What does the word Umrah mean?
The word derives from an Arabic root carrying the sense of visiting an inhabited place. In Islamic law it refers specifically to visiting the Kaaba and performing the prescribed rites. English renders it the lesser pilgrimage, distinguishing it from Hajj.
The four rites
Ihram, consecration, entered at or before the miqat. Tawaf, seven circuits of the Kaaba. Sa'i, seven lengths between Safa and Marwah. Halq or taqsir, shaving or trimming, which releases you from ihram.
They are performed in fixed order. Omitting one, or performing them out of sequence, invalidates the Umrah.
| # | Rite | Arabic | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ihram | الإحرام | Ghusl, the two white cloths, the intention, the Talbiyah | 20-40 min |
| 2 | Tawaf | الطواف | Seven circuits of the Kaaba, then two rakah at Maqam Ibrahim | 45-90 min |
| 3 | Sa'i | السعي | Seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, about 3.15 km | 40-70 min |
| 4 | Halq or taqsir | الحلق | Shaving or trimming; releases you from ihram | 10 min |
Is Umrah obligatory?
The schools differ. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold it obligatory once in a lifetime for those able. The Hanafi and Maliki schools hold it a confirmed sunnah. All four agree it carries great reward and may be repeated.
Questions
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. It has four rites: entering ihram, tawaf around the Kaaba, sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and halq or taqsir. The rites take three to five hours.
Is Umrah compulsory in Islam?
Scholarly positions differ. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold Umrah obligatory once in a lifetime for those able to perform it. The Hanafi and Maliki schools hold it to be a confirmed sunnah rather than an obligation.
Can Umrah be performed at any time?
Yes, on any day of the year, unlike Hajj which is fixed to 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah. The one practical exception is the Hajj period, when Saudi Arabia pauses Umrah visa issuance for several weeks.