The Complete Umrah & Hajj Guide for Women & Families

Introduction & Spiritual Preparation

Performing Umrah (the Minor Pilgrimage) and Hajj (the Fifth Pillar of Islam) are sacred life milestones. For female pilgrims, Islam has blessed sisters with clear, protective, and merciful guidelines. At Madarsa Tus Salikat Lil Banat, our qualified female scholars (Ustadahs) have prepared this definitive guide so you can worship with complete peace of mind, precision, and heartfelt devotion.

1 Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is the sacred intention and state of consecration that you enter before crossing the designated boundary (Meeqat).

• Ghusl & Cleanliness: Take a complete bath (Ghusl) before donning Ihram. It is Sunnah even for menstruating sisters.
• Clothing for Women: Unlike men, women do not wear two unstitched white towels. A woman's Ihram is her ordinary modest Islamic attire (an Abaya or loose Shalwar Kameez) covering her entire body except her face and hands.
• Facial Covering: The face must not be touched directly by cloth in Ihram; however, when non-mahram men pass by, sisters should shade or veil their face without letting the fabric touch the skin directly.
• The Niyyah (Intention): Make the intention in your heart and recite:
  اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي

  "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me."
• The Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah softly (women recite at a gentle whisper, unlike men who recite aloud):
  لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

2 Step 2: Tawaf al-Umrah (7 Circuits around Ka'bah)

Upon arriving in Makkah al-Mukarramah, proceed to the Holy Ka'bah with wudhu and profound reverence.

• Starting Point: Align yourself with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner indicated by the green light. Stop reciting the Talbiyah.
• Istilam: Raise both hands towards Hajar al-Aswad, palms facing the stone, and say: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd" and kiss your palms.
• Circuits: Complete 7 anti-clockwise circuits around the Ka'bah. Women walk calmly at an ordinary pace (no Ramal / brisk walking).
• Rukn al-Yamani: Between the Yamani corner and the Black Stone corner, recite the renowned Quranic dua:
  رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

  "Our Lord, grant us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
• Maqam-e-Ibrahim & Zamzam: Pray 2 Rak'ats behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Haram), followed by drinking blessed Zamzam water facing the Ka'bah.

3 Step 3: Sa'ee between Safa & Marwah

Sa'ee honors the devotion of Sayyidatuna Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her).

• Begin at Mount Safa, face the Ka'bah, praise Allah, make Duas.
• Walk towards Mount Marwah. This constitutes 1 lap. From Marwah back to Safa is lap 2, until you finish 7 laps ending at Marwah.
• Note for Women: The green lights indicate where men jog lightly; women continue walking at their normal calm pace throughout.

4 Step 4: Halq & Taqseer (Exiting Ihram)

• Shaving is Forbidden for Women: While men shave (Halq) or trim, women never shave their heads.
• Method for Women: Gather the hair at the back and cut approximately one fingertip length (approx 1 inch / 2.5 cm) from the bottom.
• Pardah Rule: Ensure this is done inside your hotel room or private ladies' area by yourself, your husband, or a female companion—never in open view of non-mahram men.
• Alhamdulillah: Your Umrah is now complete, and all restrictions of Ihram are lifted!

Special Rulings & Common Questions for Sisters

• Menstruation (Haidh): If menses start before entering Ihram, still make Ghusl, put on Ihram clothes, and make the intention. You can engage in Dhikr, Istighfar, and Salawat. You only delay Tawaf until becoming pure and doing Ghusl.
• Mahram Requirement: According to the classical Hanafi school, a woman traveling for Hajj or Umrah beyond the Safar distance (approx. 48 miles / 78 km) must be accompanied by her husband or an adult trustworthy Mahram.
• Jewelry & Makeup: Scented soaps, perfumes, and cosmetic makeup are prohibited in Ihram. Simple unperfumed hygiene products must be used.