The Day Checklist (Save This)

Step 1 Enter Ihram before Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state that begins when you make intention before crossing Miqat If you are flying from the UK your Miqat may be during the flight so prepare early Keep your Ihram items accessible and set a simple reminder

While in Ihram avoid fragrance avoid cutting hair or nails and avoid marital intimacy until Umrah is completed

Men wear two unstitched cloths for Ihram and do not cover the head
Women wear normal modest clothing and avoid fragrance

Step 2 Tawaf seven circuits around the Kabah

Go to the Mataaf area and begin from the Black Stone line area Keep the Kabah on your left and complete seven full circuits

What is required
Complete seven circuits in the correct direction

What is optional
Touching or kissing the Black Stone
Staying close to the Kabah in heavy crowds
Specific scripted duas per circuit

How to keep it smooth in crowds
If it is busy go wider because it is often faster and safer
Do not stop in the flow unless you must
Use one counting method so you do not lose your place

Simple counting method
Start with circuit one the moment you begin from the start line
Finish circuit seven when you return to the start line the seventh time

Step 3 Pray two rakahs after Tawaf

After Tawaf pray two rakahs If you can pray near Maqam Ibrahim do so If it is crowded pray anywhere in the Haram The key is to pray without blocking paths and without turning it into a long stop

Step 4 Drink Zamzam and make dua

Drink Zamzam and make dua Keep it sincere and simple Short dua is fine Do not create a long pause in a crowded area If needed step aside calmly then continue

Step 5 Sai seven lengths between Safa and Marwah

Go to Safa to start and walk to Marwah This is length one Then return to Safa as length two Continue until you complete seven lengths and finish at Marwah

Sai counting rule
One is Safa to Marwah
Two is Marwah to Safa
Three is Safa to Marwah
Four is Marwah to Safa
Five is Safa to Marwah
Six is Marwah to Safa
Seven is Safa to Marwah and you finish at Marwah

Men note
Some men jog lightly between the green markers if it is safe If crowded walk normally

Step 6 Haircut or trim to complete Umrah

This step completes Umrah

Men choose one
Shave the head
Or shorten the hair

Women
Trim a small fingertip length from the ends of the hair

Do this step promptly after Sai so you exit Ihram and reduce stress

Step 7 Exit Ihram and return to normal routine

After the haircut or trim Ihram restrictions end Men can change into normal clothing Resume your normal personal routine within Islamic guidelines If you are continuing your trip keep your plan simple and protect rest and hydration

Fast fixes if something goes wrong

If you lose count in Tawaf or Sai
Stop briefly and calm down
Return to the last number you are fully sure about
Continue from there
Do not restart everything unless you truly have no idea

If you get separated from your group
Agree a meeting point before you start such as a specific gate number or a clear landmark
Finish your current circuit calmly
Then regroup at the meeting point
Keep one contact pinned on WhatsApp

If crowds feel too intense
Move outward to a less dense area
Prioritise safety and completion over being close to the Kabah
Skip optional acts that cause pushing or stopping

If you are travelling with elders or children
Choose calmer times where possible
Use a steady pace
Build in rest and water breaks
Plan door to door time not just ritual time