Umrah for Women

Learn what Umrah means for women and why this sacred journey holds deep spiritual value.

What is Umrah? 

Umrah is a short pilgrimage to Makkah. It is a visit full of prayer and peace. Unlike Hajj, you can do Umrah at any time of the year.

Importance of Umrah for Muslim Women

For many sisters, Umrah is a dream. It brings the heart closer to Allah, washes away sins, and gives new hope.

Spiritual and Practical Benefits of Performing Umrah

You gain stronger faith, patience, and unity. You also learn how to travel with good manners and help others.

Umrah Rules for Women

Know the key rules, eligibility, and special requirements for women planning to do Umrah.

Who Can Perform Umrah? 

• Muslim and able to pay for the trip.
• Healthy enough to walk the rites or have help.
• Mature girls should get family consent.

Do Women Need a Mahram for Umrah?

Most scholars say an adult woman should travel with a mahram (father, husband, son, brother). Some allow her to join a safe, trusted group. Check your local fatwa and visa rule before booking.

Umrah Conditions for Women

• Make niyyah (clear intention).
• Have a valid visa and passport.
• Plan for any medical needs.
• Promise to follow all Saudi and Sharia rules.

Ihram Clothes

 Women wear their regular loose and modest clothing, such as an abaya or long dress. There is no special color or style required, as long as it is modest. Men, on the other hand, must wear two white, unstitched pieces of cloth, one for the upper body and one for the lower body. This is their specific Ihram clothing.

Hair 

During Umrah, women must keep their heads covered at all times. After completing Umrah, they should cut a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip. Men must keep their heads uncovered while in Ihram. After Umrah, they must either shave their heads, which is more rewarding, or trim their hair short.

Footwear 

Women are allowed to wear any type of shoes that are comfortable, whether open or closed. There are no strict rules about the design. Men, however, must wear sandals that leave the ankles and the top of the foot exposed. Covered shoes are not allowed for men during Ihram.

Step-by-Step Umrah Guide for Women

A simple and clear guide showing each step of Umrah for sisters, from Ihram to the final dua.

What Women Should Know?

1. Study the rites with a trusted scholar or guide.
2. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or on medicine.
3. Plan prayers for monthly cycle days; you can still make duʿāʾ.

How to Perform Umrah for Women

1. Enter Ihram at the miqat. Say the talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...”
2. Tawaf: Walk seven times around the Kaaba. Keep your left side toward it.
3. Pray two rakʿah near Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the Mosque.
4. Sa’i: Walk seven times between Safa and Marwa hills.
5. Cut hair equal to a fingertip’s length to exit Ihram.

Ghusl for Umrah Women

Take a full shower (ghusl) before Ihram if you can. Clean body, trim nails, remove unwanted hair. This is sunnah, not an absolute must if water or time is short.

Tawaf and Sa’i Guidelines for Women

• Move at a steady pace; no need to rush.
• Stay with your mahram or group.
• If crowded, avoid the inner ring for safety.

Do Women Have to Cut Their Hair for Umrah?

Yes. After Sa’i, clip at least a fingertip length (about 2 cm) from the ends of your hair. You can tie hair in a small braid first, then trim the end.

Ihram for Women for Umrah 

Explore what Ihram means for women, how to enter this sacred state, and what to wear.

What is Ihram for Women?

Ihram is a sacred state. You enter it by making an intention at the miqat and wearing proper, modest clothes.

Women’s Ihram vs Men’s Ihram

Women keep normal, loose clothing; men wear two pieces of white cloth. Both avoid perfume, hair pulling, and nail cutting during Ihram.

Women’s Dress Code for Umrah

• Loose abaya or maxi dress.
• Opaque fabric, light colors for heat.
• Headscarf that covers hair fully.
• No face veil during tawaf if it touches the face; use a long peaked cap or hold the niqab away if you wear one.

Umrah Clothing for Women

Find out how to choose the best clothes for Umrah that are both respectful and comfortable.

Recommended Umrah Dresses for Women

• Light cotton abaya
• Jersey maxi dress with cardigan
• Long tunic and palazzo pants

Choosing the Right Umrah Abaya for Women

Look for:

• Breathable fabric
• Front zip for quick wudu
• Side pockets for phone or ID

Best Fabric Choices for Hot Weather and Comfort

Cotton, rayon-blend, or linen mixes. Avoid thick polyester.

Layering and Color Suggestions for Ihram

White, beige, or soft pastels reflect the sun and show unity. Carry a thin shawl for air-conditioned areas.

Shoes and Footwear for Umrah Women

Discover the best shoe options for women to walk safely and comfortably during Umrah.

Women’s Footwear During Ihram

Shoes must be clean, comfy, and easy to slip on and off. Closed shoes are allowed for women.

Best Shoes for Umrah Women

• Lightweight trainers with mesh
• Soft leather sandals with arch support
• Cushioned slip-ons for elderly sisters

Tip: Break in new shoes at home to avoid blisters.

Umrah Essentials for Women: What to Pack

Use this smart packing checklist to ensure you bring everything needed for a smooth Umrah.

Documents & Money 

Bring your passport with a valid Umrah visa. You may also need a national ID. Don't forget a debit or credit card, plus some cash. It's good to have both your local currency and Saudi Riyals.

Worship Essentials 

Pack a small Quran for reading, dhikr beads (tasbeeh) for remembrance, and a pocket-sized book of duas or supplications.

Clothing 

Bring 2 to 3 abayas or loose dresses. They should be comfortable and breathable. Bring at least 2 clean headscarves for each day. Also, pack comfortable undergarments and several pairs of socks.

Footwear 

Wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers that are already broken in. Also pack a pair of lightweight flip-flops or sandals for the hotel and bathroom use.

Toiletries Use only unscented items while in Ihram. Take a toothbrush, toothpaste, unscented soap or body wash, wet wipes, tissues, nail clippers, and a comb or brush.

Health & Medical Supplies

 Pack your prescription medications. Include pain-relief cream or balm for sore muscles. Don’t forget basic first aid supplies like band-aids and blister pads for your feet.

Carry hand sanitizer, preferably unscented.

Tech Essentials 

Always have your smartphone, a wall charger, a universal power adapter, and a power bank for on-the-go charging.

Headphones are helpful for listening to the Quran or lectures.

Bags & Storage

 Use a lightweight cross-body bag to carry essentials when outside. Also take a small backpack for day trips and a zipper pouch to safely store your documents and money.

Tips for Women on Umrah

Helpful tips for staying safe, healthy, and respectful during your time in the holy cities.

Staying Safe While Traveling Alone or with Groups

• Share hotel and group contacts with family.
• Keep valuables tucked under the abaya in a thin belt pouch.
• Walk in well-lit areas and avoid late nights alone.

Social and Religious Etiquette During Umrah

• Speak kindly; smile often.
• Give way to older pilgrims.
• Keep your space clean; dispose of trash in bins.

Managing Health, Fatigue, and Personal Needs

• Drink plenty of Zamzam and bottled water.
• Snack on dates, nuts, or fruit between rites.
• Rest in shaded zones; do stretches for legs.

Tips for Elderly Women or First-Time Pilgrims

• Book wheelchair service for long distances.
• Stay in a hotel near the Haram if budget allows.
• Do tawaf on upper floors where crowds are lighter.

Read more: How to Perform Umrah with Elderly Parents

FAQs About Umrah for Women

Clear answers to the most asked questions from sisters preparing for their pilgrimage.

Do women have to cut their hair for Umrah? 

Yes, after completing Umrah, women must cut a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip from each end of their hair. It is a required step to complete the Umrah.

How to perform Umrah for women? 

Women perform Umrah almost the same way as men. The main steps include:

1. Wearing Ihram from the Miqat (in regular modest clothing)
2. Making Niyyah (intention) and saying the Talbiyah
3. Tawaf around the Kaaba 7 times
4. Praying 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim
5. Drinking Zamzam water
6. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah (7 rounds)
7. Cutting the hair to end Umrah

Women must stay modest, cover their hair, and avoid pushing or mixing with men during rituals.

Do women need a mahram for Umrah?

This depends on the rules of the country you’re traveling from. Some scholars say a mahram is required, while others allow women to travel in a trusted group without one. As of now, Saudi Arabia allows women to perform Umrah without a mahram if they are part of an organized group or tour.

How Much Hair Should Women Cut After Umrah?

Trim at least a fingertip length from the ends of all hair strands.

Resources for Further Learning

Helpful books, videos, and PDFs to learn more about performing Umrah as a woman.

Downloadable Umrah Guide for Women PDF

Many mosques and travel sites host free, simple PDFs. Search “Umrah guide for women PDF” and pick one from a trusted Islamic center.

Umrah Guide for Women in Urdu

If you prefer Urdu, look for books by Darussalam or local scholars. Video lessons on YouTube also help.

Recommended Books, Blogs, and Scholar Videos

• “How to Perform Umrah Made Easy” by Dr. Bilal Philips
• Vlogs by sisters who share packing tips
• Podcasts from Medina University graduates

Conclusion

A last reminder: every woman can do Umrah with confidence, peace, and purpose. With the right knowledge, good company, and pure intention, every woman can finish Umrah with joy and calm.