Umrah is a visit to the Kaaba in Mecca that can be made at any time of year. It is shorter than Hajj, usually completed in a few hours, and it is one of the most beautiful acts of worship a Muslim can make.
“And complete the Hajj or ’umra in the service of Allah.”
The reward
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that an Umrah wipes away the sins committed between it and the one before, and that an Umrah made in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj, though it does not replace the obligatory Hajj.
The talbiyah
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna-l-hamda wa-n-ni’mata laka wa-l-mulk, la sharika lak
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.
The four steps
Ihramthe sacred state
Before crossing the boundary point (miqat) on the way to Mecca, bathe, put on ihram (for men two plain white sheets, with no stitched clothing and nothing covering the head; for women ordinary modest clothing, without a face veil or gloves) and make the intention for Umrah. Begin reciting the talbiyah and keep repeating it until you reach the Kaaba. In ihram, avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, and marital relations.
Tawafcircling the Kaaba
Walk around the Kaaba seven times, anticlockwise, starting and ending in line with the Black Stone, making dua and remembrance in your own words. Then pray two rak'ahs behind the Station of Abraham if you can, and drink Zamzam water.
Sa'iwalking between Safa and Marwah
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah, remembering Hagar's search for water for her son Ishmael.
“Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah.” Qur’an 2:158
Halq or taqsirshaving or shortening the hair
Men shave their heads or shorten their hair; women trim a fingertip's length. Your Umrah is complete, and you leave ihram.
Tips
Go with a licensed travel operator, and wear comfortable sandals: there is a lot of walking. Many find it easier to do tawaf late at night or early in the morning. Keep your dua list with you, remember your family and friends, and be patient and gentle with the crowds. Everyone is a guest of Allah (﷾).