for men only), men run quickly in accordance with their ability, without causing harm, until they reach the next green lights. Then they walk at a normal pace until they reach Mount Marwa.

Women do not jog/brisk or run during Tawaf. They walk at a normal pace.

• On the Marwa Hill: When you ascend it partially and face the Kaba, raise your hands and repeat what you did when you ascended Mount Safa. Then you descend Marwa and walk towards Safa, running when you reach the first green lights and stopping when you reach the second green lights (for men only).

Women do not jog/brisk or run during Tawaf. They walk at a normal pace.

At Safa, you ascend and repeat what you did before of raising your hands in dua to praise, glorify and supplicate to Allah.

• The Laps: One lap is from Safa to Marwa. Walking back to Safa from Marwa is the 2nd lap. Again, back to Marwa is the 3rd lap. You will finish your 7th lap at Marwa. When you reach Marwa at the end of the 7th lap, you do not have to recite the praises or supplications again. By reaching Mount Marwa, the Sa’i is completed.
• Whilst walking between Mount Safa and Marwa, you may recite whatever you wish from dhikr, dua and the Quran. You may carry with you a dua and dhikr book or pamphlet to be read whilst performing Tawaf and Sai.

8. Completion Of Umrah By Shaving Or Trimming Hair:

• Men: When they finish the 7th lap upon Marwa, they must shave or trim the hair short to the same size all around the head. Shaving the head (Halq) is superior, but trimming (Taqsir) is permitted.
• Women: Women bunch their hair together and cut a fingertip’s length (about 1 inch) from the ends of the hair.

Once this is done, your Umrah is complete, and you are no longer in the state of Ihram. Everything that was forbidden to you upon entering the Iḥram now becomes permissible again.

Quick Tips:

• Men: In Tawaf, the right shoulder is uncovered only during the 7 rounds.
• Men: Jog/walk briskly only during the first 3 rounds of Tawaf.
• Women: No jogging/brisk walking during Tawaf or Sa’i.

Prohibitions After Entering Ihram

Once you make the intention for Umrah and enter the state of Ihram, there are specific actions that become forbidden. If these are done intentionally, a penalty (expiation) may be required.

Here are the prohibitions based on the authentic Sunnah:

1. General Prohibitions (Men And Women):

• Cutting Hair or Nails: You cannot trim, shave, or pluck any hair from any part of the body, nor clip your nails.
• Using Perfume: You cannot apply scent to your body or your Ihram clothing. (Note: Scent applied before the intention is fine, even if the smell lingers). Touching the perfume on the Kaba while in the state of Ihram is a violation of the rules of Ihram because the Kiswa (Kaba’s Covering Cloth) is heavily perfumed. If you intentionally touch the perfumed cloth while in Ihram or if the perfume transfers to your skin or clothes, you must immediately wash it off, and you have to pay a penalty (Dam).
• Sexual Activity: Marital relations, as well as any suggestive speech or actions, are strictly forbidden.
• Marriage: One cannot get married or perform a marriage contract for someone else while in Ihram.
• Hunting: Killing or hunting land animals is forbidden (though killing harmful insects or pests like mosquitoes/snakes is allowed).
• Sinful Speech: Avoid arguing, fighting, or using foul language.

2. Prohibitions Specific To Men:

• Covering the Head: You cannot wear a hat, turban, or hoodie that touches the head. (Using an umbrella for shade is allowed as long as it doesn’t rest directly on the head).
• Wearing “Stitched” Clothing: This means clothing tailored to fit the limbs (like shirts, shorts, trousers, underwear, or socks). You must only wear the two unstitched sheets rida (upper garment) and izar (lower garment).
• Covering the Ankles: Footwear should ideally leave the ankles and the top of the foot clear (like sandals).

3. Prohibitions Specific To Women:

• The Niqab and Gloves: The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically forbade women in Ihram from wearing the Niqab (face veil tied to the face) and gloves.
  • Note: If men are passing by, women may pull a part of their headcovering (khimar) down over their face, but they should not wear a fitted veil.

What If You Make A Mistake?

1. Forgetfulness/Ignorance: If you do something forbidden out of forgetfulness or because you didn’t know (e.g., you accidentally used scented soap), there is no penalty. Simply stop the action as soon as you remember and ask Allah for forgiveness.
2. Deliberate/Necessity: If you must do something (e.g., you need to wear a bandage or a hat for a medical reason), a “Fidya” (expiation) is required, which is usually fasting three days, feeding six poor people, or sacrificing a sheep.

Common “Okay” Actions (Often Misunderstood):

• Bathing: You can shower and wash your hair/body, provided you use unscented soap.
• Scratching: You can scratch your head or body, even if a few hairs fall out unintentionally.
• Changing Ihram: You can change your Ihram cloths if they get dirty.
• Wearing a Belt: You can wear a waist belt or a waist pouch to hold your money/documents.
• Wearing footwear: The man can wear sandals or any footwear that does not cover the anklebone.
• Other Permissible Actions: Watches, sunglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, walking sticks, umbrellas and rucksacks are all permitted whilst in the state of Iḥrām. It is permitted to wear one’s sandals throughout the ʿUmrah to avoid causing unnecessary hardship to oneself. It is also permitted for the elderly, injured or sick to use a wheelchair and be wheeled throughout the ʿUmrah. The ʿUmrah of the pusher of the wheelchair and the one seated is valid.

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Umrah

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Ihram:

• Reciting the intention (Niyah) aloud.
• Keeping the right shoulder uncovered and wearing the ihram cloth under the right armpit at times other than tawaf. This is applicable only during tawaf. Doing so at other times is an innovation. Even nowadays, many people perform salah while keeping the right shoulder uncovered, whereas salah performed with the shoulder uncovered is not valid.
• Reciting the talbiyah collectively in a group. From the miqat, one should enter into ihram and recite the talbiyah individually. Many people recite it together in unison, which is an innovation.
• Reciting the talbiyah in a low voice. Reciting the talbiyah aloud individually is the Sunnah.
• Repeatedly performing umrah by entering into ihram from Masjid Aisha (Masjid Taneem).

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Tawaf:

• Performing Tahiyyatul Masjid Salah after entering Masjid al-Haram with the intention of tawaf.
• Considering entry into Masjid Al-Haram through a specific gate as obligatory or a ruling of Shariah.
• Verbally reciting the intention at the start of tawaf. The intention for ihram is only to be verbalised when entering the state of ihram at the miqat.
• Reciting self-invented duas (supplications).
• Raising the hands (Raf‘ul-Yadayn) while touching the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad).
• Kissing the Rukn Al-Yamani.
• Kissing or touching the Maqam Al-Ibrahim.
• Seeking blessings, making dua, or crying by holding onto or pressing the face or chest against the Kaba’s covering (Kiswa), walls, or door. Touching the perfume on the Kaba while in the state of Ihram is a violation of the rules of Ihram because the Kiswa (Kaba’s Covering Cloth) is heavily perfumed. If you intentionally touch the perfumed cloth while in Ihram or if the perfume transfers to your skin or clothes, you must immediately wash it off, and you have to pay a penalty (Dam).
• Reciting supplications collectively in a group during tawaf.
• Performing tawaf through the Hatim (Hijr Ismail). Tawaf must be performed outside the low semi-circular wall on the northern side of the Kaba. If one passes through it, that tawaf becomes invalid and must be repeated.
• Reciting specific, different duas (supplications) for each circuit.
• Not performing ramal (brisk walking) in the first three circuits, or performing ramal in all circuits.
• Reciting specific duas (supplications) during ramal.
• Reciting specific duas (supplications) when touching or kissing the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad).
• Touching the Rukn Al-Iraqi and the Rukn Al-Shami.
• Pointing toward the Rukn Al-Yamani and saying takbir. Touching the Rukn al-Yamani is Sunnah, but if one cannot touch it, there is no ruling to point toward it or say takbir.
• Touching or kissing the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad) and then raising both hands proudly while saying “Allahu Akbar,” to show others that one has managed to do so. Many people take pride in touching or kissing the Black Stone (Hajar Al-Aswad) and announce it in this manner.

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Sa’i:

• Verbally reciting the intention (Niyah) before starting sa‘i.
• Performing wudoo before starting sa‘i with the expectation of extra reward.
• Reciting self-invented duas (supplications).
• Adding other specific duas (supplications) alongside the duas (supplications) for sa‘i mentioned in the Quran and authentic Hadith.
• Reciting specific supplications in each round of sa‘i.
• Women walking fast or running between Safa and Marwa at the area marked by green lights.
• Performing salah after completing sa‘i.

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Zamzam Water:

• Reciting specific duas (supplications) while drinking Zamzam water.
• Believing that Zamzam water must be drunk while standing.
• Believing that Zamzam water must be drunk while facing the Qibla.
• Touching the taps or the wall of the Zamzam well with the intention of gaining blessings.
• Pouring Zamzam water over the body with the intention of gaining blessings.
• Washing the ihram clothes with Zamzam water with the intention of gaining blessings.

Innovations (Bidah) Related To Visiting (Ziyarah) In Makkah And Madinah:

• Considering it obligatory or specially rewarding to perform specific acts of worship at certain mountains or places. For example, believing that praying at Jabal al-Nur (Cave of Hira) or Jabal Thawr is a rewarding act or part of Umrah.
• Going to specific mountains, places, or caves to perform salah or make dua there.
• Throwing stones at Jabal al-Rahmah (On Mount Arafat) or other mountains, or writing names there, considering it a rewarding act.
• Bringing back soil, stones, or leaves of trees from mountains in Makkah or Madinah (or from there) for barakah (blessings).
• Travelling solely for the purpose of visiting the grave of Rasulullah ﷺ.
• Considering the ziyarah of Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave as a part of Hajj or Umrah.
• Believing it is Sunnah to perform ghusl before entering Madinah, or reciting specific ayat or duas that are not in the Quran or Hadith.
• Entering Masjid An-Nabawi and going directly to the visit of Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave without first praying any salah (e.g, Tahiyyat Al-Masjid).
• Standing in front of Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave in the posture of salah — placing the right hand over the left (as in qiyam during prayer).
• Turning towards Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave when making dua.
• Reciting specific invented duas or durud during the visit to Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave that are not narrated in Hadith.
• Believing that dua made while facing Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave will definitely be accepted.
• Making dua using the wasilah (means/intercession) of Rasulullah ﷺ’s honour.
• Seeking shafa’ah (intercession) from Rasulullah ﷺ (directly at his grave).
• Asking anything from Rasulullah ﷺ, praying to him for the fulfilment of needs instead of Allah alone. This is undoubtedly major shirk.
• Believing that Rasulullah ﷺ knows our conditions (present state). This is clear shirk.
• Performing sajdah (prostration) or ruku (bowing) towards Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave. This is clear shirk.
• Inserting hands into small holes near Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave in hope of barakah. This is also shirk.
• Kissing or touching Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave in hope of barakah, or touching/kissing adjacent wood or structures.
• Performing salah facing towards Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave.
• Sitting near Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave to recite the Quran or do dhikr.
• Going to the grave for a visit immediately after every salah.
• Facing towards Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave when entering or exiting Masjid An-Nabawi.
• Standing humbly from a far distance, facing Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave and weeping/crying emotionally.
• Saying “Assalamu alaika ya Rasulallah” immediately after every salah.
• Considering praying in the area near Rasulullah ﷺ’s grave (overlooking the front part of the mosque) as superior.
• Seeking “tabarruk” (blessings) from the minbar, mihrab, pillars, doors, railings, green dome, water dripped from it, etc., in Masjid an-Nabawi.
• Travelling to other mosques in Madinah (besides Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba) with the intention of reward.
• Exiting Masjid an-Nabawi backwards while facing the grave (walking in reverse).
• Excessive acts at Jannatul Baqi or Uhud martyrs’ graves, such as placing hands on graves, kissing them, taking soil for barakah, asking from them, or turning towards them for dua.
• Visiting the Baqi graveyard every day or considering visiting there as obligatory or especially virtuous.

Umrah Checklist

1. Essential Documents:

Keep these in a neck pouch or a small cross-body bag that stays with you at all times.

• • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
  • Umrah Visa: Printed copy of your eVisa or standard visa.
  • Vaccination Certificates: Specifically, the Meningococcal ACYW135 (If mandatory).
  • Flight Tickets & Hotel Confirmations: Printed and digital copies. Printed copy of your Umrah package details if using an agent.
  • Relationship Certificate: (e.g., Marriage certificate) if travelling with a spouse.
  • Nusuk App: Ensure the app is installed and your permits are booked.
  • Cash (Saudi Riyals) + Debit/Credit Cards: Carry some cash for immediate expenses (taxis, food).
  • Emergency Contacts: Home, hotel, local agent (if any).
  • Suitcase Scale: To weigh your luggage to avoid being overweight.
  • Pen/Marker: To write your details on luggage or Zamzam water packages.

2. Ihram And Prayer Essentials:

For Men:

• Ihram Cloths: 2 sets of white, unstitched towels/sheets (in case one gets soiled).
• Ihram Belt: To secure the lower garment and hold your phone/money.
• Safety Pins: To help keep the top sheet in place.
• Sandals: Must not cover the ankles or the top part of the foot (no stitched upper).
• Shoe Bag: A small drawstring bag to carry your shoes inside the Masjids.

For Women:

• Abayas: 2–3 lightweight, loose-fitting abayas.
• Hijabs: Breathable cotton scarves; dark colours are often better for avoiding stains.
• Under-scarf Caps: To keep your hair and hijab in place during rituals.

General Prayer Items:

• Pocket Quran & Dua Book: For personal supplications.
• Travel Prayer Mat: Lightweight and foldable for praying in marble areas.
• Shoe Bag: A small drawstring bag to carry your shoes inside the Masjids.

3. Toiletries (Fragrance-Free):

Note: While in the state of Ihram, you cannot use scented products.

• Unscented Soap & Shampoo: Specifically labelled “Fragrance-Free.”
• Unscented Deodorant: Stick or roll-on (no spray/perfume).
• Unscented Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The sun can be very intense.
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Or a Miswak.
• Small Towel.
• Nail Clippers & Small Scissors: To be used before entering Ihram or after completion (Tahallul).
• Unscented Tissues & Wet Wipes: Highly useful for quick cleaning.
• Hand sanitiser: (Unscented).

4. Health And Medication:

• Prescription Medicine: Carry enough for the whole trip plus a few extra days.
• Basic First Aid: Plasters (for blisters), antiseptic cream. Plasters, blister plasters, small bandages, and antiseptic cream or ointment for cuts and blisters. Anti‑inflammatory or soothing cream/gel for muscle/foot pain, plus a small tube of sunburn relief gel if desired.
• Pain & Fever: Paracetamol/Ibuprofen for headaches, fever, body aches.
• Stomach & Digestion: Anti‑diarrhoea tablets, indigestion or heartburn tablets and rehydration salts (Electrolytes).
• Cough & Cold: “The Umrah Cough” is very common due to crowds and air conditioning. Cold/flu tablets or sachets and throat lozenges for sore throat.
• Allergy Medication: Non‑drowsy antihistamine tablets for allergy, sneezing, or mild rashes.
• Nausea: Motion sickness/anti-nausea tablets if you have this sickness.
• Vaseline: To prevent thigh chafing (especially for men in Ihram).

5. Electronics And Miscellaneous:

• Universal Travel Adapter: Saudi Arabia uses Type G (3-pin) and sometimes Type C.
• Power Bank: Essential for long days at the Haram.
• Saudi SIM Card: Can be bought at the airport (STC, Zain, or Mobily) or an e-SIM.
• Reusable Water Bottle: To keep yourself hydrated with Zamzam water.
• Small Umbrella or Cap: Preferably white to reflect heat and provide shade.
• Sunglasses: To protect the eyes from the sun.
• Small Portable Fan: To cool yourself down if it gets too hot during Tawaf/Sa’i.

Quick Tips:

• Walking: Start walking 3–5km daily a few weeks before your trip to build stamina.
• Laundry: Professional laundry services are cheap and fast in Makkah and Madinah; don’t overpack clothes.
• Copies: Keep photos of all your documents on your phone/cloud storage.

Places To Visit (Ziyarah) In Makkah And Madinah

In Makkah:

• Jabal Al-Noor (Cave Hira): The mountain where the Prophet ﷺ received the first revelation. The climb is steep, so it is best done at dawn or dusk to avoid the heat.
• Jabal Thawr: The cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) sought refuge during the migration (Hijrah) to Medina.
• Jannat Al-Mu’alla: This is the historic cemetery where many of the Prophet’s family members, including his wife Khadija (RA), are buried.
• Mina: Mina is where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). When he prepared to obey, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, commemorating this act of submission through the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani/Udhiyah) during Hajj. Pilgrims stay in Mina on the 8th of Dhu Al‑Hijjah and again on the 10th, 11th, and 12th (and sometimes 13th) for the days of stoning the Jamarat and performing sacrifice (Qurbani/Udhiyah).
• Arafah: Mount Arafah (Jabal Arafah or Jabal Al‑Rahmah) is a small granite hill and plain that forms the core standing place of Hajj on the 9th of Dhu Al‑Hijjah. 
• Masjid Al-Namirah:  Located in Arafat, near Jabal Al-Rahmah. This is where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat Al-Wida) during Hajj.
• Muzdalifah: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spent the night here after standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.
• The Birthplace of the Prophet (ﷺ): Located near the Haram, it now houses the Makkah Local Library.
• Masjid Taneem (Masjid Aisha): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reportedly instructed his wife, Aisha, to enter the state of ihram from this location for her supplementary Umrah.
• Masjid Jinn: Built at the location where a group of jinn listened to the Qur’an being recited by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and accepted Islam.

In Madinah:

• Al-Masjid An-Nabawi: The focal point of Medina. The second holiest mosque in Islam, containing the Prophet’s blessed resting place and the Rawdah (Grave of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
• Masjid Quba: This is the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said that performing two Rakat here is equivalent to the reward of an Umrah.
• Al-Baqi Cemetery (Jannat Al-Baqi):  Cemetery beside the Prophet’s Mosque where many Companions and members of Ahl al-Bayt are buried.
• Mount Uhud & The Martyrs’ Cemetery: The site of the second battle in Islam. You can climb the small “Archers’ Hill” and visit the graves of the 70 companions, including Hamza (RA).
• Masjid Al-Qiblatayn: The “Mosque of the Two Qiblas,” where the command was revealed to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah.
• The Seven Mosques (Saba’a Masajid): A complex of small mosques located near the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq).
• Dar Al-Madinah Museum: Excellent for learning about the Prophet’s ﷺ era and Madinah’s history through exhibits.

Practical Tips For Ziyarah:

• Timing is Everything: To avoid the intense heat and heavy crowds, try to visit these sites in the early morning (right after Fajr) or in the late afternoon.
• Transportation: Most hotels can arrange “Ziyarah tours” via private taxi or bus. Taxis are generally more flexible if you want to spend more time at a specific location.
• Nusuk App: Remember that access to the Rawdah in Medina and performing Umrah itself requires a permit through the official Nusuk app.
• Hydration: Always carry a water bottle. Most sites have Zamzam dispensers or water stations nearby.

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Presented By Md Asad