Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which takes place on fixed days, Umrah is voluntary and can be completed in a few hours. For thousands of UK Muslims, it is the first sacred journey they make, and the first time many step foot in Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah in simple terms
Umrah involves entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah (Sa’i), and trimming or shaving the hair. Once these steps are complete, the Umrah is finished.
The main rituals of Umrah
- Ihram — entering a state of spiritual purity and wearing the prescribed clothing before crossing the Miqat.
- Tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times.
- Sa’i — walking seven times between Safa and Marwah.
- Halq or Taqsir — shaving the head (men) or trimming a fingertip length of hair (women).
How long does Umrah take?
The rituals themselves can take three to five hours depending on how busy the Haram is. Most UK pilgrims, however, book packages of 7, 10 or 14 nights so they can pray in the Haram, rest, and visit Madinah without rushing.
Planning your Umrah from the UK
Booking through an ATOL and IATA accredited agent means your flights, visa and hotels are handled together. You can browse our Umrah packages covering 3, 4 and 5 star hotels near the Haram, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
To learn more about our approach, visit the Al Hidayah Tours page.