Are you looking for a step-by-step Umrah guide for ladies? You have come to the right place We have written this blog specifically for Muslim Women who are planning for Umrah but are unaware of what to do on their Umrah, where to go first, Mecca or Medina? What are the dos and don’ts for ladies who are performing Umrah/Hajj, things to remember while traveling for Umrah/Hajj, and how to apply for an Umrah Visa without a Mahram, where to stay, and where to eat from? What to do if you start mensurating on your Umrah? 

Almost more than 40% of ladies perform their first Umrah every year. But they only know very little about Umrah, until they reach Mecca and Madinah to perform it. It is always better to do thorough research before going to another country, especially if it is to perform your first Umrah, it is always better to be fully prepared so that you have a smoother and better experience without any hassle.

There are many things you need to know about before you start your Umrah journey, starting with the very basics:

A step-by-step guide for ladies to perform Umrah:

Umrah pilgrims are obligated to several steps, just like those of Hajj, for their holy pilgrimage to be successful. Every phase of the Umrah pilgrimage draws the traveler nearer to Allah and his blessings. The following is a detailed advice on how ladies should undertake the Umrah:

1. Intent to perform Umrah/Hajj (Niyyah)

In Islam, intention is the beginning of everything. So, if you want to perform Umrah/Hajj, firstly, you need to have a sincere intent for it for the sake of Allah. 

2. Travel Arrangements

One needs to make prior travel arrangements, including applying for a passport if you don’t have one, a visa, booking a flight, booking a hotel, look for a travel agency, in case you are short on time, they will help you find the best flight under your budget, they will also apply for your visa, find the best hotel for you near Mecca and Medinah and help you with the necessary process. 

• Passport, Visa, and Documents

You will need to have an active and valid passport of your own country to travel to Saudi Arabia, your passport shouldn’t be expired. Make sure your passport has enough time duration left before you apply for your Umrah/Hajj visa. In most cases, our passport expiry date is near and we often forget to apply for a fresh one, so make sure you apply for a fresh one just in case. 

Apply for an Umrah Visa at least 15-30 days before your actual visit to Saudi Arabia. Also, carry important ID proofs with you just in case you might need them later.

• Vaccination Certification

As mandated by Saudi Arabian authorities, you need to have certain important vaccination certifications before you travel to Saudi Arabia.

• Book a flight

Once you are done completing all your necessary documentation, the next most important thing is to look for a flight. There are many flights to Jeddah which is the nearest place to Mecca and Medina. But most of the flights are connecting, so if you want you can book a connecting flight and wait at the airport and rest. Or you can book a direct flight to Jeddah Airport, but direct flights are generally costlier in comparison to connecting ones.

• Look for accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is very important, as it helps you manage your trip and save time. If you want to save more time, it is better to look for accommodation near Mecca or Madinah, as traveling takes time, but hotels around Mecca and Medinah are very expensive. So if you are not in the mood to spend big, you can look for other accommodations that are not far from Mecca and Medinah. 

Also, if you are traveling alone or in a group of females, then you need to look for a place that has higher security.

• Find your eating spot

As you will be staying in Jeddah for almost 15-20 days for your Umrah. Make sure you find your comfort zone. Some women like to try different places to eat, some just want to visit their favorite spot because they don’t like to experiment with their food. So, if you are new to an Arab Country, do try their local food for a change, or else you can try Indian food, Mughlai food, Turkish food, or whatever suits your taste buds. 

3. Mahram

A Muslim woman must travel with a mahram, or a male relative that she is not allowed to marry. 

According to new Umrah guidelines issued by the Saudi Arabian Government, Muslim Women can perform Umrah alone only if they are above the age of 45 years and traveling in a group. If not, a mahram—a male companion chosen from among family members or relatives—must accompany every woman and girl on the Umrah trip. Women can only seek for a visa while traveling in groups for Umrah without a mahram. In addition, they must provide a notarized "No Object Certificate" from their family attesting to the fact that they have permitted a lady or woman living in their home to go with a tour group.

Also, Check the airline's and your nation's unique rules before traveling.

4. Modest Islamic Clothing for Ladies for Umrah or Hajj

Unlike Men, Women are supposed to wear Ihram as well, but their Ihram is different from Men. Every Muslim Woman dreams of going to Umrah or Hajj once in their lifetime to see Mecca and Medinah and find solace and peace. So, we at theNabia have modest Islamic clothing suitable for ladies who are going to Umrah/Hajj cause we do not want you to worry about what to wear and carry on your Umrah or Hajj trip. Instead, we should focus on the tranquility of your journey.

One of the most important garments for a woman on their Umrah or Hajj trip is the Abaya preferably a white one. So, I will list down some essential modest Islamic wear for ladies who should carry on their Hajj and Umrah journey:

• Abaya (Preferably White)

Starting with the most essential outwear you will need to carry with you on your Umrah and Hajj trip is your Abaya. An abaya is a loose outer garment worn to cover your body and is one of the most essential items you will need on your Hajj or Umrah trip. 

Tip: Make sure your abaya is made from breathable and comfortable fabric so that you feel more at ease, also it has enough drapes and flares to promote ease of movement or longer hemlines to cover your ankles and toes. Also, opt for abayas with minimal designs or embroidery work. Wearing a plain abaya with wudu-friendly sleeves and opaque fabric would be better. The purpose of your Umrah is to find solace and peace not to look pretty or fancier. 

Opt for cotton abayas and Korean Nida matte fabric abayas for your Umrah or Hajj, as they make your journey more smoother and comfortable.

Most ladies prefer wearing either black or white abayas for Hajj or Umrah. However, wearing a white color abaya for Umrah is recommended as it is a sunnah color in Islam.

• Hijab (Preferably White)

Another important essential modest Islamic outerwear garment would be your Hijab. Covering your hair and head is extremely important on your Umrah trip. Hijabs are outwear used to cover your head and hair and are essential for your Hajj or Umrah visit. 

Tip: Cotton fabric hijabs would be better for ladies and girls who have started wearing hijabs recently, as it is easier to carry and do not require extra effort. Whereas, mid-experienced to expert hijabbers can opt for georgette or chiffon fabric hijabs as they take more effort, and ladies and girls who have been wearing hijabs for years can opt for any material.

It is always good to have extra hijabs in your wardrobe while traveling and wear white hijabs with a white abaya or black hijab with a black abaya. As it will be less eye-catching.

• Jilbab

Most ladies or teen girls prefer wearing prayer dress or jilbab on Umrah or hajj trips, as they are more convenient and come with an attached niqab and headwear so you will not need to wear a hijab with it.

A jilbab, or prayer dress, is a loose outer garment that covers you from head to toe, they are loose fit, pocket friendly as well as wudu friendly, and is also one of the most important or essential items you will need for Hajj and Umrah. 

Tip: When Looking for a Prayer dress, make sure it has wudu-friendly sleeves and deep convenient pockets, and has light and airy fabric, as the weather at Mecca and Medinah is hot. Opt for cotton or polyester fabric or Korean Nida fabric.

• Khimar

Khimar is very commonly worn by ladies on Umrah and Hajj, you can opt for a khimar with an abaya instead of a hijab as hijabs do not provide coverage till the bottom. Khimar drapes your chest, bottom, and shoulder with more coverage in comparison to a hijab.

A khimar is a head covering worn by Muslim women. It typically covers the hair, neck, and shoulders but leaves the face clear. The term "khimar" is derived from Arabic and is mentioned in the Quran as a form of modest dress for women. The style and length of khimars can vary, but they are generally long, draping down the back and sometimes reaching the waist or even lower.

Tip: Khimars are available in many colors and fabrics, it would be preferable to opt for a white khimar. Also, make sure to buy your khimar in lightweight and comfortable fabric, as thick fabrics might make you more sweaty.

• Accessories

Just like outer-wear modest Islamic clothing, You also need to carry inner-wear modest Islamic clothing with you. Inner-wear is equally important as outer-wear on Umrah or Hajj. I will list a few essential inner-wear one must have for Umrah or hajj.

• Hijab/Niqab Cap

Hijab/Niqab caps play a crucial role while wearing a modest outfit. It is an accessory worn on your head to better hold your hijab. With hijab/niqab caps, it becomes much easier to carry your hijab, especially georgette or chiffon hijabs. Hijab/Niqab caps are also worn to hide your hair. 

Tip: Look for Hijab/niqab caps that are made from premium viscose lycra that ease your headache and do not make your head sweat, even on hot summer days.

• Hijab Pins

Hijab pins are part of accessories and are essential. It helps with binding and holding your hijab. It is an essential Hajj and Umrah clothing item you will need to carry with you. Don’t forget to carry extra in case you lose them, which is quite a common occurrence with Muslim women. 

• Inner Layering

Inner layering is an outer garment worn for styling your abaya. You can wear it with any of your favorite abayas. It can help you elevate your modest Islamic style. You can carry it on your Hajj and Umrah journey for a better experience. 

Tip: Opt for an inner layering with non-sheer or opaque fabric. It is not recommended to wear transparent clothes on Umrah.

5. Comfortable Footwear

Just like your clothing, your footwear needs to be comfortable and durable. As you will need to walk from one place to another place often. The temperature in Saudi Arabia is generally hot so make sure your shoes are airy and don’t make you sweat a lot. 

Opt for some good walking shoes made of good and lightweight fabric which eases your movement.

Rituals of Umrah for Ladies

Don't worry if this is your first Umrah. All the rites, including Tawaf and Sa'ee, are open to women, and they will get the same reward as males; the only difference is that women who undertake Umrah are subject to certain regulations.

Unlike, Men, Ladies also repeat the Talbiyah (ٱلتَّلبِيَة) as part of the Umrah and Hajj. However, while male pilgrims say the Talbiyah aloud, female pilgrims simply need to recite it aloud to themselves.

During the first three circuits of Tawaf, male pilgrims are encouraged to follow the Raml (رمل), a sunnah that entails running at a moderate speed. Women are not required to participate in this custom, which is meant only for men.

Women shall also refrain from running between the two green posts that separate As-Safa and Al-Marwah during Sa'ee.

When traveling to conduct the Umrah, women are required to have a mahram with them.

Women are required to wear Ihram and conduct Niyyah and Talbiyah before entering the Al-Masjid Al-Haram. While Talbiyah is a prayer of gratitude for God, Niyyah is the intention to serve Him.

• A lady has to do two Rakats of Salah al-Haram with her head covered, clean her body, cut her nails, put on an abaya, say approaches to Miqat, and recite Talbiyah continuously to become a pilgrim (Muhrim).

• The Tawaf rite, where women circle the Kaaba, takes place after Talbiyah. The pilgrim says a predetermined Du'aa during each of the seven rings. In contrast to males, ladies are exempt from running during the first three rings. Throughout this rite, they must amble. Following the completion of the seventh cycle of Tawaf, pilgrims go to conduct Salat behind Ibrahim's station, known as Maqam Ibrahim.

• Salat requires one to drink water from the Well of Zamzam in the Grand Mosque's basement and present two shorts of rak'aa.

• Women go to Multazam to make du'aa to Allah after drinking Zamzam water.

• Following their act of Sa'iy, the pilgrims then leave the Al-Masjid Al-Haram and walk seven circuits at a moderate speed between Safa and Marwah.

• Travelers ascend the Safa hill, approach the Kaaba with deep reverence, and offer prayers before Allah.

• Women make their way down from Safa towards the hill of Marwah, where they face the Kaaba and offer prayers in adoration of Allah.

• At the Grand Mosque, pilgrims congregate and present Raka of Nafl. They then make a dua while stepping outside with their left foot out front.

• At Mina, where ladies cut off locks or strands of hair, the voyage comes to an end. It is known as Taqseer and signifies total submission to Allah.

Duas for Umrah

Performing your Umrah is not about just completing the rituals, you need to do dhikr and recite as much as dua you can. I will list down some of the best duas you can recite while on your Umrah:

“Subhana lazi sakhauraulana haaza wa maa kunnaa lahuu muqrineen wa innaa ilaa raubinaa la munqauliboon.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

Translation: “Glory is to Allah who has provided this for us, and we could never have had it by our own efforts. Indeed, to our Lord, we will return”

“Allauhumma hauwwin alainaa safaraunaa haazaa watwi annaa bo’dah; Allauhumma antassauhibu wa khalifatu fil ahl. Allauhumma innee a’uzubika miuwa’saa issafari wakaabatil manzari wa so oil munqaulabi fil maali wal ahli wal walad.” (Muslim)

Translation: “O Allah! Make this journey easy for us and shorten its length too. O Allah! You are our companion on this journey and the Guardian of our house. O Allah, I seek your protection from the hardship of travel, from witnessing a terrible sight, and from finding our family and property in misfortune upon returning.”

• When you enter Masjid Al-haram to perform Umrah or Hajj, place your right foot first and recite the following dua:

“Bismillahi wassaulatu wasslaamu a’laa rausulillah, Allauhumma tahlii abwaaba rauhmatik.”

Translation: “I begin in the name of Allah, and Blessings and salutations be upon the Prophet of Allah; O Allah, open for me the gates of your mercy.” (Abu Dawud)

Once you’ve entered the state of Ihram, perform two rakats Sunnat-ul Ihram. Then, make the intention of performing Umrah in the following words:

“Allauhummaa innii uridul umrauh; fayassir haa li wa taqaubalahaa minnii.”

Translation: “O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

• Then, recite the Talbiyah:

“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk. Labbauka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamdaa Wan-ni’mata laka Wal-mulk. La Sharika Lak.”

Translation: “Here I am at your service, O Allah, Here I am at your service. Here I am at your service, You have no partner, here I am at your service. Truly all praise and blessings belong to You, and so does sovereignty. You have no partner.”

After reciting Talbiyah, It is advised to send Salawat to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

• After Talbiyah, comes dua to recite during Tawaf:

“Bismillahi Allauhu akbar wa lillahil hamd.”

Translation: “I begin with the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all Praise be to Allah.”

“Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanatan wa fil Aakhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.”

Translation: “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

• Recite this dua when entering Safaa and Marwa:

“Innassaufa wal marwata min sha’airillah, faman hajj al baeeta awi’tamarau falaa junaaha a’laihi aiyattawafa bihi maa, wa man tatawwa’a khauiran fa innAllauha shaakirun a’leem.”

Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. Hence, whosoever performs Hajj or Umrah at the holy Ka’abah can safely walk between them without fearing any sin. And Allah Knows and appreciates him who does any good with a willing heart. “(2:158)

• Once you are done with your Umrah Rituals and are ready to leave, Recite this dua:

“Bismillahi, wassaulatu wassalamu a’la rausulillah, Allauhumma Innee As aluka min fadhlik.”

Translation: “I begin with the name of Allah, Blessings and peace be upon the Prophet of Allah, I ask you out of your Abundance/favor.”(Abu Dawud)

Prohibitions to keep in mind while performing the Umrah:

• It is forbidden to pursue, murder, or torture desert animals while doing Umrah. Additionally forbidden are backbiting, fighting, and swearing, the same is applicable for men.
• It is forbidden for women to have any kind of physical contact with their husbands. Men are also subject to the same restriction.
• Women who are menstruating are not permitted to travel on the Umrah pilgrimage.
• They are not allowed to roam about freely without Mahram's company.
• Women are not allowed to expose any part of their bodies other than their hands and faces.
• While it is not advised, jewelry is acceptable during the trip.
• Women aren't allowed to use fragrances or perfume.
• Women are not allowed to wear makeup during the Umrah/Hajj.
• They had to cut their nails and hair (to the length of a fingertip)
• They had to shave their body hair.
• They have to have a cleansing bath before the prayer.
• Women who travel without a mahram are required to maintain their chastity and offer prayers in the area reserved for them.

Once you are done with your Umrah Rituals and are ready to leave, Recite this dua:

“Bismillahi, wassaulatu wassalamu a’la rausulillah, Allauhumma Innee As aluka min fadhlik.”

Translation: “I begin with the name of Allah, Blessings and peace be upon the Prophet of Allah, I ask you out of your Abundance/favor.”(Abu Dawud)

Conclusion

To perform Umrah is one of the biggest blessings one can receive from Allah Subhan waa taallah. May Allah grant us all a chance to see Mecca and Medinah. May Allah ignore mistakes made by those who are performing their Umrah for the first time be it men or women or children or older people. 

I have written this blog, especially for women new to Umrah or planning for an Umrah but don’t know where to start. I have tried to do the utmost justice to this blog. For more refer to Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj Umrah Guidelines. 

For any queries or concerns write to us at support@thenabia.com