The rites of Umrah are largely the same for women and men: enter ihram, perform tawaf around the Kaaba, perform sa'i between Safa and Marwa, then trim your hair. The differences for women mostly concern clothing, how the talbiyah is recited, hair, and what to do if you are menstruating. This guide walks UK women through each step in order, notes where scholars differ, and flags what to check before you travel.

the steps of Umrah for women

1. Prepare and make your intention for ihram at the miqat.

2. Recite the talbiyah quietly.

3. Enter the Masjid al-Haram and perform seven circuits of tawaf.

4. Pray two rak'ahs, then drink Zamzam if you wish.

5. Perform seven laps of sa'i between Safa and Marwa.

6. Trim your hair (women do not shave) to exit ihram.

Before you travel

Learn the rites and choose reliable guidance

Read or listen to a trusted step-by-step guide to book the 5 Star Umrah Packages beforehand and ask a qualified scholar about anything specific to your circumstances. Rulings can differ between schools of thought, so it helps to follow the school or scholar your family or group follows.

Travelling with a mahram or in a group

Scholars differ on whether a woman needs a mahram for Umrah, and Saudi rules and tour-operator policies have changed over time.Check this early, because it can affect visas and bookings.

Health and menstruation planning

If you are concerned about your cycle falling during your trip, speak to a qualified scholar about rulings and to your GP about any medical options. Do not start medication to delay periods without medical advice.

Step 1: Prepare for ihram

Before entering ihram, many pilgrims do the following, which is recommended rather than obligatory in most accounts:

• Take a full bath (ghusl) and trim nails or remove unwanted hair beforehand, as you cannot do these once in ihram.

• Wear clean, modest clothing.

• Apply fragrance only to the body beforehand if you follow the view that permits this, and avoid scented products once in ihram.

• Pray two rak'ahs if the time is suitable, according to your school.

What should a woman wear in ihram?

Women do not have a special white garment. You may wear ordinary modest clothing, usually loose and covering the body, with a headscarf. Many women choose white or plain colours for convenience, but this is not a requirement.

Women in ihram should not wear the niqab (face veil) or gloves, based on a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari. If non-mahram men are near, many scholars allow lowering a cloth from the head over the face without it clinging to the skin. Avoid scented products, including perfumed soaps and wipes, once in ihram. Pack unscented toiletries.

Step 2: Make your intention at the miqat

You must be in ihram before crossing the miqat, the boundary points around Makkah. Your intention (niyyah) is made in the heart, and you may say it aloud, for example by saying that you intend Umrah.

For UK pilgrims flying to Jeddah, ihram is generally entered before passing the relevant miqat while in the air, so ask your operator when to prepare and when to declare your intention. If you are coming from Madinah, the miqat is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali).

Step 3: Recite the talbiyah

After your intention, recite the talbiyah. Women are generally advised to recite it quietly, not loudly as men do, so that they are heard only by themselves or those near them. Continue until you begin tawaf. 

Step 4: Enter the Masjid al-Haram

Enter with your right foot while making dua. Keep your belongings to a minimum, keep your phone secure and agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.

Step 5: Tawaf

Conditions

Tawaf is performed in a state of purity: wudu is required according to the majority of scholars. A woman who is menstruating, or in postnatal bleeding, cannot perform tawaf (see the section below).

How to perform tawaf

1. Begin at the line opposite the Black Stone and keep the Kaaba on your left.

2. Complete seven circuits, finishing where you began.

3. Make dua and dhikr throughout. There is no single prescribed dua for each circuit.

4. Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, many recite the dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ. 

Differences for women

• Women do not do ramal (brisk walking) or idtiba' (uncovering the right shoulder); these apply to men only.

• Women are not expected to push through crowds to touch or kiss the Black Stone or the Kaaba. A gesture toward the Black Stone is enough. Avoid jostling, especially when crowded.

• Women may perform tawaf at the edges of the mataf where it is calmer, even if this takes longer.

Step 6: Pray two rak'ahs and drink Zamzam

After tawaf, pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can do so without causing difficulty. If it is crowded, you can pray anywhere in the mosque. Then drink Zamzam, which is widely available.

Step 7: Sa'i between Safa and Marwa

1. Go to Safa and begin there, then walk to Marwa. That is one lap.

2. Complete seven laps, finishing at Marwa.

3. Make dua throughout.

Wudu is recommended for sa'i; scholars differ on whether it is required. Women do not jog between the green markers, which is a sunnah for men only. Sa'i takes place indoors in air-conditioned areas, but wheelchairs and buggies may be available if you need them. 

Step 8: Trim your hair

To leave ihram, women do not shave their heads. Instead, gather your hair and trim a fingertip length (roughly an inch, or about 2 to 3 cm) from the end of the hair, or from each plait or section, according to the majority view. [VERIFY with scholar.] After trimming, you are out of ihram and your Umrah is complete.

What if I get my period during Umrah?

This is one of the most common concerns for women and the guidance depends on timing.

• Period begins before ihram or tawaf: you can enter ihram and recite the talbiyah, but you cannot do tawaf or pray in the mosque until you are pure. In a narration reported by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet ﷺ told her to do everything pilgrims do except tawaf until she was pure. 

• Period begins during tawaf or after tawaf but before sa'i: scholarly opinions differ and depend on the stage reached. Ask a scholar promptly.

• You cannot wait because of travel arrangements: scholars have given different rulings for urgent cases. Seek individual guidance from a qualified scholar before Alkareem Travel and bring their contact details.

Stay in ihram, avoid its prohibitions, and complete the remaining rites once pure and having performed ghusl, if your scholar advises that route.

Practical tips for women on Umrah

• Carry unscented wipes, spare underwear and sanitary products in a small bag.

• Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and carry them in a bag when you enter the mosque.

• Choose a calmer time of day to reduce crowds, if possible.

• Keep water and snacks within reach and rest between the rites if needed.

• Keep copies of your passport and booking details and agree a meeting point.

• Use designated women's prayer areas when praying in the Haram.

Frequently asked questions

What does a woman wear for Umrah?

Modest, loose clothing and a headscarf. There is no special garment. Avoid the niqab and gloves while in ihram, and avoid perfumed products.

Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?

Scholars and authorities differ, and rules have changed over time. Check current Saudi requirements and your operator's policy. 

Can I do Umrah during my period?

You cannot do tawaf or pray while menstruating. You can enter ihram. Seek scholarly guidance on timing and options.

Do women shave their heads after Umrah?

No. Women trim a fingertip length from their hair.

Do women do ramal or run in sa'i?

No. Both are for men only.

How long does Umrah take?

It depends on crowds, health and pace, so allow flexibility rather than relying on an exact estimate.

Is it better to perform Umrah at a particular time of day?

There is no required time. Many women choose calmer hours. See our guide to the best time to do Umrah in the day.

Conclusion

Umrah is a straightforward act of worship that is accessible to women, and the key differences are clothing, a quiet talbiyah, hair trimming and the rulings around menstruation. Learn the steps, plan your health and travel arrangements in advance, and seek individual rulings from qualified scholars for your situation.