Everything you need to know for Umrah , often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” holds deep spiritual meaning in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which is mandatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, Umrah is a non-obligatory but highly recommended act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. In 2025, with improved visa systems, advanced booking platforms, and better infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, performing Umrah has become more accessible than ever.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for Umrah in Islam in 2025, including the meaning of Umrah, a summary of its rituals, a Shia Umrah guide, and detailed explanation of key elements like Istilam.
Table of Contents
Everything you need to know for umrah meaning
What is Umrah in Islam?
The word Umrah (Arabic: عمرة) linguistically means “to visit a populated place.” Religiously, it refers to a spiritual journey to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to perform specific rituals. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and brings immense spiritual rewards.
Umrah consists of four main rituals:
- Ihram – entering the sacred state with the intention for Umrah
- Tawaf – circumambulation of the Kaaba
- Sa’i – walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah
- Tahalul – partial shaving or trimming of the hair (for men) or cutting a small portion (for women)
With Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and Vision 2030:
- e-Visas and apps like Nusuk simplify bookings for Umrah permits and services.
- Hotels near the Haram are more diverse, from budget to 5-star.
- Transportation via high-speed trains from Jeddah, Madinah, and now Riyadh is fast and convenient.
- Crowd management technology makes rituals smoother during busy seasons like Ramadan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah
1. Ihram (Sacred State)
- Men wear two white unstitched garments; women wear modest clothing covering the body.
- Make intention (niyyah) for Umrah.
- Say the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah. Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk…”
Where to enter Ihram?
At designated Miqat stations (e.g., Dhul Hulaifah, Qarn al-Manazil, Yalamlam, or in-flight before reaching Miqat).
2. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Make 7 anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba.
- Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
- For each round, make Dua or recite Quran.
- Istilam: Touch or point towards the Black Stone at the start of each circuit (more on this below).
3. Sa’i (Safa and Marwah)
- Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Start at Safa, end at Marwah.
- Men may jog lightly between the two green lights (Ramal).
- Dua and Dhikr are encouraged throughout.
4. Tahalul (Hair Cutting)
- Men: shave (Halq) or trim hair (Qasr). Shaving is more rewarding.
- Women: cut a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair.
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Shia Umrah Guide
While the core Umrah rituals are the same for Sunni and Shia Muslims, there are minor differences in practice and jurisprudence among the Shia (specifically Ja’fari) school.
Shia-Specific Guidelines:
- Ihram and Niyyah are the same, but Duas and Talbiyah may differ slightly.
- Sa’i is considered symbolic, and some Shia scholars allow walking behind the station of Marwah instead of physically walking the entire distance.
- Tahalul (cutting hair) follows the same procedure, but intentions may include specific supplications found in Shia traditions.
- Shia pilgrims may perform Ziyarat (visits) to other significant sites in Makkah and Madinah with specific Shia historical relevance.
Note: Shia pilgrims are allowed and welcomed to perform Umrah. Saudi authorities accommodate all Islamic sects while maintaining crowd safety.
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Istilam in Umrah
Istilam refers to the act of touching or gesturing towards the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) during Tawaf.
Types of Istilam:
- Touch and Kiss: If possible, touch and kiss the Black Stone.
- Touch with hand and kiss hand: If you can reach it.
- Point towards it from a distance: While saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”.
It is performed at the start of each of the 7 circuits and holds spiritual significance, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced it during his Tawaf.
Everything you need to know for Umrah
Umrah is one of the most spiritually uplifting acts in Islam. Though not obligatory like Hajj, it is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform this sacred pilgrimage.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for Umrah in 2025, including its meaning, steps, required documents, rituals, tips, and answers to common questions.
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, performed by Muslims at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime (if one is physically and financially able), Umrah is optional but greatly rewarded.
Spiritual Importance:
- It is a means of forgiveness: “From one Umrah to another is an expiation for what is between them.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- It brings spiritual renewal and closeness to Allah.
- It symbolizes submission and purification.
Umrah Summary
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Ihram | Enter the sacred state at Miqat, make intention |
| 2. Tawaf | Walk 7 times around the Kaaba |
| 3. Istilam | Touch or point to the Black Stone before each lap |
| 4. Sa’i | Walk 7 times between Safa and Marwah |
| 5. Tahalul | Trim or shave hair to complete Umrah |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Umrah mandatory?
No. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not mandatory but highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah).
How long does Umrah take?
If organized well, Umrah can be completed within 2–4 hours.
Can I perform multiple Umrahs?
Yes, but it is recommended to give others the opportunity first, especially during peak seasons.
Is Umrah allowed for women without a Mahram in 2025?
Yes, Saudi Arabia now allows women over the age of 18 to perform Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram), as long as they are in a group or package tour.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah in 2025 is a deeply moving spiritual experience and is now more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning pilgrim, knowing everything you need for Umrah—from the meaning and rituals to travel tips and modern updates—can make your journey easier and more fulfilling.
Regardless of your Islamic school of thought, whether Sunni or Shia, Umrah is a unifying experience that brings Muslims from all over the world to the sacred heart of Islam.
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