Umrah Guide for Ladies – Step by Step with Dress & Practical Tips

Hours
Umrah guide for ladies

For Muslim women, the opportunity to visit the holy city of Makkah and perform Umrah is one of the greatest blessings in life. The rituals of Umrah are mostly the same for both men and women, but there are some differences in dress, movement, and small details that every sister should know before traveling. Understanding these details not only helps avoid confusion in the holy mosque but also allows women to perform their worship with full confidence and peace of mind.

This guide is a complete step-by-step explanation designed especially for ladies, covering what to wear, how to perform each ritual, and practical tips for comfort and safety.

Read More : How Much Does Umrah Cost? Complete Guide 2025

Perform Umrah for Ladies – Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing Yourself Before Ihram

Preparation is the foundation of a meaningful Umrah. A few days before departure, try to focus on your spiritual state. Spend more time in prayer, forgive those who may have wronged you, and make dua for your journey.

When the time comes to enter the state of Ihram, women have a slightly different process than men.

Clothing: There is no fixed dress code for women’s Ihram, but modest clothing is required. Many women prefer a loose abaya and hijab in light colors, such as white or cream. Gloves and face coverings (niqab) are not recommended, but a loose scarf can be adjusted to maintain privacy.

Personal care: Like men, women should trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and take a shower before making the intention. Perfume is not applied.

Intention: Once near the Miqat (the boundary point), recite the Talbiyah: Labbaik Allahumma Umrah. From that moment, you are officially in Ihram.

Step 2: Entering Masjid al-Haram and Tawaf

The moment you enter the grand mosque and see the Kaaba, take a few moments to make dua. Many women become emotional here, and that’s natural.

The first ritual is Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. For ladies, here are a few important points:

  • Timing matters: Try to choose a time when the mosque is less crowded — late night or early morning often work best.
  • Safety first: Stay away from heavy crowds near the Black Stone. Simply raise your hand towards it at the start of each round instead of trying to push forward.
  • Prayer and dua: There is no fixed dua for Tawaf. You can recite Qur’anic verses or your own personal prayers from the heart.

After seven rounds, offer two units of Salah near Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. Otherwise, pray anywhere in the mosque.

Step 3: Drinking Zamzam Water

After Tawaf, drink from the blessed Zamzam water. It is available in coolers placed around the mosque. Drink with the intention of health, blessings, and spiritual strength. Many women also make dua for their families and children at this moment, as Zamzam is believed to carry special blessings.

Step 4: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

The next stage is Sa’i, which means walking between the two hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This ritual holds special meaning for women, because it recalls the struggle of Hajar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who ran in search of water for her child Ismail (AS).

  • Start at Safa, face the Kaaba, and make dua.
  • Walk towards Marwah — that’s one. Coming back to Safa counts as two. Continue until you have completed seven trips.
  • Important difference: Men jog lightly between the two green markers, but women walk at a normal pace without running.

Even though the walk can be tiring, it is a moment of connection with the courage and patience of a woman from Islamic history.

Step 5: Cutting the Hair

The final step for women is cutting a small portion of hair. Unlike men, who shave or trim the entire head, women cut only about the length of a fingertip. It is recommended to do this in a private space or among other women, away from the public eye. Once the hair is cut, the state of Ihram ends, and your Umrah is complete.

The Spiritual Dimension for Women

Performing Umrah as a woman carries a unique emotional and spiritual layer. The connection to Hajar (RA) during Sa’i is a reminder that women’s struggles are honored and remembered in Islam. The act of modesty, patience in crowds, and dua made for family highlight the central role women play in faith and community.

Practical Tips for Ladies

  • Choose comfortable clothing: Loose, breathable abayas are best in the hot climate. Carry a light scarf in case you need an extra layer.
  • Stay hydrated: Always keep water with you, especially during Sa’i.
  • Carry essentials: A small bag with tissues, sanitizer, and prayer beads is very useful.
  • Avoid pushing crowds: Don’t worry if you cannot touch the Kaaba or Black Stone. The intention is enough.
  • Go with a companion: Traveling with family or a group gives extra safety and peace of mind.
  • Focus on worship: The time in Makkah is short. Avoid distractions like long shopping trips and keep your heart attached to prayer.

Conclusion

For ladies, the rituals of Umrah are simple but deeply meaningful. From the moment you declare your intention at Miqat to the last snip of your hair, every step is a chance to remember Allah and reflect on your role as His servant.

If you’re going for the first time, remember: you don’t need to worry about perfection. What matters most is sincerity and devotion. Approach each ritual calmly, take care of your safety, and keep your heart open to the blessings of the journey.

For every woman who performs Umrah with faith and humility, the experience becomes not just a pilgrimage but a turning point in life.