How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Pilgrims from Pakistan

Author: Mahmoodul Hassan

Date: 20 Nov, 2025

How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Pilgrims from Pakistan

For many Muslims in Pakistan, performing Umrah is a lifelong dream. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, yet it carries immense spiritual rewards and is a powerful means of seeking forgiveness and closeness to Allah.

As a trusted travel agency in Islamabad with over 35 years of experience, Malik Express Travel & Tours helps thousands of pilgrims every year with Umrah visas, flights, hotels, and complete Umrah packages from Pakistan.

This detailed guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step, along with practical tips, latest travel updates (2025), and how Malik Express can make your journey easier.

Understanding Umrah: Meaning and Key Rituals

Umrah is an act of worship that involves entering a sacred state called Ihram, performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and shaving or trimming the hair (Halq/Taqsir).

These four main components are the core of Umrah:

Ihram: Intention and entering the sacred state
Tawaf: Seven circuits around the Kaaba
Sa'i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah
Halq/Taqsir: Shaving or trimming the hair

When these are completed correctly, your Umrah is complete, Insha’Allah.

Step 1: Preparation Before You Travel from Pakistan

Good preparation makes your Umrah smoother, more comfortable, and more focused on worship.

A. Spiritual Preparation

Renew your intention (niyyah) purely for the sake of Allah.
Seek forgiveness from family and friends and resolve conflicts where possible.
Learn the basic duas and adhkar you can recite during Tawaf and Sa'i.
Read about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the significance of Makkah and Madinah.

B. Practical Preparation

Ensure your passport has enough validity (usually at least 6 months beyond travel dates).
Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, visa, hotel bookings, and flight tickets.
Pack modest, comfortable clothing suitable for the Saudi climate.

Carry essential items:

Unscented toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion) for use in Ihram
A light bag for the Haram
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Medication and basic first aid
For women: pack loose, modest clothing and an abaya; niqab and gloves should not be worn in Ihram according to most scholars.

C. Health and Fitness

Umrah involves significant walking, especially during Tawaf and Sa'i. Begin light walking exercise a few weeks before departure, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with health issues. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before travel.

Step 2: Ihram: Entering the Sacred State

Ihram is both a physical dress code and a spiritual state of intention.

A. When and Where to Enter Ihram

You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat, the boundary around Makkah designated for pilgrims. Many flights from Pakistan announce when the Miqat is approaching so passengers can make their intention.

If you are:

Flying directly to Jeddah: you should enter Ihram on the plane before reaching the Miqat.

Staying in another city (like Madinah) first: you’ll enter Ihram at the Miqat nearest to that city (e.g., Dhu’l-Hulaifah for Madinah).

B. How to Enter Ihram

Clean yourself:

Take a shower (ghusl) if possible, trim nails, and remove unwanted hair as per Sunnah.

Wear the Ihram clothing:

Men: two white, unstitched cloths, one around the waist (izar) and one over the shoulders (rida).
Women: normal modest clothing that covers the entire body except face and hands; no special color required.
Pray two rak'ahs (if possible) before making intention.
Make your Umrah intention (niyyah) in your heart, then say something like:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah).
Begin reciting the Talbiyah frequently:

“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

From this point, you are in Ihram and must avoid prohibited acts such as cutting hair or nails, using perfume, marital relations, and hunting.

Step 3: Arriving in Makkah and Entering Masjid al-Haram

When you arrive in Makkah and are ready to enter Masjid al-Haram, keep your focus on humility and gratitude.
Enter the mosque with your right foot and say the dua for entering a mosque.
When you first see the Kaaba, take a moment to make personal dua, this is a precious and emotional moment for many pilgrims.

Step 4: Performing Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

Tawaf is one of the pillars of Umrah. It consists of walking seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

A. Starting Tawaf

Move towards the corner where the Black Stone is located.
If you can safely reach it, you may touch or kiss the Black Stone. Due to crowds, many scholars say it is enough to simply raise your hand towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” to start each circuit.
Men should uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) during Tawaf al-Umrah by placing the upper Ihram cloth under the right arm and over the left shoulder.

B. During Tawaf

Walk calmly and respectfully, avoiding pushing or harming others.
Men may walk briskly with short steps (raml) in the first three circuits if space allows.
You may recite any duas, Qur'an verses, or dhikr you know; there is no single fixed dua for each round, despite printed booklets.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite:

“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, waqina ‘adhaban-nar.”

Complete seven full circuits, each beginning and ending at the Black Stone.

C. After Tawaf

Men should cover both shoulders again (end of idtiba).
Pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque if it’s crowded.
Drink Zamzam water and make dua, as Zamzam is a blessed water.

Step 5: Performing Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, you proceed to Safa and Marwah, two hills located within the Masjid al-Haram.

A. Starting at Safa

Go to Safa and face the Kaaba (or the direction of the Kaaba).
Recite the verse mentioned in the Qur'an about Safa and Marwah (if you know it) and make dua.

B. Walking Between Safa and Marwah

Walk from Safa to Marwah, this is one lap.
Walking from Marwah back to Safa is the next lap.
You must complete seven laps, finishing at Marwah.
Men may lightly jog between the two green markers (lights) in the middle section, following the Sunnah of Hajar’s search for water.
Continue to make dhikr and personal duas throughout Sa'i.

Step 6: Halq or Taqsir: Shaving or Trimming the Hair

After Sa'i, the final step is shaving or trimming the hair, which marks the completion of your Umrah.
Men: Shaving the head (Halq) is generally considered better and brings greater reward, but trimming (Taqsir) is also allowed. If trimming, ensure hair is cut from all around the head, not just a single spot.
Women: Should trim a small portion (about a fingertip’s length) from the end of their hair; shaving the head is not required.

Once this is done, your state of Ihram ends and your Umrah is complete, Insha’Allah. You may now change into normal clothes and resume normal activities.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Umrah

1. Time Your Umrah Wisely

Avoid the hottest parts of the day in summer months.
Try performing Tawaf at night or early morning to reduce heat and crowds.
Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends.

2. Stay Hydrated and Energized

Drink plenty of Zamzam and water regularly.
Keep light snacks (dates, nuts, biscuits) with you.
Listen to your body, take short breaks if you feel weak or dizzy.

3. Crowd Management and Safety

Avoid pushing or rushing towards the Black Stone or Maqam Ibrahim.

Keep your group together, especially elderly pilgrims, women, and children.
Decide on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.

4. For Elderly and Special-Needs Pilgrims

Wheelchairs and electric mobility services are available in designated areas of the Haram (for a fee).
Choose hotels close to the Haram to minimize walking.

Malik Express can arrange special assistance, wheelchairs, and closer accommodation where available.

5. Focus on Worship, Not Just Photos

Capturing memories is natural, but try not to spend most of your time on mobile phones or cameras. Keep your heart attached to:
Salah and Qur'an
Dhikr and dua
Reflecting on Allah’s mercy and your purpose in life

Latest Umrah Visa & Travel Updates (2025) - Especially for Pilgrims from Pakistan

Saudi Arabia has introduced several important changes to Umrah regulations in recent months:

Shorter Umrah visa validity: The Umrah visa validity has been reduced from around three months to one month, and unused visas may be cancelled after 30 days from issuance.
Mandatory hotel bookings: Confirmed hotel reservations through official channels are now required for Umrah visa approval, to ensure pilgrims have proper accommodation.
All visa holders can perform Umrah: Saudi Arabia has announced that Muslim visitors holding any valid visa type (such as tourist visa) may be allowed to perform Umrah, subject to current rules.
Increasing emphasis on using the Nusuk digital platform for Umrah permits, transport, and other services.
Rules and systems continue to evolve, so it is highly recommended to apply through an experienced, licensed travel agency that stays updated with the latest regulations.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Makes Your Umrah Easier

As a well-established travel agency in Islamabad, Pakistan, Malik Express Travel & Tours offers end-to-end Umrah services designed to remove stress and confusion from your journey:

1. Expert Umrah Visa Processing

Guidance on eligibility, documentation, and latest visa rules for Pakistanis
Coordination of Umrah visa applications in line with current Saudi requirements

2. Flights and Tailored Umrah Packages

Competitive airfares from major cities in Pakistan to Jeddah or Madinah
Customizable Umrah packages for individuals, families, and groups
Options ranging from budget to premium packages

3. Hotels Close to the Haram

Carefully selected hotels in Makkah and Madinah
Choices near the Haram to minimize walking, especially for elderly pilgrims
Pre-booking hotels as per new regulations, so your visa process is smoother

4. Ground Transport and Local Support

Airport-hotel-Haram transfers and intercity travel (Makkah–Madinah)
Assistance with group coordination, local guidance, and support on arrival
Help arranging Ziyarah tours to important Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah (where permissible)

5. Guidance and Education

Pre-departure Umrah briefing sessions for groups
Printed or digital Umrah checklists and summary guides
Phone and online support to answer questions before and during travel

Final Thoughts

Performing Umrah is one of the most blessed journeys a believer can undertake. By understanding each step of the rituals, preparing well, and travelling with a reliable, experienced Umrah operator from Pakistan like Malik Express Travel & Tours, you can focus on what truly matters:

Your connection with Allah, heartfelt duas, and spiritual transformation.

When you are ready to plan your Umrah, Malik Express Travel & Tours can assist with visa, flights, hotels, transport, and complete Umrah packages, so you can perform your worship with peace of mind.

How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Pilgrims from Pakistan

Author: Mahmoodul Hassan

Date: 20 Nov, 2025

How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Pilgrims from Pakistan

This detailed guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step, along with practical tips, latest travel updates (2025), and how Malik Express can make your journey easier.

Understanding Umrah: Meaning and Key Rituals

These four main components are the core of Umrah:

Ihram: Intention and entering the sacred state
Tawaf: Seven circuits around the Kaaba
Sa'i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah
Halq/Taqsir: Shaving or trimming the hair

When these are completed correctly, your Umrah is complete, Insha’Allah.

Step 1: Preparation Before You Travel from Pakistan

Good preparation makes your Umrah smoother, more comfortable, and more focused on worship.

A. Spiritual Preparation

Renew your intention (niyyah) purely for the sake of Allah.
Seek forgiveness from family and friends and resolve conflicts where possible.
Learn the basic duas and adhkar you can recite during Tawaf and Sa'i.
Read about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the significance of Makkah and Madinah.

B. Practical Preparation

Ensure your passport has enough validity (usually at least 6 months beyond travel dates).
Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, visa, hotel bookings, and flight tickets.
Pack modest, comfortable clothing suitable for the Saudi climate.

Carry essential items:

Unscented toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion) for use in Ihram
A light bag for the Haram
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Medication and basic first aid
For women: pack loose, modest clothing and an abaya; niqab and gloves should not be worn in Ihram according to most scholars.

C. Health and Fitness

Step 2: Ihram: Entering the Sacred State

Ihram is both a physical dress code and a spiritual state of intention.

A. When and Where to Enter Ihram

If you are:

Flying directly to Jeddah: you should enter Ihram on the plane before reaching the Miqat.

Staying in another city (like Madinah) first: you’ll enter Ihram at the Miqat nearest to that city (e.g., Dhu’l-Hulaifah for Madinah).

B. How to Enter Ihram

Clean yourself:

Take a shower (ghusl) if possible, trim nails, and remove unwanted hair as per Sunnah.

Wear the Ihram clothing:

Men: two white, unstitched cloths, one around the waist (izar) and one over the shoulders (rida).
Women: normal modest clothing that covers the entire body except face and hands; no special color required.
Pray two rak'ahs (if possible) before making intention.
Make your Umrah intention (niyyah) in your heart, then say something like:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah).
Begin reciting the Talbiyah frequently:

“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

From this point, you are in Ihram and must avoid prohibited acts such as cutting hair or nails, using perfume, marital relations, and hunting.

Step 3: Arriving in Makkah and Entering Masjid al-Haram

When you arrive in Makkah and are ready to enter Masjid al-Haram, keep your focus on humility and gratitude.
Enter the mosque with your right foot and say the dua for entering a mosque.
When you first see the Kaaba, take a moment to make personal dua, this is a precious and emotional moment for many pilgrims.

Step 4: Performing Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

Tawaf is one of the pillars of Umrah. It consists of walking seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

A. Starting Tawaf

Move towards the corner where the Black Stone is located.
If you can safely reach it, you may touch or kiss the Black Stone. Due to crowds, many scholars say it is enough to simply raise your hand towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” to start each circuit.
Men should uncover the right shoulder (idtiba) during Tawaf al-Umrah by placing the upper Ihram cloth under the right arm and over the left shoulder.

B. During Tawaf

Walk calmly and respectfully, avoiding pushing or harming others.
Men may walk briskly with short steps (raml) in the first three circuits if space allows.
You may recite any duas, Qur'an verses, or dhikr you know; there is no single fixed dua for each round, despite printed booklets.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite:

“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, waqina ‘adhaban-nar.”

Complete seven full circuits, each beginning and ending at the Black Stone.

C. After Tawaf

Men should cover both shoulders again (end of idtiba).
Pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque if it’s crowded.
Drink Zamzam water and make dua, as Zamzam is a blessed water.

Step 5: Performing Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, you proceed to Safa and Marwah, two hills located within the Masjid al-Haram.

A. Starting at Safa

Go to Safa and face the Kaaba (or the direction of the Kaaba).
Recite the verse mentioned in the Qur'an about Safa and Marwah (if you know it) and make dua.

B. Walking Between Safa and Marwah

Walk from Safa to Marwah, this is one lap.
Walking from Marwah back to Safa is the next lap.
You must complete seven laps, finishing at Marwah.
Men may lightly jog between the two green markers (lights) in the middle section, following the Sunnah of Hajar’s search for water.
Continue to make dhikr and personal duas throughout Sa'i.

Step 6: Halq or Taqsir: Shaving or Trimming the Hair

After Sa'i, the final step is shaving or trimming the hair, which marks the completion of your Umrah.
Men: Shaving the head (Halq) is generally considered better and brings greater reward, but trimming (Taqsir) is also allowed. If trimming, ensure hair is cut from all around the head, not just a single spot.
Women: Should trim a small portion (about a fingertip’s length) from the end of their hair; shaving the head is not required.

Once this is done, your state of Ihram ends and your Umrah is complete, Insha’Allah. You may now change into normal clothes and resume normal activities.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Umrah

1. Time Your Umrah Wisely

Avoid the hottest parts of the day in summer months.
Try performing Tawaf at night or early morning to reduce heat and crowds.
Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends.

2. Stay Hydrated and Energized

Drink plenty of Zamzam and water regularly.
Keep light snacks (dates, nuts, biscuits) with you.
Listen to your body, take short breaks if you feel weak or dizzy.

3. Crowd Management and Safety

Avoid pushing or rushing towards the Black Stone or Maqam Ibrahim.

Keep your group together, especially elderly pilgrims, women, and children.
Decide on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.

4. For Elderly and Special-Needs Pilgrims

Wheelchairs and electric mobility services are available in designated areas of the Haram (for a fee).
Choose hotels close to the Haram to minimize walking.

Malik Express can arrange special assistance, wheelchairs, and closer accommodation where available.

5. Focus on Worship, Not Just Photos

Capturing memories is natural, but try not to spend most of your time on mobile phones or cameras. Keep your heart attached to:
Salah and Qur'an
Dhikr and dua
Reflecting on Allah’s mercy and your purpose in life

Latest Umrah Visa & Travel Updates (2025) - Especially for Pilgrims from Pakistan

Saudi Arabia has introduced several important changes to Umrah regulations in recent months:

Shorter Umrah visa validity: The Umrah visa validity has been reduced from around three months to one month, and unused visas may be cancelled after 30 days from issuance.
Mandatory hotel bookings: Confirmed hotel reservations through official channels are now required for Umrah visa approval, to ensure pilgrims have proper accommodation.
All visa holders can perform Umrah: Saudi Arabia has announced that Muslim visitors holding any valid visa type (such as tourist visa) may be allowed to perform Umrah, subject to current rules.
Increasing emphasis on using the Nusuk digital platform for Umrah permits, transport, and other services.
Rules and systems continue to evolve, so it is highly recommended to apply through an experienced, licensed travel agency that stays updated with the latest regulations.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Makes Your Umrah Easier

As a well-established travel agency in Islamabad, Pakistan, Malik Express Travel & Tours offers end-to-end Umrah services designed to remove stress and confusion from your journey:

1. Expert Umrah Visa Processing

Guidance on eligibility, documentation, and latest visa rules for Pakistanis
Coordination of Umrah visa applications in line with current Saudi requirements

2. Flights and Tailored Umrah Packages

Competitive airfares from major cities in Pakistan to Jeddah or Madinah
Customizable Umrah packages for individuals, families, and groups
Options ranging from budget to premium packages

3. Hotels Close to the Haram

Carefully selected hotels in Makkah and Madinah
Choices near the Haram to minimize walking, especially for elderly pilgrims
Pre-booking hotels as per new regulations, so your visa process is smoother

4. Ground Transport and Local Support

Airport-hotel-Haram transfers and intercity travel (Makkah–Madinah)
Assistance with group coordination, local guidance, and support on arrival
Help arranging Ziyarah tours to important Islamic sites in Makkah and Madinah (where permissible)

5. Guidance and Education

Pre-departure Umrah briefing sessions for groups
Printed or digital Umrah checklists and summary guides
Phone and online support to answer questions before and during travel

Final Thoughts

Your connection with Allah, heartfelt duas, and spiritual transformation.

When you are ready to plan your Umrah, Malik Express Travel & Tours can assist with visa, flights, hotels, transport, and complete Umrah packages, so you can perform your worship with peace of mind.