Umrah has four parts: ihram, tawaf, sa'i and cutting the hair. This is the guide we go through at our pre-departure briefing in Rawalpindi, written to be read aloud.
Bathe; men wear the two unstitched white sheets, ladies wear ordinary modest clothing. Make the intention for Umrah at or before the miqat. On flights from Pakistan to Jeddah the crew announces the miqat; most pilgrims put on ihram at Islamabad airport or on board before the announcement. Begin the talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.
Enter Masjid al-Haram, stop the talbiyah, and perform seven rounds of the Kaaba anticlockwise, beginning and ending in line with the Black Stone. Men uncover the right shoulder and walk briskly for the first three rounds. Then pray two rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, anywhere in the Haram if not, and drink Zamzam.
Walk seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. Men walk quickly between the green lights. Wheelchairs and an upper level are available for elders.
Men shave the head or cut the hair all over; ladies cut a fingertip's length. Ihram ends and Umrah is complete. Barbers are available outside the Haram near Marwah.
Ladies in their monthly period wait before tawaf; sa'i is not performed until tawaf is done. Elders may use wheelchairs for tawaf and sa'i. Our group leader walks with first-time pilgrims for their first Umrah.
Flights from Pakistan to Jeddah cross the miqat line before landing. Put on ihram before boarding or when the crew announces the miqat.
Yes. For a second Umrah, go to Masjid Aisha at Tan'eem, enter ihram there and return to the Haram.
Two to four hours depending on crowds. Ramadan and weekends take longer.
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