Quick answer: Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah that can be made in any month of the year. Its main parts are entering the state of ihram, performing tawaf (circling the Ka‘bah seven times), performing sa‘i (walking seven times between Safa and Marwa), and then shaving or shortening the hair. Unlike Hajj, it is not tied to specific dates. For families, the best preparation starts at home: learning the meaning of each step, and making sure everyone can recite the Quran and duas they will use.
Written by Quran Specialist Online (QSO). This is a general introduction, not a fiqh manual. Rulings differ between schools of thought, so please learn the details from a qualified scholar or your group’s guide before you travel.
Umrah in the Quran and Sunnah
The Quran mentions Hajj and Umrah together and tells believers to complete them for Allah:
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنْ أُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا ٱسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ ٱلْهَدْىِ ۖ وَلَا تَحْلِقُوا۟ رُءُوسَكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ ٱلْهَدْىُ مَحِلَّهُۥ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ بِهِۦٓ أَذًى مِّن رَّأْسِهِۦ فَفِدْيَةٌ مِّن صِيَامٍ أَوْ صَدَقَةٍ أَوْ نُسُكٍ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَمِنتُمْ فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِٱلْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى ٱلْحَجِّ فَمَا ٱسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ ٱلْهَدْىِ ۚ فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَـٰثَةِ أَيَّامٍ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ ۗ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن لَّمْ يَكُنْ أَهْلُهُۥ حَاضِرِى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
“And complete the ḥajj and ʿumrah for Allāh. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ʿumrah [during the ḥajj months] followed by ḥajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during ḥajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is severe in penalty.” (Quran 2:196)
Arabic and translation: Quran.com, Sahih International.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) described a great reward for Umrah:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "(The performance of) `Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise."
Sahih al-Bukhari 1773 (Sunnah.com).
Umrah and Hajj: the difference
| Umrah | Hajj | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Any time of year | Specific days in the month of Dhul Hijjah |
| Main parts | Ihram, tawaf, sa‘i, hair cut or shaved | All of these, plus Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah and more |
| Length | A few hours once in Makkah | Several days |
| Status | Scholars differ on whether it is obligatory once or strongly recommended | One of the five pillars, obligatory once for those able |
The main steps, simply explained
1. Ihram
Before reaching a set boundary point (called a miqat), pilgrims enter the state of ihram. This involves making the intention for Umrah and, for men, wearing two plain unstitched white sheets. Women wear modest everyday clothing. Certain things become off limits while in ihram. Our guide to ihram rules for families explains the basics. Pilgrims then begin reciting the talbiyah.
2. Tawaf
At the Sacred Mosque, pilgrims circle the Ka‘bah seven times, starting from the corner of the Black Stone, keeping the Ka‘bah on their left. Many people make their own duas and remember Allah during tawaf. Afterwards, it is common to pray two rak‘ahs, and to drink Zamzam water.
3. Sa‘i
Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, remembering the search of Hajar, the mother of Prophet Ismail, for water. Our guide to Safa and Marwa tells her story for children.
4. Shaving or shortening the hair
Men shave their heads or shorten their hair; women cut a small amount from the end of their hair. This completes the Umrah, and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.
Taking children on Umrah
Children are welcome, and the Sunnah shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged families who brought their children on pilgrimage:
Ibn Abbas reported that Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) met some riders at al-Rauha and asked who they were. They replied that they were Muslims. They said: Who art thou? He said: (I am) Messengef of Allah. A woman (then) lifted up a boy to him and said: Would this child be credited with having performed the Hajj? Thereupon he said: Yes, and you will have a reward.
Sahih Muslim 1336 a (Sunnah.com).
Scholars explain how this applies to children’s ihram and rites, and what happens if a young child cannot complete something. Please ask your group’s scholar for the details before you go.
Practical tips for families
- Talk about it weeks before. Show pictures of the Ka‘bah and explain each step in simple words.
- Practise at home. Some families walk seven circles around a table to practise tawaf, and walk between two rooms for sa‘i.
- Plan for crowds. Agree a meeting point and give children a card with your phone number.
- Choose quieter times for tawaf with young children, if your group allows.
- Bring a lightweight pushchair or carrier for small children, following the mosque’s current rules.
What to learn before you go
Many pilgrims say they wish they had prepared their recitation better before travelling. Useful things to learn:
- The talbiyah, with its meaning. Our ihram guide includes the authentic wording from Sahih al-Bukhari.
- Al-Fatihah and short surahs, recited correctly, for your prayers in the Haram. For many families, this is the most important preparation of all.
- Your own duas in English, written down in advance, so you can make heartfelt dua during tawaf and sa‘i.
- The verse about Safa and Marwa (2:158), so children understand what they are doing.
If your children are still learning to read the Quran, a few months of lessons before the journey can make a real difference to how confident they feel praying in the Haram.
How QSO can help you prepare
Quran Specialist Online does not arrange travel. What we offer is preparation for the worship itself: live one-to-one 30-minute Quran lessons on Zoom or MS Teams, taught in English. Teachers can focus on Al-Fatihah, short surahs, the talbiyah and correct pronunciation for the whole family. Female teachers are available, and parents can sit in on children’s lessons. Plans start from £30 a month in the UK and $35 a month in the USA, with a 10% family discount. See the fee page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Umrah take?
Once you are in Makkah, the rites usually take a few hours, depending on crowds.
Can children perform Umrah?
Yes. Ask a scholar how the rules apply to children of different ages.
Do women need special clothes?
Women wear modest everyday clothing. There is no special colour required.
Where can I learn the detailed rulings?
From a qualified scholar or your group’s guide, who can explain the school of thought you follow.
Preparing for Umrah? Book a 7-day free trial and polish your family’s recitation before you travel. More: Online Quran classes UK · Online Quran classes USA.
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