العمرة — دليل — شامل

A woman enters الإحرام by making the intention (niyyah) for العمرة and reciting the talbiyah. Unlike men who wear two specific white garments, women wear their normal modest clothing — any color is جائز, though white, black, and dark colors are common choices. The clothing should be loose-fitting, non-transparent, and cover the entire body except the face and hands. A woman should not wear a niqab (face veil that is tied) or gloves during الإحرام, though she may drape fabric over her face when non-mahram men are nearby. Before entering الإحرام, perform الغسل (full ablution), apply perfume to the body (not clothing), and pray two rakaat if it is not a prohibited الصلاة time. The intention should be made at or before the الميقات boundary. Women recite the talbiyah in a moderate voice audible to themselves, not loudly like men.

Upon reaching المسجد الحرام, proceed to the الطواف area. Begin at the الحجر الأسود corner — if you cannot touch or kiss it due to crowds, simply point toward it and say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.' Complete seven circuits counterclockwise around the الكعبة. Women do not perform raml (brisk walking) during any circuit — walk at your normal pace throughout. There is no idtiba (exposing the right shoulder) for women, as this is specific to men's الإحرام garments. Supplicate freely during الطواف with any دعاء you wish — there are no specific required الأدعية for each circuit, despite what some printed guides suggest. After completing seven circuits, pray two rakaat behind مقام إبراهيم if possible, or anywhere in the مسجد if the area is crowded. Drink زمزم water and make دعاء. The upper floors and rooftop level are generally less crowded and safer for women during busy periods.

After الطواف, proceed to the Mas'a (the السعي corridor) and climb الصفا. Face the الكعبة, raise your hands, and make دعاء. Then walk toward المروةh — this is one lap. Walk at your normal pace throughout; women do not run between the green markers as men do. Complete seven laps (ending at المروةh). The upper level of the Mas'a is often less crowded and preferable for women. After completing السعي, proceed to trim your hair (التقصير). Women should cut approximately a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. This can be done privately in the restroom, at your hotel, or by a female companion. Shaving the head is prohibited for women. With the hair trimming complete, your العمرة is finished, and you are released from الإحرام. All الإحرام restrictions are now lifted, and you may resume normal activities.

Choose a time with lighter crowds for your first العمرة if possible — mid-morning or mid-afternoon offers more space and a calmer atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove, as you will take them off at the مسجد entrance. Use a shoe bag to carry them inside rather than leaving them on the racks, where they may be taken accidentally. A small cross-body bag with essentials (phone, water, identification, الأدوية) is more secure and practical than a handbag. If performing العمرة during menstruation, you may do everything except الطواف — enter الإحرام, proceed to مكة, and wait until you are pure to perform الطواف and السعي. A woman who begins menstruating after completing الطواف but before السعي may complete السعي, as ritual purity is not required for السعي عند جمهور العلماء.