A Complete Guide on How to Perform Umrah for UK Muslims

For many Muslims in the UK, performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey and a way to strengthen their connection with Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, and it’s considered a highly rewarding act of worship. If you’re planning to embark on this blessed journey from the UK, it’s important to understand the steps involved, the preparations required, and what to expect during your Umrah pilgrimage.

In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of how to perform Umrah for UK Muslims, including essential information about visas, flights, and key rituals.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia that can be performed at any time, unlike Hajj which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar. Although not obligatory like Hajj, Umrah holds significant spiritual value and is often referred to as the ‘lesser pilgrimage.’ It involves several important rituals that must be performed in a specific order.

1. Preparing for Umrah from the UK

a. Getting Your Visa

Before you begin your journey, you will need to apply for an Umrah visa. The Saudi Arabian government issues special visas for pilgrims who want to perform Umrah. You can apply through licensed Umrah travel agents in the UK. Most agents offer Umrah packages that include visa processing, flights, accommodation, and transport in Saudi Arabia.

• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Women under the age of 45 need to travel with a mahram (male guardian).
• The Umrah visa usually lasts for 30 days, allowing you to perform Umrah and explore religious sites in Makkah and Madinah.

b. Booking Flights and Accommodation

There are several direct and connecting flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia, with direct routes available from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Jeddah or Madinah. It’s advisable to book your flights early, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan.

When choosing accommodation, consider staying close to the Haram (the Holy Mosque in Makkah) to make it easier for you to perform your rituals. Most Umrah packages include hotels that are within walking distance from the Haram.

c. Physical and Spiritual Preparation

Before embarking on Umrah, it’s important to prepare both physically and spiritually. Umrah requires physical endurance, as you will be walking long distances between the sacred sites. Regular exercise can help build stamina for the pilgrimage.

Spiritually, take the time to read about the significance of Umrah, learn the prayers and supplications (dua) for each ritual, and make sincere intentions to seek closeness to Allah during your journey.

2. Key Steps on How to Perform Umrah

Umrah consists of a few main rituals that need to be performed in a specific order. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

a. Ihram: The State of Purity

The first step in performing Umrah is entering the state of Ihram, which signifies purity and readiness to perform the pilgrimage. Ihram involves specific attire and the intention (niyyah) to perform Umrah.

• For men, Ihram consists of two plain white cloths, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder.
• For women, there is no specific dress code for Ihram, but they must wear modest, loose-fitting clothes that cover the entire body, except the face and hands.

Before entering Ihram, pilgrims should:

• Perform ghusl (full-body purification).
• Trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and make sure you are in a state of cleanliness.
• After wearing the Ihram garments, make the intention for Umrah by saying: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, to perform Umrah).

b. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba

The first ritual in Makkah is Tawaf, which involves making seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba. The Kaaba is the sacred structure located at the center of the Masjid al-Haram, and it is the holiest site in Islam.

• Start your Tawaf by standing in line with the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) and saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
• Each time you pass the Black Stone, you should raise your right hand in its direction, if you are unable to touch it.
• Make dua (supplication) and recite Quranic verses during your Tawaf.

After completing seven circuits, proceed to the Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) and pray two units of Salah.

c. Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates the story of Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) searching for water for her son Ismail.

• Begin at Safa by facing the Kaaba and making dua.
• Walk between Safa and Marwah, making supplications and reflecting on the trials of Hajar.
• Men are encouraged to run between the two green markers, while women should walk at a normal pace.

d. Cutting or Shaving Hair

The final step of Umrah is cutting the hair. Men are required to shave their heads or trim their hair, while women should cut a small portion of their hair (about the length of a fingertip).

This act symbolizes the completion of Umrah and renewal of spiritual purity.

3. Visiting Madinah and Other Religious Sites

Although visiting Madinah is not a part of Umrah, many pilgrims from the UK choose to visit the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) to offer prayers and visit the grave of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Other notable sites in Madinah include Mount Uhud and the Quba Mosque.

4. When Is the Best Time for UK Muslims to Perform Umrah?

For UK Muslims, the best time to perform Umrah often depends on personal schedules and weather preferences. Ramadan is an especially popular time, as the rewards for Umrah during this holy month are multiplied, but it’s also more crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider going during off-peak seasons, such as in the months immediately following Hajj or during the winter season when temperatures in Saudi Arabia are more moderate.

5. Conclusion: A Blessed Journey from the UK to Makkah

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience for Muslims in the UK. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve made this blessed journey before, it’s an opportunity to renew your faith, seek forgiveness, and grow closer to Allah. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Umrah pilgrimage is performed correctly and with sincerity.

If you’re a UK resident looking to make this sacred journey, Bless Your Walls encourages you to prepare both spiritually and practically, and we wish you a rewarding and fulfilling Umrah experience.