Planning your Umrah 2025-2026? This complete step-by-step Islamic guide covers every ritual exactly as commanded in the Qur’an and Sunnah – with full Arabic duas, transliteration, English translation, and latest Saudi visa rules. Perfect for first-time pilgrims, families, and repeat visitors who want a spiritually rewarding and completely hassle-free journey.
What is Umrah? A Spiritual Journey Rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah
A voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah that purifies the soul, erases sins, and draws one closer to Allah ﷻ. Unlike the obligatory Hajj, Umrah can be performed anytime, making it accessible for millions annually. In 2025, over 15 million Umrah visas have already been issued, reflecting its growing popularity amid Saudi Arabia’s streamlined processes.
Authentic Proofs from Qur’an and Hadith
Umrah isn’t a modern invention—it’s divinely ordained for spiritual renewal.
- Qur’anic Command: ﴿ وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ﴾ “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196) This verse mandates fulfilling both pilgrimages, emphasizing Umrah’s role in devotion.
- Hadith on Expiation of Sins: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالحَجُّ المَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الجَنَّة» “Umrah to Umrah expiates sins between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise.” (Bukhari 1773, Muslim 1349)
- Hadith on Poverty and Sins: «تابِعُوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنَّهُما يَنْفِيَانِ الفقر والذنوب كما يَنْفِي الكِيرُ خَبَثَ الحديد» “Follow Hajj with Umrah and Umrah with Hajj, for they remove poverty and sins like bellows remove rust from iron.” (Tirmidhi 810, graded Sahih by Al-Albani)
The Prophet ﷺ performed Umrah four times (Hudaybiyyah, Qaza, Ji’ranah, and with Hajj), setting the eternal example. Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah affirm it’s Sunnah Mu’akkadah—highly recommended for those able.
Types of Umrah: Islamic Classifications with Evidence
Understand these three Shariah-recognized forms, each tied to the Prophet’s ﷺ practice.
- Umrah Mufradah (Standalone Umrah): Performed independently, anytime. Proof: The Prophet ﷺ did this in 6 AH (Hudaybiyyah, completed in 7 AH) and 8 AH (Ji’ranah). Ideal for 2025 solo or family trips.
- Umrah al-Tamattu‘ (Umrah + Hajj with Two Ihrams): Umrah first, then Hajj in the same year. Proof: Ordered by the Prophet ﷺ in 10 AH (Bukhari 1569). Best during Hajj season (June 2025 onward).
- Umrah al-Qiran (Combined with Hajj, Single Ihram + Sacrifice): One Ihram for both. Proof: Performed by the Prophet ﷺ in Farewell Hajj (Muslim 1227). Less common due to sacrifice.
Quick Comparison Table for Umrah Types 2025
| Type | When to Perform | Key Evidence (Hadith) | Best For 2025 Pilgrims |
| Mufradah | Anytime | Bukhari 1783 | First-timers, flexible schedules |
| Tamattu‘ | Before Hajj (pre-June) | Bukhari 1569 | Hajj-Umrah combo seekers |
| Qiran | During Hajj season | Muslim 1227 | Experienced pilgrims with sacrifice |
Choose based on your niyyah—most opt for Mufradah for its simplicity.
How to Perform Umrah Step-by-Step Exactly as the Prophet’s ﷺ Did
Here’s the exact method from the Prophet ﷺ, taught to Aisha (RA), with Arabic duas and transliterations for easy recitation.
Preparation Before Travel
- Spiritual Prep: Repent sincerely, seek forgiveness from family (Hadith: Mutual gifts increase love—Bukhari). Learn duas; walk 5-10 km daily for fitness.
- Physical Prep: Balanced diet, vaccinations (meningitis mandatory; COVID optional).
1. Entering Ihram – The Sacred State
At Miqat (e.g., Dhul-Hulaifah for Madinah arrivals), begin with purity.
- Ghusl (full bath), apply perfume (pre-Ihram only).
- Men: Two white unstitched sheets; women: modest clothes (no niqab/gloves per majority).
- 2 Rak’at Nafl: 1st—Surah al-Kafirun; 2nd—al-Ikhlas.
- Niyyah: نَوَيْتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَأَحْرَمْتُ بِهَا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى Nawaytu al-‘Umrata wa ahramtu biha lillahi ta‘ala. (Or: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً – Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umratan)
- Talbiyah (recite until Tawaf): لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ ۖ لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ ۖ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ ۖ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ Labbayka Allahumma labbayk… inna al-hamda wa an-ni‘mata laka wa al-mulk, la sharika lak.
Prohibitions: No perfume, arguments, stitched clothes (men), or hunting.
2. Tawaf al-Umrah – 7 Circuits Around Ka’bah
Enter Masjid al-Haram with right foot.
- Start at Hajar al-Aswad: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (kiss/touch/point).
- Men: Idhtiba‘ (expose right shoulder) + Raml (jog first 3 rounds).
- Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone: رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar (2:201).
3. 2 Rak’at Behind Maqam Ibrahim
- 1st: Surah al-Kafirun; 2nd: al-Ikhlas.
- Drink Zamzam: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi‘an wa rizqan wasi‘an wa shifa’an min kulli da’.
4. Sa’i – 7 Laps Between Safa & Marwah
- At Safa/Marwah: ﴿إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ﴾ (2:158). Then: اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ۞ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ۞ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ۞ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (3x + personal dua).
- Men: Jog between green lights; dua: رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ.
5. Halq/Taqsir – Shaving/Trimming
- Men: Shave head (preferred); women: 1-2 cm ends (privately).
- Dua: الَلَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُحَلِّقِينَ (Prophet ﷺ repeated 3x—Muslim 1304).
Umrah Complete! Exit Ihram; rewards multiply 100,000x in Haram.
Common Mistake: Skipping wudu for Tawaf—always renew.
History of Umrah: From Ibrahim (AS) to Modern 2025 Pilgrimage
Established by Ibrahim (AS), revived by the Prophet ﷺ.
- Ibrahim & Isma’il (AS): Built Ka’bah; rites ordained. وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ﴾ (2:127).﴿
- Pre-Islam: Corrupted by idolatry.
- 7 AH – Umrah al-Qaza: Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah, taught pure rites (Bukhari 4251).
- 10 AH – Farewell Hajj: «خُذُوا عَنِّي مَنَاسِكَكُمْ» “Take your rituals from me” (Muslim 1297).
- 2025 Milestone: 15M+ pilgrims; Nusuk app revolutionizes access.
Umrah Travel Guide 2025–2026: Visas, Costs, Hotels & Preparation
Latest Umrah Visa Rules (December 2025 Update)
Free via Nusuk app, but changes apply:
- Validity: Issued date + 30 days to enter (down from 90); 90-day stay post-entry.
- Requirements: Passport (6+ months valid), meningitis vaccine, Nusuk bookings for Tawaf/Sa’i/Rawdah. Women: No mahram needed (since 2022).
- Eligibility: 66 countries for eVisa; GCC residents visa-free. Tourist visa allows Umrah.
- Process: Download Nusuk; book package/accommodation first (mandatory from June 2025). Processing: 24-72 hours.
- Post-Hajj: Umrah resumes June 11, 2025; visas valid until April 13 for pre-Hajj.
Tip: Apply early—visas cancel after 30 days unused.
Umrah Package Prices 2025–2026 (10-15 Days, All-Inclusive)
Costs vary by origin, season (Ramadan peaks at 3-5x). Updated from real providers:
| Origin | Economy (3-4★) | Deluxe (5★) | Ramadan Peak (Last 10 Nights) |
| UK | £1,150–£1,850 | £2,200–£3,800 | £5,500–£11,000+ |
| USA | $2,800–$4,500 | $5,200–$8,500 | $12,000–$15,000+ |
| Pakistan | PKR 280,000–420,000 | PKR 650,000–1,000,000 | PKR 1.6M–2.2M+ |
| India | ₹95,000–₹1,50,000 | ₹2,00,000–₹3,50,000 | ₹5.8L–₹7.5L+ |
Includes: Flights, visa, hotels (Haram-view), transport, guides. Book via Nusuk for verification.
Cheapest Months: January-February, June-August (avoid 45°C heat).
Best Hotels in Makkah & Madinah 2025 (Proximity to Haram)
Prioritize <800m for 15-30 km daily walks. Top picks from pilgrim reviews:
Makkah (Near Masjid al-Haram):
- Swissôtel Al Maqam (0m, connected—luxury, Ka’bah views).
- Hilton Suites Makkah (50m—spacious, fast elevators).
- Fairmont Clock Tower (100m—Haram-facing suites, serene courtyard).
- Pullman Zamzam Makkah (150m—modern, buffet breakfast).
- Raffles Makkah Palace (200m—opulent, pilgrim-focused).
Madinah (Near Masjid an-Nabawi):
- Pullman Zamzam Madina (50m—elegant, Rawdah access).
- Dar Al Iman InterContinental (80m—divine luxury, guided ziyarah).
- Crowne Plaza Madinah (100m—premium amenities, near Gate 15 for women).
- Madinah Hilton (150m—clean, on-site mosque).
- Elaf Taiba (3★ budget, 200m—convenient for families).
Booking Tip: Use Nusuk for verified deals; prices rise 50% in peaks.
Essential Packing & Preparation Checklist
- Documents: Passport, visa, vaccine cert, Nusuk app (book slots early—run out fast).
- Ihram/Attire: 3 sets (men), abayas (women), unscented toiletries.
- Spiritual: Pocket dua book (Arabic/English), tasbeeh, small Qur’an.
- Practical: Power bank, reusable Zamzam bottle (5-10L carry limit), meds, comfortable sandals.
- Gifts Home: Dates, Zamzam—no fixed items, but mutual giving boosts love (Hadith).
Health Tip: Hydrate; summers hit 45°C. Start walking routine now.
FAQs
What is the Best Time to Perform Umrah in 2025?
Mid-July to October: Mild weather (25-35°C), fewer crowds, lower costs. Avoid Hajj closure (April 13-June 11). Ramadan (March 1-30): Rewards = Hajj, but book 9-12 months ahead.
Can Women Perform Umrah Alone in 2025?
Yes—mahrams optional since 2022. Groups or solos welcome; choose female-friendly hotels like Dar Al Iman.
How Long Does Umrah Take in 2025?
2-4 hours for rites, but plan 1-2 days with crowds. Multiple Umrahs? Yes—renew at Masjid Ayesha (unlimited).
Is Meningitis Vaccine Required for Umrah 2025?
Yes—mandatory for all; show cert at entry. Others (COVID, flu) recommended for packed mosques.
Can I Do Umrah on a Tourist Visa?
Yes—eVisa holders perform freely; book Nusuk slots.
How Much Zamzam Water Can I Carry from Umrah?
5-10L per person in approved containers; airlines vary.
Umrah During Menstruation?
No—wait for purity, then single fresh Ihram (Fatwa: Ibn Baz).
Final Dua & Tips for an Accepted Umrah
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا عُمْرَةً مَبْرُورَةً وَسَعْيًا مَشْكُورًا وَذَنْبًا مَغْفُورًا
Allahumma ij‘alha ‘Umratan mabruratan wa sa‘yan mashkuran wa dhanban maghfuran.
Focus on sincerity over selfies; give sadaqah daily. May Allah accept your Umrah, grant Hajj, and Jannat al-Firdaws.
Last Updated: 1 December 2025
Sources: Qur’an, Sahih Bukhari/Muslim, Ministry of Hajj & Umrah, Nusuk Platform, travel site (Gulf News).
