Umrah for Women: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

A woman enters ihram by making the intention (niyyah) for Umrah 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 ihram, though she may drape fabric over her face when non-mahram men are nearby. Before entering ihram, perform ghusl (full ablution), apply perfume to the body (not clothing), and pray two rakaat if it is not a prohibited prayer 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 Masjid al-Haram, proceed to the tawaf area. Begin at the Black Stone 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 Kaaba. 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 ihram garments. Supplicate freely during tawaf 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 mosque 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 tawaf, proceed to the Mas'a (the sa'i corridor) and climb Safa. Face the Kaaba, 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 Umrah is finished, and you are released from ihram. All ihram restrictions are now lifted, and you may resume normal activities.

Choose a time with lighter crowds for your first Umrah 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 mosque 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 Umrah during menstruation, you may do everything except tawaf — enter ihram, proceed to Makkah, and wait until you are pure to perform tawaf and sa'i. A woman who begins menstruating after completing tawaf but before sa'i may complete sa'i, as ritual purity is not required for sa'i according to the majority of scholars.