Umrah Step-by-Step: What Actually Happens When You Get There
A lot of people arrive in Makkah for Umrah having read everything — and still feel a little lost when they're standing at the Miqat. That's okay. Knowing the steps in theory and experiencing them in practice are two different things.
6/13/20262 min read
A lot of people arrive in Makkah for Umrah having read everything — and still feel a little lost when they're standing at the Miqat. That's okay. Knowing the steps in theory and experiencing them in practice are two different things.
Here's a real, honest walkthrough of what Umrah looks like, from the moment you land to when you're done.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia
Most pilgrims from Pakistan fly into either Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport) or Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport). If you fly into Madinah, you'll spend a few days there first and then travel to Makkah. If you fly into Jeddah, you'll head toward Makkah fairly quickly.
The Saudi immigration process has improved significantly. If you're with an organized group, your agent will usually have a guide who helps move things along.
Entering Ihram at the Miqat
Before reaching Makkah, you must enter the state of Ihram. For Pakistani pilgrims traveling by air, this usually happens on the plane or at the designated Miqat point. You'll change into your Ihram clothes (for men, the two white sheets; for women, regular modest clothing), make a fresh ghusl (full bath) if possible, pray two rak'ahs of Nafl, and then make the Niyyah (intention) for Umrah while reciting the Talbiyah:
"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk..."
From this point, certain things are prohibited — cutting hair, using perfume, arguments, and intimate relations. Stay focused and keep reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey.
First Sight of the Kaaba
Nothing fully prepares you for this moment. Most pilgrims describe it as overwhelming — some laugh, some cry, most just freeze for a moment. Make dua right then. It's said that dua made at the first sight of the Kaaba is accepted.
Tawaf — Circling the Kaaba Seven Times
You begin Tawaf from the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad) corner, moving counterclockwise. Men are encouraged to do Raml (brisk walking) in the first three rounds. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone. There's no specific dua required for each round — you can recite whatever comes from your heart, or use guided dua books.
If you can't get close to the Black Stone to kiss or touch it, simply point toward it and say "Allahu Akbar." Don't push or cause harm to others trying to get there.
After Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Masjid if it's crowded), then drink Zamzam water.
Sa'i — Walking Between Safa and Marwa
This is done seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Each one-way walk counts as one. While walking, make dua, recite dhikr, and reflect on the story of Hajar (AS) who ran between these hills searching for water for her infant son Ismail (AS).
The distance is about 450 meters each way, and it's mostly covered and air-conditioned now, which helps.
Halq or Taqsir — Ending Ihram
Once Sa'i is complete, men shave their head (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir). Women cut a small amount (fingertip length) from their hair. This marks the completion of Umrah. You can now exit Ihram.
After Umrah
Many people feel a quietness after completing Umrah — a sense of spiritual completion. Use your remaining time in Makkah for extra prayers, especially in the Masjid al-Haram. Try to pray as many Fard prayers there as you can. Each prayer in Masjid al-Haram is worth 100,000 prayers.