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 boleh, 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 mandi wajib (full ablution), apply perfume to the body (not clothing), and pray two rakaat if it is not a prohibited shalat 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 Masjidil Haram, proceed to the tawaf area. Begin at the Hajar Aswad 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 Kabah. 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 doa you wish — there are no specific required doa-doa 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 masjid if the area is crowded. Drink Zamzam water and make doa. 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 Kabah, raise your hands, and make doa. 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 (memotong rambut). 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 masjid 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 Mekkah, 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 menurut jumhur ulama.