cost guidesOfficial Reference (Nusuk / MoHU)
How to Perform Umrah: Tawaf, Sa'i & Tahallul Step-by-Step Guide (2026/2027)
Reviewed by Editorial Board & Islamic Scholars ConsultationPublished: August 16, 2026 • Updated: August 18, 2026 15 min read
Verified 2026/2027 Data
Quick Answer & Key Summary
Umrah consists of four essential pillars: 1) Entering Ihram at the Miqat with sincere Niyyah and Talbiyah, 2) Performing 7 circuits of Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba, 3) Performing 7 laps of Sa'i between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and 4) Tahallul (Halq for men shaving/trimming hair, Taqsir for women trimming one fingertip length).
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- •Pillar 1: Ihram must be assumed before crossing the designated Miqat boundary.
- •Pillar 2: Tawaf consists of 7 anti-clockwise circuits starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner.
- •Pillar 3: Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah, spanning a total distance of approximately 2.8 kilometers across 7 laps.
- •Pillar 4: Tahallul concludes the state of Ihram and lifts all sacred prohibitions.
Interactive Dynamic Tool for This Guide
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Umrah Cost Calculator & Budget Estimator
Model your entire pilgrimage budget with transparent formulas, distance-based hotel pricing, Haramain train tariffs, and live currency rates.
1
Published Market BenchmarkOrigin Country & Travel Season
Common route: Karachi / Lahore / Islamabad → Jeddah / Madinah (Direct or Gulf transit)
Moderate weather, steady pilgrim flow, standard baseline pricing.
2
2 Person(s) · 14 NightsTravelers & Nights Split
Adults (12+ yr)
2
Children (2–11 yr)
0
Infants (<2 yr)
0
Total Trip Nights14 Nights
3 Nights (Weekend)10 Nights (Standard)14 Nights (2-Week)30 Nights (Extended)
3
Hotel Preference & Room Allocation
Distance: 450m – 900m or quick hotel shuttle
Distance: 300m – 700m (Southern / Western Central Area)
(Rec: 1)
4
Transportation & Airfare
300 km/h bullet train between Jeddah Airport, Makkah, and Madinah (2 hours 20 mins intercity). Modern, punctual, comfortable.
(~$493)
5
Food, Visa & Safety Contingency
Estimated Total Budget2 pax · 14 nts
$4,063
≈ 15,235 SAR (1 SAR ≈ 0.267 USD)
Per Person$2,032
Daily Average$290/day
📊Expense Distribution7 Categories
Budget Split100%USD
Itemized Tariff Summary
✈️ Flights$987
🏨 Hotels (9M / 5M)$1,291
🚆 Local Transport & Transfers$237
🍽️ Food & Meals$635
📑 Visa, Insurance & Admin$283
🛍️ Shopping, SIM & Essentials$261
🛡️ Contingency Reserve (10%)$369
Calculation Transparency
Estimate based on 1 room(s), 2 adult(s), 14 nights during standard. Actual booking rates vary by dates, availability, and foreign transaction fees.
The 4 Essential Pillars of the Umrah Pilgrimage
Performing Umrah is a profoundly transformative spiritual journey. Unlike the multi-day encampments of Hajj, Umrah can be completed within 2 to 4 hours inside Masjid al-Haram. The pilgrimage consists of four sequential pillars:
- 1Ihram (Sacred State & Intention): Entering the consecrated state with physical purification (Ghusl), donning unstitched white sheets for men and modest attire for women, reciting the Niyyah (Labbayk Allahumma Umrah), and chanting the Talbiyah continuously until reaching the Kaaba.
- 2Tawaf al-Umrah: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, beginning from the alignment line of the Black Stone.
- 3Sa'i between Safa and Marwah: Walking seven laps across the Mas'a corridor, commemorating Lady Hajar's desperate search for water for infant Prophet Ismail (AS).
- 4Tahallul (Deconsecration): Shaving or trimming the hair to officially exit the state of Ihram.
Tawaf Practical Walkthrough: Timing, Levels & Duas
Choosing Your Tawaf Level in the Mataf
Masjid al-Haram offers multiple levels for performing Tawaf:
- •Ground Floor (Mataf Courtyard): Reserved exclusively for pilgrims in Ihram. Circle distance is the shortest (~1.4 km total for 7 laps), taking 35 to 55 minutes during normal traffic.
- •First & Second Floor Galleries: Accessible for non-Ihram dress and elderly pilgrims. Wider circumference (~3.5 km total), taking 70 to 100 minutes.
- •Roof Level: Cool breeze during night prayers; magnificent elevated views of the Kaaba.
- •Elevated Electric Cart Track: Reserved for disabled and elderly pilgrims on the mezzanine floor (SAR 57.50 single / SAR 115 double per cart).
Practical Tips for Tawaf
- •Idtiba (Men Only): Uncover the right shoulder during Tawaf by passing the upper sheet (Rida) under the right armpit and over the left shoulder.
- •Raml (Men Only): Walk briskly with small strides during the first three circuits if space safely allows.
- •Yamani Corner to Black Stone Dua: Recite Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-aakhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone.
Sa'i Practical Guide: Safa, Marwah & Green Lights
Mas'a Structure and Distance
- •The corridor connecting Mount Safa and Mount Marwah is 400 meters long.
- •7 laps equal 2.8 kilometers (1.74 miles).
- •Lap 1: Safa → Marwah
- •Lap 2: Marwah → Safa
- •Lap 3: Safa → Marwah
- •Lap 4: Marwah → Safa
- •Lap 5: Safa → Marwah
- •Lap 6: Marwah → Safa
- •Lap 7: Safa → Marwah (Concludes at Marwah).
Between the two green fluorescent marker lights, men are encouraged to jog/run lightly (Harwalah), following the Sunnah. Women maintain their regular walking pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, after completing your first Umrah and Tahallul, you can travel to Masjid Aisha (Tan'im) ~7km from the Haram to re-enter the state of Ihram and perform another Umrah for deceased relatives or parents.