A simple step-by-step guide for our family — what to do, what to say, and what the kids should remember.
The first stop on our family journey.
Discover the blessings and rewards of this special journey.
Learn the important places around the Ka'bah with a labelled diagram.
Prepare, make intention and begin the Talbiyah.
Seven circuits around the Ka'bah.
Drink and make heartfelt du'a.
Seven lengths between Safa and Marwah.
Complete the Umrah and leave Ihram.
Make the most of our time with worship, prayer and reflection.
Check what we remember before travelling.
All our recitations together to read, understand and memorise.
The first stop on our family journey.
Our plans, reminders and guidance for Madinah will be added here.
Before we begin, let’s remember the blessings of ʿumrah. These five reminders help our family prepare with grateful hearts, sincere intentions and hope in Allah’s mercy.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “ʿUmrah to ʿumrah is an expiation for what is between them, and the ḥajj mabrūr has no reward except Paradise.”
Source: Bukhari.
ʿUmrah is a beautiful opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and draw closer to Him. As a family, we can ask Allah to forgive our mistakes and help us return home with better habits.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Perform ḥajj and ʿumrah regularly. Performing them regularly removes poverty and sins just as the blacksmith’s furnace removes impurities from iron.”
Source: Aḥmad.
Think of a blacksmith using the heat of a furnace to purify iron. This powerful picture reminds us to have hope in Allah’s generosity and forgiveness, even when our worries feel heavy or our mistakes seem great.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The warrior in the path of Allah, the pilgrim, and the person performing ʿumrah are the delegation of Allah. He invited them so they responded to Him; they asked Him, so He gave them.”
Source: Nasā’ī.
A delegation is a group of honoured guests travelling for a special purpose. If human rulers welcome their guests with honour and generosity, imagine the generosity of the Lord of all creation! We can approach this journey with gratitude and make heartfelt duʿā.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to ʿĀ’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhā) about her ʿumrah, “Your reward is according to the effort you exert and the money you spend.”
Source: al-Targhīb wa al-Tarhīb.
This is a comforting reminder when the journey feels tiring. The effort we make, the difficulties we meet with patience and the money we spend for Allah are not lost. We can encourage one another, help anyone who is tired and look forward to Allah’s lasting reward.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Performing ʿumrah in Ramaḍān is equivalent to performing ḥajj with me.”
Source: al-Targhīb wa al-Tarhīb.
What a wonderful encouragement to worship Allah in Ramaḍān! This describes the great reward of ʿumrah in this blessed month; it does not replace the obligation of ḥajj.
This page helps the children recognise the important places around the Ka'bah before you reach the Mataaf. The labelled photo below helps you identify these places.
Tap the picture to enlarge it and zoom in.
Labelled photo for family learning.
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Tap the picture to enlarge and zoom.
Ihram is the special state we enter before beginning Umrah. It is not only the clothing — it is also a state in which certain restrictions begin. Our journey to Makkah begins in Madinah. Follow these steps from getting ready at our hotel to beginning Tawaf.
Remember: Finish this preparation before entering the state of Ihram, when the restrictions below begin.
Our plan: We will most likely put on our Ihram clothes at the hotel in Madinah, inshaAllah.
Our route: As we are travelling from Madinah, our Miqat is Dhul Hulayfah / Abyar Ali. We plan to make our intention to enter Ihram before reaching the Miqat, inshaAllah.
The Miqat is the designated boundary that we must not pass without entering Ihram when travelling to perform Umrah.
By land: Enter Ihram before passing the Miqat. Our family plans to make the intention before reaching it.
By air or sea: Enter Ihram when you come in line with the Miqat. Do not pass it without entering Ihram when travelling to perform Umrah.
Family tip: Finish our preparation at the hotel and keep track of our approach to Dhul Hulayfah / Abyar Ali so we make our intention in good time.
Clothes and intention are different: Wearing the Ihram cloths alone does not mean we have entered the state of Ihram. For our preparation, we will make the intention to begin Umrah and immediately recite the Talbiyah; the Ihram restrictions then apply.
Our plan: Before reaching the Miqat, we will intend in our hearts to enter Ihram for Umrah and say, inshaAllah:
Here are three examples of words we can say to express our intention:
If you fear that you may be prevented from completing Umrah, a conditional intention may also be made:
Begin the Talbiyah once you enter Ihram, and continue reciting it on the journey towards Makkah.
After making your niyyah (intention), recite the Talbiyah. For our journey, we will recite it at least once immediately after making our intention for Umrah, before passing the Miqat.
The Hanafi and Maliki schools consider the Talbiyah wajib (obligatory), while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it sunnah.
In the Hanafi school, the intention must be accompanied by the Talbiyah or another qualifying remembrance of Allah to enter Ihram. Simply putting on the cloths or making the intention alone is not sufficient.
The sunnah method is to pause briefly at the four places marked by dashes below.
While in the state of Ihram, avoid the following:
After arriving at our accommodation in Makkah, depending on the time and how everyone is feeling, we may want to freshen up or take a rest before making our way to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If we decide to shower, we must ensure we don’t use any items prohibited in the state of Ihram, such as scented soap or shampoo.
When we are ready, we will, inshaAllah, decide which essentials to take with us during Umrah — such as a water bottle, mobile phone and a drawstring bag for our shoes — and make our way towards the Kaʿbah to perform Tawaf al-Umrah.
Continue the Talbiyah until you reach the Ka‘bah and are about to begin Tawaf. Then stop reciting it as you begin Tawaf.
Or this duʿā:
Seeing the Kaʿbah, especially for the first time, is a moment to treasure. You might feel excited, amazed, quiet or tearful — everyone feels differently.
As we approach, let’s remember:
👧 Kids remember: Thank Allah, make duʿā, stay close to your family and be kind.
It is reported that Imam Abū Ḥanīfah would use this opportunity to ask Allah to make him among those whose duʿās are accepted.
We can also ask: “O Allah, make us among those whose duʿās You accept.”
A simple duʿā in our own words:“O Allah, thank You for bringing us here. Accept our Umrah, help us love and obey You, protect those who are suffering, and bring us together in Jannah.”
Guidance adapted from the steps supplied for this guide. Reference: Al Haramain — Description of Umrah.
Tawaf means going around the Ka'bah seven times. Keep the Ka'bah on your left and begin each circuit from the direction of the Black Stone.
Tap play if the video does not start automatically. Use the controls for sound or full screen. On a phone, open this guide in a browser rather than a file-preview app for video playback.
Ṭawāf is a very special act of worship and one of the most beloved ways to draw near to Allah in His House.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever circles the Kaʿbah seven times and prays two rakʿahs will be rewarded as if he had freed a slave. A man does not raise his foot, nor bring it back down, except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees.”
Source: Aḥmad.
👧 Kids remember: Every step is an opportunity for reward from Allah. Walk with a grateful heart and remember Him.
Look for the good in the crowd. Around us are people sincerely asking Allah for His mercy. Someone nearby may be caring for an elderly parent, helping a stranger or making a heartfelt duʿā. Let their kindness inspire us, and ask Allah to include us all in His mercy.
👧 If the crowd feels overwhelming: Stay close to your adult and tell them how you feel. We can move to a less crowded area and continue calmly. Be gentle with others — everyone is here to worship Allah.
Before beginning, make sure we are free from major and minor ritual impurity: have wuḍūʾ and perform ghusl if required.
Tawaf is likened to prayer, although speaking is permitted during it. Keep our words good and considerate.
Go to the corner containing the Black Stone (Ḥajar al-Aswad), where Tawaf begins.
Iḍṭibāʿ means uncovering the right shoulder for men during Tawaf. Place the upper Ihram cloth under the right armpit and over the left shoulder, keeping the left shoulder covered. Cover the right shoulder again after completing the seventh circuit.
Istilām means touching or kissing the Black Stone; when we cannot reach it, we gesture towards it instead. Begin Tawaf in line with the Black Stone, following the example of the Prophet ﷺ, and perform istilām at the beginning of each round.
Do not kiss the hand after merely gesturing.
Or:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said about the Black Stone, “By Allah, Allah will resurrect it on the Day of Judgement with two eyes by which it will see and a tongue by which it will speak, testifying for the one who did istilām of it sincerely.”
Source: Tirmidhī, 961.
Kindness comes first: Kissing the Black Stone is Sunnah, but harming another person is a sin. Do not push or force a way through. If we cannot reach it safely, gesture from where we are and hope for Allah’s reward for our sincere intention.
Keep the Kaʿbah on our left and complete seven full circuits. Each circuit begins and ends in line with the Black Stone.
Every time we return to the starting line after going all the way around, one circuit is complete.
Returning to the Black Stone marks the completion of one circuit. Do istilām as described above and say Allāhu Akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ), then continue into the next circuit. Say Allāhu Akbar with istilām on each return.
This makes eight occasions for istilām: once before starting Tawaf and once at the end of each of the seven circuits. The same istilām between two circuits marks the end of one and the beginning of the next.
Complete Tawaf continuously, without unnecessary interruptions between circuits. If a congregational prayer begins, join the congregation, then resume Tawaf from where we stopped; the circuit does not need to be repeated. If we need to renew our wuḍūʾ, do so and then resume from where we stopped.
Keep busy with dhikr, duʿā and remembering Allah. We can recite Qur’an or ask Allah for anything good in our own words. There is no compulsory special duʿā for each circuit.
Avoid arguing, disputes and excessive joking. Focus on worship while staying gentle with the people around us.
Before we go, choose favourite sūrahs or āyahs and prepare their meanings alongside them. We can recite a different passage in each round and reflect on what it means. Keep the selection manageable so we can stay aware of the people around us.
👧 Kids’ idea: Think of someone or something to make duʿā for in each round. If you forget the plan, that is okay — keep remembering Allah in your own words.
Men are encouraged to walk briskly with short steps during the first three circuits, then walk normally for the remaining four. Ramal is not prescribed for women.
In a crowd: Do this only when there is room, without pushing or harming anyone.
Between these two corners, recite:
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Continue until all seven circuits are complete, and perform the final istilām at the Black Stone. Istilām at the start and end of Tawaf is a highly emphasised Sunnah; on the six occasions in between, it is desirable. In the crowd, use the gesture described above without pushing to reach the Stone.
While moving to the place where we intend to pray the two rakʿahs, it is recommended to recite the following audibly, keeping our voices considerate of others:
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125.
Adapted from the details supplied for this guide. Reference: Al Haramain — Description of Umrah.
After praying the two rakʿahs of Tawaf, we drink Zamzam, thank Allah and make sincere duʿā.
After the two rakʿahs of ṭawāf, the Prophet ﷺ drank Zamzam and poured it over his head.
Once we have finished our salah and duʿā, we can drink our fill of Zamzam from the water fountains and dispensers around Masjid al-Haram. The old entrance to the well has been covered to make more room for Tawaf; we do not need to go to the well itself.
We may also rub some Zamzam on our face and body. Be considerate of others and avoid spilling water on the walkway.
Zamzam is blessed water — a gift from Allah to Hājar, her son Ismāʿīl عليه السلام and the believers who came after them. As we drink, let’s remember:
It is reported that ʿAbdullah b. al-Mubārak drank Zamzam with the intention that Allah would quench his thirst on the Day of Judgement.
👧 Kids remember: Allah helped Hājar when she needed Him. Thank Allah for this water, ask Him for help, and ask Him to make your heart kind.
Drink Zamzam with sincere duʿā and hope in Allah’s acceptance.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”
Source: Ibn Mājah.
Our intention: Drink Zamzam asking Allah to heal both our bodies and our hearts — seeking relief from physical illness and help with spiritual struggles, such as envy, pride or anger.
This is a special opportunity to ask Allah for what we need and hope for His acceptance. We may say the following duʿā after drinking:
We can also make any other duʿā we choose, in our own words — for forgiveness, guidance, health, our family, Jannah and anything good we need.
Sa'i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, remembering the story of Hajar and her trust in Allah.
The video starts muted when you open Saʿi. Tap play if it does not start automatically. Use the controls for sound or full screen. On a phone, open the guide in a browser rather than a file-preview app for video playback.
The full verse, for reflection and understanding.
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158.
Before beginning Saʿi, when it follows directly after Tawaf and its associated prayers and Zamzam, it is Sunnah to return towards Ḥajar al-Aswad and perform istilām again. This is the ninth istilām, following the eight performed during Tawaf.
Perform it in the same manner as during Tawaf. Our likely method is to face the Black Stone, gesture towards it and say the Takbir, without pushing or blocking the way. We do not need to reach or touch the Stone.
If it is difficult: If we forget, or returning to the line of the Black Stone is difficult because of crowds or tiredness, this istilām may be left out. It may also be performed from elsewhere in Masjid al-Haram while facing Ḥajar al-Aswad. It applies when Saʿi follows immediately after Tawaf.
Make our way to the hill of Safa inside Masjid al-Haram, in line with Ḥajar al-Aswad. Follow the signs pointing towards Safa.
As we approach Safa, it is Sunnah to recite:
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158.
Then say:
Once before we begin: These two recitations are said only once before starting Saʿi, not at the start of each length.
Upon reaching Safa, face towards the Kaʿbah and raise our hands in supplication (duʿā).
Hands for duʿā: Do not raise them to the earlobes or gesture towards the Kaʿbah as we did during Tawaf. Here, we are raising our hands to ask Allah.
We may say:
Recite the following, then make personal duʿā as described below:
Come down from Safa and walk at a comfortable, measured pace towards Marwah, following the example of the Prophet ﷺ.
Keep the family’s needs in mind. Do not force a faster pace if it is difficult or the area is too crowded.
There is no fixed dhikr or duʿā prescribed for the walk between Safa and Marwah. We can remember Allah, recite Qur’an, make any good supplications in our own words, and send ṣalawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ.
One duʿā we can say between Safa and Marwah is:
Reference supplied: Ṭabarānī.
When reaching Marwah and preparing to begin the next circuit, go up the slope as space allows, turn towards the Qiblah and raise our hands in duʿā. Repeat the same dhikr and personal duʿā sequence described under “At Safa”, as the Prophet ﷺ did.
One length complete: Safa to Marwah counts as 1. Returning from Marwah to Safa counts as 2. Continue until we have completed seven lengths, finishing at Marwah.
Repeat the dhikr and duʿā at Safa and Marwah at the start of each circuit. The opening verse and “I begin with that which Allah has begun with” are only said when first approaching Safa before starting Saʿi.
Seven circuits, 21 recitations: Here, one circuit means one length between the hills. Recite the dhikr three times at the start of each of the seven circuits: 7 × 3 = 21. After the seventh circuit, we finish at Marwah without repeating this dhikr sequence there.
At Safa and Marwah, face towards the Qiblah where possible, remember Allah, and make du'a. You can ask Allah for your own needs in any language.
After finishing Saʿi at Marwah, we make our way to leave the masjid. Step out with the left foot first and recite:
Our next step: Complete the required shaving or trimming of the hair. We remain in Ihram until this final step is completed.
This is the final step of the Umrah. After Sa'i, the hair is shaved or shortened as appropriate, and the state of Ihram ends.
We may see people cutting their hair at Marwah or nearby. Our family will return to the hotel first.
When does Ihram end? Each person leaves the state of Ihram only after completing their own required shaving or trimming. Finishing Saʿi, leaving the masjid or reaching the hotel does not by itself end Ihram.
After Saʿi, men shave or trim their hair, while women trim their hair. This is the final step of Umrah.
For women — trimming (taqṣīr): The preferred method is to trim a fingertip’s length (about 2 cm) from the ends of all the hair. If the hair is braided, bring the braids forward and trim that amount from the bottom of every braid. According to the Hanafi school, trimming this length from at least one-quarter of the hair is sufficient, but trimming all the ends is preferable and helps ensure the requirement is met.
The Prophet ﷺ prayed three times for the men who shaved their heads, saying, “Allah, bestow your mercy on those who shaved!” He also prayed for those who trimmed their hair, once.
Source: Bukhārī.
For the men: Consider shaving your head to seek the greater reward and the blessing of the Prophet’s ﷺ repeated supplication. Trimming is also an option. Women trim their hair; they do not shave their heads.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “…For every single hair you shave, you will receive a good deed, and a sin will be erased from you.”
Source: al-Bazzār, as cited in the supplied reading.
Changing our appearance may feel difficult, but this act reminds us to put pleasing Allah first. Even this final step can be an act of sincere worship.
As our Umrah comes to an end, thank Allah for bringing us to His sacred House. Ask Him to accept our worship and forgive our mistakes and shortcomings. Leave with hope in His mercy and a humble heart.
“O Allah, accept our Umrah. Thank You for bringing us to Your sacred House. Forgive our shortcomings and help us continue to worship You and be kind to others when we return home.”
🎉 Kids remember: Once our hair has been shaved or trimmed as required, we can say, “Alhamdulillah, our Umrah is complete!”
Once our Umrah is complete, we can continue making the most of our time in Makkah through worship, gratitude and kindness.
Perform additional Tawaf as often as we comfortably can, allowing time for rest and our family’s needs. It is a special opportunity to draw closer to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever circles the Kaʿbah seven times and prays two rakʿahs will be rewarded as if he had freed a slave. A man does not raise his foot, nor bring it back down, except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees.”
Source: Aḥmad.
👧 Kids remember: Every step is another chance to remember Allah. Be gentle and make room for others.
The Multazam is the area between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaʿbah. Reports describe placing the face and chest against it while making duʿā.
A report attributed to Ibn ʿAbbās describes this as a place to seek acceptance of our supplications.
Reference supplied: Bayhaqī.
Only if it is safe and accessible: Do not push, crowd others or ignore barriers to reach the Multazam. We can make heartfelt duʿā wherever we are, hoping for Allah’s mercy and acceptance.
Make our prayers a priority and treasure the opportunity to pray with calmness, concentration and humility — khushūʿ.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that a prayer in al-Masjid al-Ḥarām is better than 100,000 prayers elsewhere, and a prayer in al-Masjid al-Nabawī is better than 1,000 prayers elsewhere, except al-Masjid al-Ḥarām.
Paraphrase of the narration cited in Ibn Mājah.
👧 Kids remember: Slow down, listen carefully and think about Who we are praying to.
There are often opportunities to join the funeral prayer after congregational prayers in Makkah and Madinah. When one is announced, take the opportunity to pray for the person who has died.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever attends a funeral until the ṣalāh is offered will have one qīrāṭ. And whoever stays until the burial will have two qīrāṭs.” When asked what two qīrāṭs meant, he replied, “Like two great mountains.”
Source: Bukhārī.
Let each janāzah remind us that this life is temporary. Ask Allah to forgive the deceased, show them mercy, and help us use our own time well.
👧 Kids remember: Janāzah prayer is a way to ask Allah to care for someone who has died and to show kindness to their family.
How much can we remember? Choose an answer to reveal the correct one and a helpful explanation. Have a go together — it is okay to make mistakes!
Our recitations in one place, with Arabic, transliteration and meaning. Practise a little at a time, then use the full guide to remember when to say each one.
Arabic and English meanings together in a high-resolution reference image. Save it to your phone for memorisation or sharing with the family.
↓ Download the duʿā imageIf your phone opens the picture instead of downloading it, touch and hold it to save it to Photos.
Or:
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125.
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158.
Green: nasal sounds · Blue: qalqalah · Orange: natural madd (2) · Red: madd before hamzah · Purple: madd when stopping (2, 4 or 6) · Grey: silent or assimilated letters when joining.
Colours follow the marked text; stopping and restarting can change a rule. Learn the sounds and lengths with a teacher or reciter.
Marked text: Quran Foundation Uthmani tajweed, displayed in our Indo-Pak font. This is not a separate Indo-Pak tajweed edition.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158.
One duʿā we can say between Safa and Marwah is:
Reference supplied: Ṭabarānī.
Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, health, beneficial knowledge, our loved ones, the ummah and Jannah. These examples are personal prayers, not prescribed wording:
“O Allah, make us among those whose duʿās You accept.”
“O Allah, accept our Umrah. Thank You for bringing us to Your sacred House. Forgive our shortcomings and help us continue to worship You and be kind to others when we return home.”
