How to Perform Umrah Step by Step: A Simple Guide for UK Pilgrims

Step 1: Enter ihram before the miqat

Ihram is the sacred state you enter with the intention (niyyah) of Umrah. Flying from the UK, you pass the miqat in the air before landing in Jeddah, so most pilgrims change at home or at the airport and make the intention on the plane when the crew announces the miqat. If you are going to Madinah first, you enter ihram later, at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), on the way to Makkah.

• Men: two plain, unstitched white sheets; women: ordinary modest clothing, face and hands uncovered
• Make the intention: "Labbayka Allahumma 'Umrah"
• Recite the talbiyah often until you begin tawaf
• Avoid the restrictions of ihram: perfume, cutting hair or nails, and marital relations

Step 3: Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

Sa'i commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il. Start at Safa, face the Kaaba and make dua, then walk to Marwah — that is one lap. Marwah back to Safa is the second. Seven laps finish at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green lights. The entire route is indoors and air-conditioned, and wheelchairs and electric carts are available for elderly pilgrims.

Common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them

Most problems are practical, not religious. Keep your hotel card and phone charged, agree a meeting point in case your group gets separated, and avoid peak crowds after Isha if you have elderly relatives with you.

• Passing the miqat without intention — set a phone reminder for the announcement
• Starting tawaf in the wrong place — always begin at the Black Stone line
• Counting laps wrongly — use a simple tally counter
• Trimming just a few hairs — trim from the whole head