Women perform উমরাহ with the same four essential steps as men: entering ইহরাম with intention, তাওয়াফ (seven circuits around the কাবা শরীফ), sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah seven times), and taqsir (trimming a fingertip's length of hair). Key differences include wearing normal modest clothing for ইহরাম, not performing raml during তাওয়াফ, and trimming rather than shaving hair.
A woman enters ইহরাম by making the intention (niyyah) for উমরাহ and reciting the talbiyah. Unlike men who wear two specific white garments, women wear their normal modest clothing — any color is permissible, 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 ইহরাম, though she may drape fabric over her face when non-mahram men are nearby. Before entering ইহরাম, perform গোসল (full ablution), apply perfume to the body (not clothing), and pray two rakaat if it is not a prohibited সালাত time. The intention should be made at or before the miqat boundary. Women recite the talbiyah in a moderate voice audible to themselves, not loudly like men.
Upon reaching মসজিদুল হারাম, proceed to the তাওয়াফ area. Begin at the হাজরে আসওয়াদ 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 কাবা শরীফ. 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 ইহরাম garments. Supplicate freely during তাওয়াফ with any dua you wish — there are no specific required duas for each circuit, despite what some printed guides suggest. After completing seven circuits, pray two rakaat behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the মসজিদ if the area is crowded. Drink Zamzam water and make dua. The upper floors and rooftop level are generally less crowded and safer for women during busy periods.
After তাওয়াফ, proceed to the Mas'a (the sa'i corridor) and climb Safa. Face the কাবা শরীফ, raise your hands, and make dua. Then walk toward Marwah — 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 Marwah). The upper level of the Mas'a is often less crowded and preferable for women. After completing sa'i, proceed to trim your hair (taqsir). 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 উমরাহ is finished, and you are released from ইহরাম. All ইহরাম restrictions are now lifted, and you may resume normal activities.
Choose a time with lighter crowds for your first উমরাহ 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 মসজিদ 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, medication) is more secure and practical than a handbag. If performing উমরাহ during menstruation, you may do everything except তাওয়াফ — enter ইহরাম, proceed to মক্কা মুকাররমা, and wait until you are pure to perform তাওয়াফ and sa'i. A woman who begins menstruating after completing তাওয়াফ but before sa'i may complete sa'i, as ritual purity is not required for sa'i জমহুর উলামাদের মতে.