Preparing for Umrah in Ramadan 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan is immense. The reason being Hajj is considered more obligatory. Asking for blessings of the Kaaba and being among thousands of fasting pilgrims. It is of immense spiritual value, and it is equal to doing Hajj with the Prophet (peace be upon him). We brought you an Umrah guide: a plan of action on the conditions and rituals of Umrah, as well as tips on how to do it in the best manner during these blessed days.

Umrah 

Performing Umrah is a journey to the sacred house of Allah; pilgrims should perform the journey with strict rituals and acts of worship. You can do Umrah procedures at any time of the year, except for the five days of Hajj. All Muslims believe in the rituals, but they differ on its obligation status, but at least once for those who are physically and financially well capable. To ensure a smooth spiritual journey, it is important to understand the necessary conditions and rituals of Umrah and follow them correctly.

Umrah procedures

The Saudi Arabia’s  Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is ready to welcome pilgrims for Hajj. And also facilitating pilgrims to book their Umrah trip for Ramadan 2025 on its official website. Bookings for Umrah trip opens from March 2nd to April 2nd, 2025. Visit the official Saudi Arabia visa application website to book your Umrah visa online for your trip. The Umrah visa price is 300 Saudi riyals, and travel packages start from 4,000 to 6,000 riyals almost. The pilgrim must complete all Umrah procedures before their journey starts , and don't miss out on permits through the Nusuk app or the Saudi Visa Platform. Local citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations can visit Saudi Arabia visa-free, by their passport or ID card.

It will be a trouble free Pilgrimage for those who book their roundtrip flights and comfortable stays beforehand. Pilgrims, keep in mind that the stay limit in Saudi Arabia for Umrah is 30 days.

Health guidelines

As a procedure of Umrah, pilgrims must submit a confirming certificate that they have received a meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to Saudi. The Ministry of Saudi suggests pilgrims, especially those who have chronic illnesses, should take in the seasonal flu vaccine at a minimum of two weeks before the trip to Saudi.

Also, The Ministry of Saudi advises to consult a doctor to ensure pilgrims are healthy and physically able to perform the Umrah rituals. Worshipers should drink excess water, eat liquid foods, and use sun umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat.

Umrah rituals

The rites of Umrah follow four main pillars: entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, walking between Safa and Marwa, and either shaving or trimming the hair.

1.Ihram

The ritual starts with entering the ihram at the right time and place, chosen by our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). Ihram means making an intention to begin Umrah, which is the beginning of performing the sacred ritual.

When a pilgrim reaches the place to start their Umrah, it is suggested to clean themselves first by trimming their nails, removing hair from the armpits and private parts, taking a bath, and applying perfume on body (but not on the ihram clothes). After this process, men should wear special white clothing called ihram (rida and izar) with sandals, whereas women can wear modest clothing. Pilgrims should maintain pure intention for Umrah by saying, 'Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah' and continue worshiping the Talbiyah prayer until they reach the Haram (the Sacred Mosque).

2. Tawaf

Tawaf is the prime phase of Umrah, where pilgrims walk seven times around the Kaaba. After reaching the Sacred Mosque, they repeat the word ‘Talbiyah’. After reaching the Black Stone, worshipers try to kiss it, touch it, or simply point in case of overcrowding. The Tawaf procedure starts and ends at the Black Stone, and the Kaaba should be left to worshipers while walking. When pilgrims are about to reach the Black Stone, there is a corner called the Yemeni Corner, where pilgrims can touch if possible but not kiss or point at from a distance. While passing it, they say the prayer: 'Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire'. This process of Tawaf must be performed around the Kaaba by staying outside the area of the Stone of Ismail.

For the final seventh round, pilgrims pray two rak’ahs of Tawaf behind Maqam Ibrahim or any corner in the Grand Mosque if it's too crowded. After that, they can drink Zamzam water and quench their thirst.

3. The Sa'i between Safa and Marwa

After completion of Tawaf, pilgrims reach Safa to begin Sai’i (walking in between Safa and Marwa). and repeat sentences of (Anyone who performs Hajj or Umrah, there will be no blame on them for walking between Safa and Marwa. And whoever follows with good will, Allah will be appreciative and all-knowing.

After this process, pilgrims pray and ask Allah for blessings. Then go for a walk down from Safa and head way to Marwa, and climb on Marwa, which counts as one round. Similarly, pilgrims continue to walk between Safa and Marwa seven times to complete Sa’i.

4. Shaving or shortening Hair

On successful completion of Sa’i, males should either clean shave their heads or trim their hair. Females can cut their hair finger-length from all sides.

By this, the Umrah procedure is completed. Hopefully Allah blesses us all with the opportunity to visit His Sacred House this Ramadan.