Performing Umrah or Lesser Pilgrimage is not challenging, and anyone can do it as long as he/ she is aware of the right step. Many people opt to perform the Umrah multiple times, even on a one-time trip to Saudi Arabia. Here is a complete breakdown of how to perform Umrah, so dive right in for more.

Stage 1: Ihram

Entering the state of Ihram is the first step in performing the Umrah. It refers to taking a bath and changing your garments before you enter meeqat. Meeqat is an official boundary line at which all the people are supposed to be in the state of Ihram. 

Conditions for Ihram

Ihram holds a significant value in the Umrah and the process is not complete without this. Here is a detailed description of what it is and what it signifies.

• Before the men wear the Ihram, they must have their nails trimmed, and unwanted hair from the armpits, navel, and mustache removed. 
• They are required to perform Ghusl (also known as a bath) before wearing this garment. Or, they can do the Wudhu (also known as ablution) at the very least. 
• It is required for men to change their clothes into the Ihram before they enter Meeqat. For women, they can change into any piece of modest clothing, which fully covers them. Some airlines will advise you to put on the Ihram before they depart from the airport. 
• After they have gotten themselves in the appropriate clothing, it is mandatory for both men and women to perform two rakats of Salah. In the first Rakah, they are required to recite Surah Ikhlas and Surah Kafirun in the second rakat, after Surah Fatiha. Finally, make a Dua after you have completed the salah. 
• This is the step where you have to make the Niyyah (verbal intention) for Umrah. This is especially done in the airplane. You are also required to remove or discard anything that violates the conditions of Ihram. Though it will likely be announced on the airplane, it is preferred that you express the verbal intention for Umrah. 
• After this, all the people on the plane are supposed to recite the Talbiyah. This goes like, “At Your Service, Allah, At Your Service, At Your Service. You Have No Partner, At Your Service, Truly All Praise, Favor and Sovereignty is Yours, You Have No Partner.” 
• Please note that the men are supposed to say this Talbiyah out loud in a rhythm, whereas, women, it is advised to recite it quietly. 
• Next, all the people are expected to proceed towards Makkah while they are reciting the Talbiyah and Zikr. 
• After this, they enter the Bab al-Salam of the Masjid-ul-Haram with their right foot first. At this point, they will recite the prayer for entering the mosque. 
• Once they have reached the Kaaba, they will keep their gaze low until they get a view of the Kaaba. After seeing it, they will recite “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah”, three times. Finally, they will raise their hands to make Dua and send Salam to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). 

Stage 2: Tawaf

The second stage of the Umrah is Tawaf, also known as Tawaf-Ul-Umrah. It refers to all the people encircling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, from the Hijra aswad and make Dua. Although there are five types of Tawaf originally, I will talk about Tawaf-ul-Umrah

• The first step to performing the Tawaf is preparing yourself and discarding any minor impurities on you. For instance, if your Wudu breaks while doing the Tawaf at any point, you are required to do it again. For the most part, you will be clean already, given that you have performed the first step thoroughly. 
• So, once you are done preparing for the tawaf, the journey starts from Hajar Al Aswad, also known as Black Stone. The green light on the wall is the starting point of your Tawaaf. 
• The next step is to make Niyyah or verbal Intention of the Tawaf-ul-Umrah. For this, all the people will recite, “Oh Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of this sacred mosque, please accept it and make it easy for me.” 
• After this, you are expected to do the Istilam, which refers to kissing and touching the sacred stone of Hajar Al Aswad. This is preferred among Muslims and is only ordered if they can reach it. If you find it impossible to reach the Black Stone, make a gesture towards it, raise your hands, and recite “Bismi Llahi Wallahu Akbar”.  
• Now, complete a circle of the Tawaf. And make sure that the Kaaba is on your left side while you are doing the circle in an anti-clockwise direction. 
• While doing the Tawaf, both men and women are required to walk in an appropriate manner. For men, it is ideal to walk in a brisk manner with these chests sticking out. This type of walk is also known as Ramlk. For women, it is advised to walk in an appropriate manner, with everything properly covered. 
• During all seven rounds, the men and women may recite verses of the Quran, send Salam to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), and make Dua. 
• Most people recite these verses, especially when you are between the Rukh al-Yamani and Hajar Al Aswad. “Oh our Lord, grant us all the good in the world, the good in the Hereafter, and save us from Hell fire punishment”. 
• Once you reach Hajar Al Aswad again, it counts as one round. After this, start the second round by saying Allahu Akbar. And this way, complete all seven rounds at the same time. 
• Overall, it will count seven Islands of one Tawaf. Finally, men are supposed to cover their right shoulder with the Ihram. 
• The next step is to perform the Tawaf Salah. Just as you did previously, stand for two Rakahs and recite Surah Kafirun in the first Rakah and Surah Ikhlas in the second Rakah, after Surah Fatiha. 
• Most people prefer performing this salah at Maqam e Ibrahimi where you end the seven rounds, as it marks the center between you and the Kaaba. 
• Now, head to the Zamzam well and drink the Zamzam water from here. It is believed that Duaas made at this point are accepted immediately. This is why you will see many people making duas.