Ihram & Miqat

The Miqat is a fixed boundary that a pilgrim must not cross without first entering the sacred state of Ihram otherwise a penalty will be due on them. This state marks the official start of your Umrah journey and is accompanied by specific rituals and intentions. Below are the essential steps to follow before and after reaching the Miqat.

Prepare for Ihram (Intention and Clothing)

1. Before reaching the Miqat (designated boundary for pilgrims), Wear Ihram garments:
   
   • Men: Two white unstitched cloths (one for lower body, one for upper body). Men should wear slippers/sandals which expose the tarsal bone/mid-foot area where there is a protruding bone.
   • Women: Modest loose-fitting clothing dress that meets Islamic guidelines (Like an abaya, scarf, gloves, socks and shoes). There is no prescribed colour or special dress for women.

   Note: The face must not have anything touching it physically for women. However, she can cover the face with a cap fitted with a veil hanging over the cap as not to touch the face if she prefers to.

2. Pray two rakats of salah (optional, but recommended).
3. Make niyyah (intention) in your heart to enter into the state of Ihram
   After completing the Nafl prayer, both men and women must make the intention for Umrah. It is recommended (mustahabb) that you make the intention verbally, as well as reiterating it internally.
   
   Following are three examples of intentions that may be uttered in Arabic:
   • لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
     Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
     O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
   • اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
     Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrah.
     O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.
   • اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
     Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
     O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
4. Begin reciting Talbiyah:
   Talbiyah is the pilgrim’s answer to Allah’s call to Umrah. After making your niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah to validate your intention and enter into the state of Ihram. The utterance of the Talbiyah is wajib according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it a sunnah.

   لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
   Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
   “At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.”

   ** Talbiyah at least once to validate your Umrah. And continue repeating the Talbiyah throughout your journey to Makkah

After the Talbiyah: Send Salawat and Make Du’a

• Send Salawat (peace and blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• Make personal du’a for ease, forgiveness, health, and blessings
• Continue reciting the Talbiyah until you reach any entrance of Masjid al-Haram

Prohibitions in Ihram:

• Sins
• Foul language, fighting, quarrelling
• All forms of intimacy with one’s spouse
• Wearing day to day clothes like Jubbah, shirt, trousers, t-shirts, hats etc. for men
• Using perfume and fragrances
• Removal of body hair - to comb, pluck, trim or cut the beard hair
• Clipping the nails
• Wearing footwear covering the shoe-lace area
• For a male to cover the head with something touching the head
• For a female to let a cloth cover her face in a manner it is touching her face
• To hunt or help in hunting
• To kill lice
• Cut or damage grass, trees or any other type of vegetation.
• Harm or kill wild animals. This includes scaring away pigeons and other birds.

Note: Ihram is not just clothing — it is a sacred spiritual condition that includes behavioral restrictions and a mindset of humility before Allah.

Practical tips for Ihram:

• If you’re travelling to Makkah via Jeddah on an airline, it is advisable to get changed into your Ihram at home or the airport before departure or during a stopover if you have one.
• At the airport, you can check in first and get changed in the prayer room or bathroom.
• Alternatively, you can put on your Ihram in-flight although bear in mind that aeroplane bathrooms are usually very limited in space, and there may well be a rush of people intending to do the same thing as the Miqat approaches. If you decide to change into your Ihram attire on the plane, do so at least an hour before the Miqat is crossed. Opting to get changed mid-flight is the least recommended option.
• If you’re going to Madinah before Makkah, you don’t need to enter into the state of Ihram and may wear regular clothing during your stay there. Before leaving for Makkah, you should don the Ihram at your hotel in Madinah or the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah.
• Keep your Ihram cloths (and sandals etc) in your hand luggage if you intend to wear it at a transit airport or on the plane.
• If you change mid-flight, wear the bottom half of the Ihram beforehand and top half on the plane; or wear it all beforehand.

Upon Entering Makkah: Recite the Talbiyah and This Du’a

The city of Makkah should be entered with humbleness with the heart fully conscious of the grandeur of Almighty Allah. It is not a sight-seeing trip. As you enter the holy city of Makkah, constantly recite the Talbiyah, do dhikr and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Recital of the following du’a is recommended upon entering the Haram:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ

Allahumma hadha haramuka wa amnuka fa-harrimni ‘ala-n-Nar, wa amminni min ‘adhabika yawma tab’athu ‘ibadak, wa-j‘alni min awliya’ika wa ahli ta’atika.

O Allah, this is Your sacred sanctuary and safety. Protect me from the Hellfire. Shield me from Your punishment on the Day of Judgment. Make me one of Your loyal allies and devoted servants.

Tawaf

Tawaf is the act of circumambulation the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. It is one of the fundamental rituals of Umrah and must be performed with care and devotion. Below are the key conditions and step-by-step instructions to complete your Tawaf correctly.

Conditions for a Valid Tawaf

• Perform the Tawaf yourself (no proxy).
• Make the intention (niyyah), even if silently.
• Perform it inside Masjid al-Haram.
• Be in a state of Wudhu (ablution) and free from major impurity (e.g., menstruation).
• Men should uncover their right shoulder by bringing the top Ihram cloth under the right arm and placing it over the left shoulder. This is known as Idtiba’.
• Men must not cover their heads during Tawaf.
• Cover the ‘Awrah (private parts) properly.
• Start from the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).
• Walk in an anti-clockwise direction.
• Avoid walking through the Hatim (the semi-circular area outside the Kaaba).
• Walk on foot unless physically unable.
• Complete seven full circuits.

Steps of Tawaf:

1. Enter Masjid al-Haram with right foot and recite the du’a for entering the mosque.
2. Proceed to the Kaaba, uncover your right shoulder (for men - called Idtiba‘).
3. Face the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) and make niyyah for Tawaf.
4. Begin Tawaf:
   • Start from the Black Stone.
   • Walk 7 counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba.
   • Kiss, touch, or point to the Black Stone each time you pass it (if possible).
   • Men: Jog lightly during the first three circuits (Ramal), then walk normally.
5. After 7 circuits, cover your shoulder again (men).
6. After completing all 7 rounds: Pray 2 Rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. If crowded, pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram, but do not block Tawaf paths.
7. After 2 rakat Salah It is recommended (Mustahab) to drink Zam Zam water with intention and gratitude.

Detailed Explanation of Some points of Tawaf:

1) Enter the Haram

It is sunnah to enter Masjid al-Haram via Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). This may not be possible as the authorities have designated entrances to the mosque for pilgrims performing Umrah. Proceed through one of these entrances. When entering Masjid al-Haram:

• Step in with your right foot first
• Proceed to the Ka’bah not as a tourist but as a servant with utmost humbleness.
• This is a very sacred place and time for the acceptance of Du’a.

Either or both of these supplications may be recited:

بِسْمِ اللهِ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ ❁

“Bismillah, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, Allahumma-ghfir li wa-ftah li abwaba rahmatik.”

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ ❁ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ ❁ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ❁

Aʿūdhu bi-Llāhi l-aẓīm, wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm, mina sh-shayṭāni r-rajīm.

Notes:

• Don’t perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid if you intend to; your Tawaf will suffice as the “greeting” for Masjid al-Haram.
• If you don’t have the intention of performing Tawaf immediately, you may perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
• In Masjid al-Haram, it is permissible for anyone to walk across those performing salah. However, their place of prostration should be avoided.

First Glance at the Kaaba: Lower Your Gaze and Make Du’a

• Keep your gaze lowered out of humility
• When near the Kaaba, raise your eyes in awe and reverence
• Make a deep, heartfelt du’a with your hands raised

Important: The first sight of the Kaaba is a moment when du’as are accepted. Don’t forget to include Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Tips:

• Reach a place where the Ka’bah is clearly visible and which is not obstructing others so you can spend time in making Du’a.
• You may be able to see the Ka’bah from King Abdul Aziz Gate, so keep that in mind for when you make your first glance.

It’s a sunnah to recite the following du’as:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ ❁

Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa Llāh.

اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً ❁ وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً ❁

Allāhumma zid hādha l-bayta tashrīfan wa taʿẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu aw iʿtamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa taʿẓīman wa birrā.

اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ ❁ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ ❁ حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ ❁

Allāhumma anta s-salām, wa minka s-salām, ḥayyinā rabbanā bi s-salām.

2) 7 Circuits Around Ka’ba

Ensure you’re in a state of wudhu, and if you’re a male, uncover your right shoulder by passing the top sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit, allowing the garment to hang over your left shoulder (Idtiba).

Starting Point

Position yourself in line with the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is situated. This corner is the one that faces a single minaret (the other three corners face two minarets). There is a green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba, which indicates where the Tawaf starts from. This is the starting point of each shawt (circuit). Stand just before this starting point facing the Kaaba.

Intention

As with any other act of worship, make the niyyah to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. You may also ask for acceptance and ease of your Tawaf.

Start the Tawaf

Tawaf is a fundamental and compulsory ritual of Umrah, It consists of seven anti-clockwise circuits, beginning at the corner where the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is located.

Pilgrims should begin each circuit by performing Istilam—facing the Hajar al-Aswad and either kissing it, touching it, or gesturing toward it from afar—while saying, “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu Akbar” (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ). If direct access to the stone isn’t possible, it is sufficient to perform Istilam from a distance by raising the hands as if beginning prayer and facing the stone.

As you commence the first circuit, ensure that the Kaaba remains on your left side, and proceed in an anti-clockwise direction. A key detail to remember is to avoid walking through the semi-circular area known as the Hatim. This space is considered part of the Kaaba itself, and walking through it invalidates the circuit, which would then need to be repeated.

Men observing Tawaf are encouraged to perform Raml during the first three circuits—a Sunnah act involving brisk walking with exaggerated arm and leg movements, and with the chest slightly thrust forward. However, this should only be done when it does not endanger or inconvenience other pilgrims, particularly during crowded times near the Kaaba. In high-density situations, it is better to refrain from Raml to maintain safety and respect for fellow worshippers.

Throughout Tawaf, pilgrims are encouraged to engage in prayers and supplications. There is no fixed set of du’as that must be recited, allowing each person to pray in their preferred language and in a way that comes from the heart. This spiritual moment is an opportunity for personal connection with Allah, so sincerity takes precedence over form.

If you wish to use Qur’anic or prophetic supplications, it is ideal to memorize them and understand their meanings, rather than reciting from a book without comprehension. Additionally, reciting verses from the Qur’an and sending Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are both commendable practices during Tawaf.

As you approach the Rukn al-Yamani, the corner just before the Hajar al-Aswad, attempt to touch it with your hand(s) and say “Allāhu Akbar” if it is accessible. If not, continue without any gesture or verbal Takbir. Between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad, it is Sunnah to recite the following du’a:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ❁

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Imam Shafi’i recommended repeating this supplication throughout the entire Tawaf.

Each time you return to the Hajar al-Aswad marks the completion of one circuit. You should then begin the next by performing Istilam again. In total, you will perform Istilam eight times—once before starting Tawaf and then at the end of each of the seven circuits.

Tawaf should be completed without interruption. However, if a congregational prayer begins during your Tawaf, it is mandatory to join the prayer. After the prayer concludes, you may resume your Tawaf from the exact spot where you paused, and you do not need to repeat the disrupted circuit. The same rule applies if your wudhu (ablution) breaks and needs to be renewed.

Finally, if you are in a state of Idtiba—which involves draping the upper cloth of the Ihram under the right arm and over the left shoulder—make sure to maintain this throughout the Tawaf.

Performing Tawaf correctly and with a mindful heart is not only a physical act of worship but also a deeply spiritual one. With sincere intention and attention to these essential guidelines, you can fulfill this sacred rite in a manner that is both valid and spiritually rewarding.

3) Istilam (Kissing The Hajar Al-Aswad)

Istilam (Arabic: استلام) is the act of kissing Hajar al-Aswad or gesturing towards it at the beginning and at the end of each circuit of the Kaaba during the rite of Tawaf.

Although kissing the Hajar al-Aswad is very virtuous, it’s almost impossible to reach it. Don’t harm others around you in an attempt to get to it.

The method of performing Istilam is as follows:

Kissing

If you reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” and kiss it lightly. Some scholars have said it is preferable to kiss it three times if you have the chance.

Notes

• Avoid placing your forehead on Hajar al-Aswad as it wasn’t a practice of Rasulullah ﷺ.
• If possible, avoid touching the silver surrounding Hajar al-Aswad.

Touching

If you’re in reaching distance but unable to kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and kiss your hand(s).

Saluting

If it isn’t possible to reach the stone, as is likely to be the case, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by directly facing the Hajar al-Aswad and raising your hands up to your earlobes (as you would do when starting salah). Ensure your palms are also facing it, as though your face and hands are on the Hajar al-Aswad, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms if you wish.

If you decide to attempt to kiss or touch the Hajar al-Aswad, it is important to be aware that the experience can be intense. Due to the large number of people gathered around it, there is often a significant amount of pushing and shoving, which can potentially lead to injuries. It is nearly impossible to reach the Hajar al-Aswad without having to force your way through people vying to reach the sacred stone. Therefore, it’s recommended you remain safe and perform Istilam by saluting.

4) 2 Rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim

Upon finishing the Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs of salah, preferably in a position where Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. These two Rakat are Wajib. But according to scholars like Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad: If missed or forgotten, the Umrah is still valid.

However, keep in mind that since Maqam Ibrahim is situated within the mataf, there is often nowhere for pilgrims performing Tawaf to move except around and almost over the top of those praying just beyond Maqam Ibrahim, resulting in a great deal of congestion. If it isn’t possible to perform the prayer there due to crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“It is not essential to pray them behind Maqam Ibrahim. If someone forgets, it does not affect the validity of their Tawaf.”

While moving to the place where you intend to perform the two rak’ahs, it is recommended to audibly recite the following:

وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى

Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.

And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of salah.

It is sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, after Surah al-Fatiha. Make sure you make plenty of du’a after completing the prayer.

The 2 Rak’ah should not be performed in the Makruh times for Salah.
These times are: After the Fajr prayer, at sunrise, at zenith, after the Asr prayer and at sunset.

5) Zam Zam water

Zam Zam water (ماء زمزم) holds special significance in Islam, providing both spiritual and physical sustenance. It is recommended to drink it with intention and gratitude.

After completing salah and making du’a, drink your fill of Zamzam water, which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The entrance to the old well of Zamzam has been covered to allow for more room to do Tawaf.

Before drinking the Zamzam water, make an intention that its consumption will be a means of fulfilling your wishes, whether that is good health, success in this world, or protection from the tribulations of the grave. When drinking the water, it is mustahabb to stand and face the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body.

Before drinking, You may recite the following du’a:

(اللهم إني أسألك علمًا نافعًا ورزقًا طيبًا وعملًا متقبلًا)

“Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilm al-naafi’ wa rizqan tayyiban wa ‘amal al-mutakabbir.”

(O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds).

Introduction to Sa’i

Sa’i (سعي) is an essential part of Umrah and Hajj, symbolizing the search for water by Hajar (حاجر), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (إبراهيم) and mother of Isma’il (إسماعيل). It involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Steps for Performing Sa’i:

After finishing the Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and praying the two Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim, you are ready to begin Sa’i. It is a sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, although you may take a break if necessary. If you feel tired after Tawaf or your feet are aching, you may rest until you feel ready. Remember, you will cover over three kilometres during Sa’i, so ensure you have sufficient energy to complete the rite before starting.

Steps:

1. Go to Safa hill and face the Kaaba. Raise your hands, and make any personal supplications or dua.
2. It is recommended to say: Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ..
3. It is sunnah to recite the following: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله (Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.)
4. Make du’a, then descend toward Marwah.
5. No fixed dhikr or du’a has been prescribed to be read during Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
6. Between the green lights, men run briskly; women walk normally.
7. At Marwah, face the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication and repeat the same supplications you recited at Safa.
8. This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa is considered a second lap.
9. Repeat this back and forth 7 times, ending at Marwah.
10. It is recommended that you make a final du’a here and perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i.
11. Your Sa’i concludes once you reach Marwah for the seventh time. Now Leave the Haram for Halaq/Taqsir.

As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following du’a, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ

Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.

In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.

Halaq/Taqsir (Hair Cutting or Trimming)

After completing the Sa’i, you must proceed to the hair cutting or trimming stage.

For Men:

It is recommended to shave the head entirely (Halaq) or to trim (at least an inch) the hair evenly. Shaving the head is preferred as it symbolizes humility and devotion.

For Women:

A small portion of hair (about a fingertip's length) from the ends is cut as a symbolic act. Women should avoid shaving their heads.

Exit Ihram:

After cutting or trimming the hair, you are now officially out of the state of Ihram. The restrictions associated with Ihram are lifted, allowing you to resume normal activities.

Final Dua:

Raise your hands and make a final dua, thanking Allah for the opportunity to perform this sacred act. This is a moment of gratitude and reflection.

Completion of Umrah

After trimming/shaving hair, Umrah is complete, and you may change out of Ihram. You are now allowed to resume normal activities.

Additional Umrah

Note: If you intend to perform an additional Umrah later on, you must assume Ihram outside the boundary of the Haram before going back to Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah. Many choose to enter into Ihram at Masjid Aisha, which is the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Transportation to get there is available near the mosque.

General Points to Remember

• Duration: Umrah can typically be completed in 1–3 hours.
• Du’as: You may make any personal supplications in your own language.
• Ihram & Tawaf is Fardh (obligatory) for Umrah.
• 2 Rakah salah after Tawaf, Sa’i & Halaq/Taqsir (shaving/trimming) are Wajib (mandatory) for Umrah.
• Ritual purity (Taharah) is required for the validity of Tawaf, meaning one must be in a state of wudu. Wudu isn’t necessary for Sa’i but recommended.
• If doing Umrah during Hajj season, special rules apply.
• Talbiyah at least once to validate your Umrah.
• Avoid walking through the semi-circular area known as the Hatim in Tawaf time. This space is considered part of the Kaaba itself, and walking through it invalidates the circuit, which would then need to be repeated.