How to Perform Umrah in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

Umrah holds a significant position in Muslims’ acts of worship. Other than the compulsory Hajj, being one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Umrah will involve a whole lot of blessings, but it will also bring in emotional benefits along with the best forms of closeness to Allah. Regardless of whether this is your first Umrah or you are going again on this sacred journey, knowing the proper undertaking of it will enhance this experience to be more beneficial, easier, and accepted by Allah. We’ve got you covered: How to perform Umrah in 2026?

It is a magnificent worship that millions of Muslims embark on every year. As you perform it, you will want to understand first why we are performing Umrah, secondly the rituals we will be doing, and third what the travel aspects entail, like whether it is best to perform Umrah at a particular period. And I am going to perform Umrah on a tourist visa as well?

This guide will provide every detail spiritually, practically, and emotionally, towards making your Umrah more meaningful and with conviction. 

The Purpose of Performing Umrah

The purpose of performing Umrah goes much deeper than visiting holy cities. It is a journey of purification and rebirth. Allah Almighty said in the Quran:

“And complete the hajj and the umrah for Allah.”

(sura Al-Maqarah 2:196)

• The Umrah helps believers
• Cleanse themselves of their sins
• Strengthen faith (Iman)
• Renew their hearts and intentions
• Disconnect from worldly worries
• Seek forgiveness and Allah’s mercy
• Receive immense rewards and blessings

Many scholars describe Umrah as a “spiritual restart button,” a chance to return home with a heart full of peace and a soul full of light.

When is the Best Time to Perform Umrah?

Umrah can be performed any time of the year; some months are easier and less crowded.

Best times for Umrah:

1. After the Hajj season
   • Lowest crowds
   • Best prices
   • Best weather
2. Mid-January to March
   • Pleasant climate
   • Easy movement inside the Haram
3. First 10 days of Ramadan (for spiritual rewards)
   • Very high blessings
   • But extremely crowded

Times to avoid (if you prefer fewer crowds):

• Last 10 days of Ramadan
• School holidays
• December winter break

Can I Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can do Umrah on a tourist visa!

Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has allowed visitors from eligible countries to perform Umrah on:

1. Tourist Visa
2. eVisa
3. Visa-on-arrival
4. GCC Resident Visa

This makes Umrah easier, faster, and more flexible for millions of pilgrims.

Important conditions:

• Your tourist visa must be valid inside Saudi Arabia
• You must follow the Ihram rules
• You cannot perform Hajj using this visa; only Umrah

The Easy Guide to Umrah Step-by-Step:

Umrah comprises four key rituals:

1. Ihram
2. Tawaf
3. Sa’i
4. Halq or Taqsir

Let’s go step-by-step:

Step 1: Entering Ihram

Ihram is the state of purity and intention before starting your pilgrimage.

Before entering Ihram:

• Take a bath (ghusl)
• Clip nails, trim hair
• Wear Ihram clothes:
  • Men: 2 white unstitched sheets
  • Women: Normal modest Islamic clothing

Make your intention (Niyyah):

“Labbaika Allahumma Umrah.”

(O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah.)

After niyyah, all Ihram restrictions become active.

• Repeat the Talbiyah a few times: Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik.
• This is your state of high spiritual attachment, and your heart is starting its journey to the House of Allah (SWT).

Step 2: Tawaf Performance

• Tawaf is considered one of the most exquisite Umrah rituals.
• How to carry out Tawaf
• Stand before Hajar al-Aswad, which is the Black Stone.
• Raise your hands and utter
• “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”
• Complete 7 rounds around the Kaaba
• Complete in a counterclockwise direction
• Remember to pray, to supplicate, and seek forgiveness

Maintain an internal connection with your heart while performing Tawaf. Supplications are accepted at this time.

Pray two raka’at beyond Maqam Ibrahim as a result of the seventh round.

Step 3: completing the Sa’i 

The hurdles and devotion of Hajar (AS) when she looked for water for the Prophet Ismail (AS) are represented by the relationship between Safa and Marwah Sa’i.

How to perform Sa’i:

• Start at Safa
• Raise your hands and make dua
• Walk to Marwah
• This counts as 1 round
• Complete 7 rounds (Safa → Marwah = 1)

During Sa’i, pilgrims often feel the deepest connection with Allah, remembering that no struggle is ever wasted.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Ending Umrah)

This is the final step of Umrah.

For men:

• Halq: Shaving the head
• Taqsir: Trimming hair evenly

For women:

• Trim hair equal to a fingertip

Once this is done, your Umrah is complete, and all Ihram restrictions are lifted.

Table: Umrah Rituals Explained (Easy Summary)

Ritual	What You Do	Purpose
Ihram	Make intention, wear Ihram, recite Talbiyah	Enter state of purity
Tawaf	7 rounds around Khaaba	Show devotion and unity
Sa’i	Walk between Safa & Marwah	Honor Hajar (AS)’s sacrifice
Halq/Taqsir	Shave or trim hair	Complete Umrah

Conclusion

One of the best spiritual chances that Allah Almighty has granted believers is the opportunity to avail the chance to perform Umrah. In order to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing, and accepted journey, it is very important to know how Umrah is conducted, the intention of conducting Umrah, and the most appropriate time to conduct Umrah in case a person can conduct Umrah using a tourist visa.

Umrah is not merely a series of worship acts but a spiritual adventure of the heart in which you leave behind you all your concerns, sins, and distractions to be before the Kaaba with the pure intention and beg Allah to forgive you and to be merciful. May your Umrah be accepted with Barakah, comfort, and healing! Ameen. 

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