Umrah (عُمْرَة) is a blessed pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah in Makkah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can generally be performed throughout the year, and it consists of entering Ihram (إِحْرَام) with the intention of Umrah, performing Tawaf (طَوَاف) around the Kaaba, performing Sa’i (سَعْي) between Safa and Marwah, and then completing the Umrah by shaving or shortening the hair.
Allah commands Muslims to complete Hajj and Umrah sincerely for Him:
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
Quran 2:196
Umrah is also a means of great reward and spiritual renewal. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
الْعُمْرَةُ إِلَى الْعُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الْجَنَّةُ
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for the sins committed between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1773
For Muslims preparing for this sacred journey, learning the Sunnahs of Umrah (سُنَنُ الْعُمْرَةِ) is important because these practices help a pilgrim follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ with greater care and devotion.
What Are the Sunnahs (سُنَّة) of Umrah?
The word Sunnah (سُنَّة) refers to the teachings, practices, approvals, and example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. During Umrah, following the Sunnah means performing the pilgrimage in a manner consistent with the guidance and example of the Prophet ﷺ.
The following 15 Sunnahs and recommended practices of Umrah cover preparation for Ihram, entering Makkah, remembering Allah, Tawaf, and other important aspects of the pilgrimage.
1. Perform Wudu (وُضُوء) or Ghusl (غُسْل) Before Ihram
Before entering the state of Ihram (إِحْرَام), a pilgrim should prepare themselves with cleanliness. Performing Wudu (وُضُوء) is recommended, and performing Ghusl (غُسْل) is also a well-known Sunnah of Ihram.
A Muslim should take care of personal cleanliness, trim the nails if needed, remove unwanted hair where appropriate, and then prepare for Ihram. This preparation reflects the importance of entering the sacred state with physical cleanliness and spiritual awareness.
The practice of bathing before entering Makkah is also established in authentic narrations, and Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما followed the practice of bathing before entering Makkah.
Cleanliness before Umrah helps a pilgrim prepare both physically and mentally for worship.
2. Men Should Wear a White Rida (رِدَاءٌ ) and Izar (إِزَارٌ )
One of the well-known practices associated with male pilgrims is wearing the simple garments of Ihram. The two main pieces are called:
- رِدَاءٌ the upper cloth
- إِزَارٌ the lower cloth
White clothing is preferred for men because of its simplicity and connection with cleanliness. The Ihram garments also symbolize equality, humility, and detachment from worldly status.
Women do not wear the two-piece male Ihram. They wear their normal modest Islamic clothing while observing the requirements of Ihram.
3. Apply Perfume (طِيب) Before Entering Ihram
Applying perfume, known as طِيب (Ṭīb), before entering Ihram is an established Sunnah for those who are able to do so.
Aisha رضي الله عنها reported:
طَيَّبْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ لِإِحْرَامِهِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُحْرِمَ
“I applied perfume to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ before he entered the state of Ihram.”
Sahih Muslim 1189a
This should be understood correctly: perfume may be applied before entering Ihram, but a person in the state of Ihram should not apply perfume afterward.
4. Pray Two Rakahs (رَكْعَتَانِ) After Preparing for Ihram
The list also includes praying two Rak’ahs (رَكْعَتَانِ) after preparing for Ihram.
A pilgrim may pray two voluntary rakahs when an appropriate opportunity exists, such as after performing Wudu. However, it is important not to believe that there is a separate obligatory prayer called the “two Rakahs of Ihram.” Ihram itself is entered through the intention and Talbiyah, not through a special mandatory prayer.
Therefore, this should be treated as a recommended voluntary prayer rather than an essential part of Umrah.
5. Recite the Talbiyah (تَلْبِيَة) Frequently
One of the most recognizable Sunnahs of Umrah is reciting the Talbiyah (تَلْبِيَة) after entering Ihram.
The famous wording is:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”
The Talbiyah expresses complete submission and response to Allah’s call. A pilgrim should recite it regularly while travelling toward the Haram and until the appropriate point before beginning Tawaf.
6. Repeat the Talbiyah (تَلْبِيَة) Regularly
It is not enough to recite the Talbiyah only once. A pilgrim should repeat it regularly throughout the journey while in the state of Ihram.
The words لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ remind the heart that the journey is being made solely in response to Allah’s command.
The Talbiyah also encourages humility, concentration, and remembrance of Allah during the journey to Makkah.
7. Send Salawat Upon the Prophet ﷺ
Sending blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a virtuous act at all times, including during a journey of worship.
A Muslim can frequently recite:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ
“O Allah, send blessings and peace upon Muhammad.”
It is important to distinguish this general Sunnah from specific Umrah rituals. Sending Salawat is highly virtuous, but it should not be treated as a fixed ritual with a specific number during Tawaf or Umrah unless supported by evidence.
8. Ask Allah for Jannah (جَنَّة) and Good Company
The reference list recommends making dua for Jannah (جَنَّة) and the company of righteous people.
A pilgrim can sincerely ask Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ
“O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from the Fire.”
A pilgrim can also ask Allah for صُحْبَةٌ صَالِحَةٌ righteous companionship and for a life surrounded by people who encourage faith and good deeds.
There is no need to restrict personal dua to one language. A pilgrim may ask Allah sincerely in whatever language they understand.
9. Proceed Toward Makkah (مَكَّةَ )With Humility
The ninth practice in the provided list refers to proceeding toward Makkah on foot. This should be understood as a recommended expression of humility rather than a requirement for Umrah.
Modern pilgrims often travel long distances by airplane, car, bus, or train, and there is no requirement to walk to Makkah.
The broader lesson is to maintain humility, patience, and remembrance of Allah while travelling toward the Sacred Mosque.
10. Perform Ghusl (غُسْل) Before Entering Makkah (مَكَّةَ)
Performing Ghusl (غُسْل) before entering Makkah is another practice mentioned in the Sunnah.
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet ﷺ stayed at Dhu Tuwa until morning and then entered Makkah. Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما also followed this practice and would bathe before entering Makkah.
This practice gives the pilgrim an opportunity to enter the sacred city in a state of cleanliness and readiness for worship.
11. Enter Makkah (مَكَّةَ ) During the Day and From the Upper Route
The provided list mentions entering Makkah during the day and through the route associated with Bab al-Mualla. The stronger wording found in authentic hadith is that the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah from the upper side.
Aisha رضي الله عنها reported:
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ دَخَلَ عَامَ الْفَتْحِ مِنْ كَدَاءٍ مِنْ أَعْلَى مَكَّةَ
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered Makkah during the year of the Conquest from Kada, from the upper side of Makkah.”
Sahih Muslim 1258b
Another narration states that the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah from the upper side and left through the lower side.
Today, the exact historical routes and entrances may not correspond directly to modern roads and gates, so pilgrims should not consider a particular modern gate compulsory.
12. Say Takbir (تَكْبِير) and Tahlil (تَكْبِير) When Meeting the Kaaba
When approaching the Sacred House, the pilgrim should remember Allah through Takbir (تَكْبِير) and Tahlil(تَكْبِير)
For example:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
“Allah is the Greatest.”
And:
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.”
During Tawaf, the Prophet ﷺ is authentically reported to have said Takbir when reaching the Black Stone:
وَكُلَّمَا أَتَى الرُّكْنَ أَشَارَ إِلَيْهِ وَكَبَّرَ
“Whenever he came in front of the Corner, he pointed toward it and said Takbir.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1613
13. Make Dua When the Kaaba Comes Into View
Seeing the Kaaba for the first time can be an extremely emotional moment for a Muslim. The pilgrim should use this opportunity to remember Allah and make sincere dua.
What should you ask Allah for?
You can ask for:
- Forgiveness of sins
- Jannah
- Protection from Hell
- Strong faith
- Good health
- Acceptance of Umrah
- Forgiveness for parents
- Guidance for family members
- Peace and wellbeing
- Success in this life and the Hereafter
There is no need to believe that one particular long dua is compulsory when the Kaaba first comes into view. A sincere personal dua is appropriate.
14. Perform Ramal (رَمَل) During Tawaf
Ramal (رَمَل) means walking briskly with short, energetic steps during the relevant rounds of Tawaf.
It is an established Sunnah for men in the Tawaf where Ramal is prescribed. The Prophet ﷺ instructed his Companions to perform Ramal during the first three circuits of Tawaf.
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported:
فَأَمَرَهُمُ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ أَنْ يَرْمُلُوا الْأَشْوَاطَ الثَّلَاثَةَ
“The Prophet ﷺ ordered them to perform Ramal during the first three rounds.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1602
For the remaining four rounds, the normal walking pace is followed.
Important: Ramal is for men, not women.
15. Perform Idtiba (اِضْطِبَاع) during Tawaf
Idtiba (اِضْطِبَاع) is a Sunnah for men during the relevant Tawaf. It means placing the Ihram cloth underneath the right armpit and leaving the right shoulder uncovered while keeping the left shoulder covered.
A narration reports:
طَافَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ مُضْطَبِعًا
“The Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf while doing Idtiba.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 2954
Idtiba is specifically for men and is connected with Tawaf. After completing Tawaf, the upper Ihram cloth should be returned to cover both shoulders.
Ramal and Idtiba Are for Men
The final two practices in this list Ramal (رَمَل) and Idtiba (اِضْطِبَاع) are specifically associated with men. Women do not perform them.
Important Sunnahs of Ihram ( سُنَنُ الإِحْرَامِ)
Ihram is one of the most important stages of Umrah. It is not simply the two pieces of cloth worn by a man. الإِحْرَامُ refers to entering the sacred state in which specific restrictions and acts of worship apply.
Important recommended practices include:
- الْغُسْلُ — performing Ghusl before Ihram.
- الطِّيبُ — applying fragrance before entering Ihram.
- رِدَاءٌ وَإِزَارٌ — men wearing the prescribed unstitched garments.
- صَلَاةُ رَكْعَتَيْنِ — praying two voluntary Rak’ahs where appropriate.
- النِّيَّةُ — making the intention for Umrah sincerely for Allah.
- التَّلْبِيَةُ — beginning and repeating the Talbiyah.
- الذِّكْرُ — remembering Allah frequently.
- Avoiding arguments, bad language, and sinful behavior.
The Qur’an emphasizes good conduct during pilgrimage:
فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ
“So there is to be no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj.”
Qur’an 2:197
Although the verse specifically discusses Hajj, its emphasis on avoiding sinful behavior and disputes provides an important lesson for the spiritual attitude of a pilgrim.
Sunnahs of Tawaf (سُنَنُ الطَّوَافِ)
طَوَافٌ (Tawaf) is the circumambulation of the Ka’bah. A pilgrim performs seven circuits around the Ka’bah, beginning from the area of the Black Stone.
Important recommended practices include:
1. Begin at the Black Stone ( الْحَجَرُ الْأَسْوَدُ )
The pilgrim should begin each circuit from the direction of الْحَجَرُ الْأَسْوَدُ (Black Stone).
When reaching it, the pilgrim may say:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
“Allah is the Greatest.”
One should never push, hurt, or fight other pilgrims in an attempt to reach the Black Stone.
2. Perform Raml Where Prescribed الرَّمَلُ
Men perform Raml in the first three circuits where it applies, then walk normally during the remaining four.
3. Perform Idtiba ( الاضْطِبَاعُ )
Men performing the relevant Tawaf may uncover the right shoulder through Idtiba.
4. Remember Allah ( ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ )
A pilgrim should remain engaged in ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ (Dhikrullah), Quran recitation, Dua, and sincere worship.
There is no requirement to repeat one particular dua for every circuit. A pilgrim can make personal supplications while maintaining focus and humility.
Sunnahs of Sa’i ( سُنَنُ السَّعْيِ )
سَعْيٌ (Sa’i) is the walking between الصَّفَا (As-Safa) and الْمَرْوَةُ (Al-Marwah).
The Qur’an states:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
Qur’an 2:158
The Prophet ﷺ performed Sa’i, and Aishah رضي الله عنها explained that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ established this practice for Muslims.
1. Begin at Safa ( الصَّفَا )
Sa’i begins at As-Safa and ends at Al-Marwah.
One journey from Safa to Marwah counts as one lap, and the return from Marwah to Safa counts as the next. Therefore, seven laps finish at Marwah.
2. Face the Qiblah and Make Dua ( الدُّعَاءُ )
At Safa and Marwah, the pilgrim can face the direction of the Ka’bah, praise Allah, recite Takbir and Tahlil, and make sincere Dua.
3. Engage in Dhikr ( الذِّكْرُ )
The pilgrim should use the time of Sa’i for remembrance of Allah rather than unnecessary conversation.
4. Men Walk Faster Between the Green Markers ( الإِسْرَاعُ )
Men traditionally increase their pace between the designated green markers when physically able. Women generally continue walking normally.
The purpose is not to race. A pilgrim should always prioritize safety and avoid causing difficulty to other people.
Sunnahs After Sa’i ( بَعْدَ السَّعْيِ )
After completing seven laps of Sa’i, the pilgrim reaches the final stage of Umrah.
Men complete the Umrah by either:
- حَلْقٌ (Halq) shaving the head, or
- تَقْصِيرٌ (Qasr) shortening the hair.
Women shorten a portion of their hair according to the applicable Islamic ruling rather than shaving the entire head.
The Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged those who shave their heads, as reported in authentic hadith, and shaving or shortening completes the process of leaving Ihram. The basic sequence of Tawaf, shortening the hair, and completing Ihram is also reported in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Conclusion
The Sunnahs of Umrah (سُنَنُ الْعُمْرَةِ) provide Muslims with a practical way to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ while performing this blessed pilgrimage. From Wudu (وُضُوء) and Ghusl (غُسْل) before Ihram to Talbiyah (تَلْبِيَة), sincere dua, remembrance of Allah, and the Sunnahs of Tawaf such as Ramal (رَمَل) and Idtiba (اِضْطِبَاع), each practice can help make the journey more meaningful.
At the same time, pilgrims should distinguish between obligatory acts, essential requirements, Sunnahs, and general recommended practices. Not every recommended action is a condition for a valid Umrah.
The ultimate purpose is to complete Umrah sincerely for Allah, follow the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, show patience and good character, and return with a stronger connection to Allah.
Author Bio:
The author is an Islamic content writer and researcher at Tajweed Ul Quran Worldwide, focused on sharing authentic Islamic guidance in a clear and practical manner. Their content covers important topics related to Hajj, Umrah, Quran, Sunnah, and Duas to help pilgrims prepare with confidence. If you want to understand the Sunnahs of Hajj, click here to learn more.