Umrah can be performed all year round and is increasingly experienced as a trip. The attire for the ritual remains the ihram, two white sheets, but the stay also requires practical clothing. We guide you on attire, packing, and visiting the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
The essentials
What is Umrah?
Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj. For the ritual, a man wears the ihram, two unstitched white sheets—the izar on the lower body and the rida on the upper body—with his head uncovered and open sandals.
Since Saudi Arabia has simplified access, many people go for Umrah just like taking a trip, sometimes without an agency. The rite itself is short, tawaf around the Kaaba then walking between Safa and Marwa, but the stay often lasts several days, between Mecca and Medina. Hence the importance of properly preparing your outfit and suitcase, beyond just the ihram.
Step by step
The step-by-step guide to Umrah
The Umrah ritual is short and always follows the same order, from entering the ihram to cutting the hair. The tawaf around the Kaaba is its core.
Here are the steps, from the miqat until exiting the state of ihram, as they are performed upon arrival in Mecca.
Entering ihram
Before arriving in Mecca, the man puts on the ihram at the miqat, states the intention for Umrah, and begins the talbiya.
The tawaf around the Kaaba
Once at the Grand Mosque, you walk around the Kaaba seven times in prayer and remembrance of God. It is the heart of the Umrah.
Two units of prayer
After the tawaf, two units of prayer are performed behind Maqam Ibrahim when possible, and then Zamzam water is drunk.
The Sa'i
The distance between the hills of Safa and Marwa is traversed seven times, in memory of Hajar searching for water for her son.
The haircut
We cut our hair, or men shave, which completes the Umrah and ends the state of ihram.
The suitcase
What to pack in your suitcase for Umrah?
In addition to the ihram for the ritual, you’ll want to pack modest, light-colored, and lightweight clothing suitable for the heat—clothes that are easy to wear at the mosque and around town. A lightweight gandoura or djellaba, comfortable sandals, and enough clothes to change into frequently will cover most of your needs.
The climate in Mecca and Medina is hot for much of the year, so it’s best to wear breathable fabrics and light colors. An outfit designed for the pilgrimage works everywhere, from the hotel lobby to the mosque. Also, be sure to bring a pair of sandals that are easy to slip off—since you’ll need to remove your shoes at the entrance to mosques—and a small bag to store them in.
-
SOLD OUT -
-
SOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUT
-
SOLD OUT
-
SOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUT
-
SOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUTSOLD OUT
Ziyara in Mecca
What to visit around Mecca?
Beyond the rites, many take advantage of Umrah to discover the places that marked the history of Islam. These visits are done with respect, as historical landmarks rather than acts of worship.
Here are the main places to see around Mecca, along with what they represent.
The Cave of Hira
At the summit of Jabal al-Nour, that is where the Prophet received the very first revelation of the Quran.
Cave of Thawr
This is where the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid for three days during the Hijra to Medina.
Jannat al-Mu'alla
The oldest cemetery in Mecca, where many key figures of Islamic history are buried, such as Khadija, the wife of the Prophet.
The plains of Mina and Arafat
The historic sites of the Hajj, which can be seen depending on the weather and means.
Ziyarah in Medina
What to visit in Medina?
Medina alone deserves a few days. You pray there at the Prophet's Mosque, then visit several places that tell the story of the beginnings of Islam. The ziyarah of Medina generally takes one to two days.
Here are the main places to see in Medina, along with what they represent.
The Prophet's Mosque
The second most sacred mosque in Islam. It houses the Prophet's tomb and is a priority place of prayer.
The Quba Mosque
The very first mosque in Islam. Praying there after purifying oneself at home is equivalent to the reward of an Umrah.
The Mosque of the Two Qiblas
It recalls the day when the direction of prayer was redirected from Jerusalem to Mecca.
Mount Uhud
The site of the famous battle, which houses the tombs of the martyrs, including Hamza, the Prophet's uncle.
Al-Baqi Cemetery
The large cemetery of Medina, where many companions and relatives of the Prophet rest.
The Al-Khandaq site
Site of the Battle of the Trench. Today, it is home to the historical complex known as the Seven Mosques.
For other occasions
Dressing for other moments of faith
The simplicity of the pilgrimage is reflected in other significant events, such as the Hajj, Eid al-Fitr, or Friday prayers; each occasion has its own customs.
We've put together guides dedicated to every moment, to help you choose the right outfit at the right time.
The right outfit at the right time
For Umrah as for the rest of the year, each Jabador.com piece is embroidered and sewn in Morocco by artisans. Choose an outfit that reflects who you are and wear it with pride, wherever you may be.
Discover men's clothingYou wonder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ihram clothing for a man for Umrah?
For the ritual, it is the ihram, two unstitched white sheets, the izar on the bottom and the rida on the top, head uncovered and open sandals. For the rest of the stay, modest and lightweight clothing is worn.
Can you perform Umrah all year round?
Yes. Unlike Hajj, which takes place at a specific time, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. This is one of the reasons for its growing popularity.
What to pack in your suitcase for Umrah?
Ihram for the ritual, then light, bright outfits for the heat, easy to wear to the mosque. A djellaba for the Umrah, comfortable sandals and a change of clothes.
What places to visit during an Umrah?
Around Mecca, the Hira cave and the Thawr cave. In Medina, the Prophet's Mosque, the Quba Mosque, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, Mount Uhud, and the Al-Baqi cemetery.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed year-round, with shorter rites. The Hajj is the major pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, performed at a specific time over several days.