Umrah step by step

Bathe and apply perfume to your body before Ihram, then put on the Ihram clothing: two plain white sheets for men, loose modest clothing for women. At the Miqat, make the intention for Umrah and say "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah", then repeat the Talbiyah, "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak", until you begin Tawaf.

• Flying from Egypt to Jeddah, you enter Ihram when the plane passes the Miqat of Al-Juhfah (Rabigh). The crew announces it, so change into Ihram before take-off.
• If your trip starts in Madinah, your Miqat is Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on the way to Makkah.

Start at the Black Stone with the Kaaba on your left and walk seven circuits. Touch or point to the Stone saying "Allahu Akbar" at the start of each circuit. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone say "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina adhaban-nar". Then pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can, or anywhere in the mosque, and drink Zamzam water.

• Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba') during Tawaf, and walk briskly (raml) in the first three circuits.
• The upper floors are valid for Tawaf too. Pick whichever is easier at busy times.

Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, say takbir and make du'a, then walk to Marwah: that is one lap. Walking back to Safa is the second. Complete seven laps, ending at Marwah. Men walk faster between the two green markers.

• Wudu is not required for Sa'i, though it is better.
• Wheelchairs are available for older pilgrims. Ask your supervisor to arrange one in advance.

After Sa'i, men shave the head or trim hair from all over it; shaving is better. Women cut a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. Your Umrah is then complete and the Ihram restrictions are lifted.