Umrah for Women – Rules, Dress Code, and Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to perform Umrah this year? Great news women now have more flexibility and options than ever before. With updated Saudi regulations, female pilgrims can easily join family groups or women-only Umrah tours, making the journey safer and more accessible.

This guide explains everything you need to know about how to perform Umrah for women including Ihram rules, dress code, Mahram requirements, and a complete step-by-step process for performing the pilgrimage. Whether you’re travelling from Pakistan or abroad, this detailed guide will help you prepare confidently for a peaceful and fulfilling Umrah journey.n.

How to perform Umrah for Ladies : Step By Step Guide

Umrah consists of four essential rituals: entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, completing Sa’i, and doing Taqsir. The process is identical for men and women, with specific modesty-related differences.

Step 1: Preparation Before Travel

Spiritual Preparation:

• Renew your intention (niyyah) sincerely for Allah’s sake
• Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) before entering Ihram
• Learn the essential duas and supplications

Documentation & Health:

• Ensure your Umrah visa is valid
• Carry vaccination certificates (Meningitis required)
• Keep passport copies and emergency contacts accessible
• Complete all medical clearances if pregnant or elderly

 Important Note: Women experiencing menstruation can enter Ihram but must postpone Tawaf until achieving ritual purity.

Step 2: Entering Ihram at Miqat

The Miqat is the designated boundary where you must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding to Makkah.

How to Enter Ihram:

1. Wear your Ihram clothing (details below)
2. Make the intention specifically for Umrah
3. Recite the Talbiyah softly: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah”
4. Continue reciting Talbiyah until you begin Tawaf

Flight Miqat Guidance:

Pro Tip: Airlines announce Miqat crossing. Change into Ihram attire in the lavatory approximately 45 minutes before the announcement to avoid rush.

Prohibitions After Entering Ihram:

• No perfume, scented soap, or cosmetics
• No cutting hair or nails
• No tight-fitting or revealing clothing
• Maintain the state until completing Umrah

Step 3: Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba

Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, proceed to perform Tawaf.

How to Perform Tawaf:

1. Enter through any gate with your right foot first
2. Begin at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) with right shoulder toward the Kaaba
3. Complete seven counter-clockwise circuits
4. Walk at a comfortable, modest pace—women do not run or jog
5. Recite duas and dhikr throughout; avoid taking photos

After Tawaf:

• Pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (if crowded, pray anywhere in the Haram)
• Drink Zamzam water with supplication

Step 4: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

Sa’i commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail (peace be upon them).

How to Perform Sa’i:

1. Begin at Safa hill, facing the Kaaba
2. Walk gently to Marwah (one lap)
3. Return from Marwah to Safa (second lap)
4. Complete seven laps total
5. Women walk at a normal pace—no jogging required, even between the green markers
6. Make dhikr and personal duas throughout

Step 5: Taqsir – Hair Trimming

The final ritual to exit Ihram is trimming the hair.

How to Perform Taqsir:

• Trim approximately 1-2 cm (fingertip length) from all sections of your hair
• Ensure you cut from multiple areas, not just one spot
• Use clean scissors; some hotels provide this service
• Men shave or trim; women only trim

Common Mistake: Cutting from only one section—trim evenly from different parts of your head.

Step 6: Completion

After Taqsir, Umrah for women is successfully completed, now exit Ihram. Offer two rak’ahs of gratitude and make heartfelt duas. You may now resume normal activities.

 Quick Summary:
Niyyah → Ihram at Miqat → Tawaf (7 circuits) → 2 Rak’ahs → Sa’i (7 laps) → Taqsir → Tahallul

Umrah Dress for Women – Dress Code & Practical Guidelines

Unlike men who wear two white unstitched cloths, women have flexibility in their Ihram attire provided modesty is maintained.

Permissible Ihram Clothing

What Women Can Wear:

• Any loose-fitting abaya or modest dress that doesn’t reveal body shape
• Colors: White, black, beige, or any solid color (no specific color requirement)
• Simple headscarf (hijab) covering all hair completely
• Regular undergarments and clothing

Face and Hands:

• Face and hands MUST remain uncovered (no niqab or gloves allowed)
• However, you may drape a scarf loosely over your face without it touching the skin
• Hands must be bare—no gloves of any kind

What Is Prohibited in Ihram

 Avoid These:

• Niqab (face veil) or burqa
• Gloves of any type
• Perfumed garments, scented lotions, or makeup
• Clothing that is tight, transparent, or revealing

Practical Ihram Tips

Fabric Selection:

• Choose breathable cotton or light jersey material
• Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat
• Bring a lightweight abaya for hot weather and a thicker one for air-conditioned areas

Hygiene Products:

• Use only unscented soap, wipes, and deodorant
• Unscented moisturizer is permissible
• Avoid all fragranced products including lip balm

Airport & Flight Tips:

• Many women change into Ihram at the airport or on the plane
• Keep Ihram clothing in carry-on luggage
• Use airplane lavatories approximately 45 minutes before Miqat announcement

We’ve prepared a full, printable guide for you here:

 Umrah Packing Checklist for Women

Mahram Rules – Islamic Fiqh vs Saudi Law (2025 Update)

One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the requirement of a Mahram (male guardian) for women performing Umrah.

Saudi Arabia’s Official Policy (2025)

Current Regulations:

• Women aged 18 and above may perform Umrah without a Mahram
• Must travel with a licensed tour group or registered organization
• Tourist visas allow independent travel for Umrah purposes
• No requirement for written permissions from male guardians

Islamic Scholarly Opinions

Majority Fiqh Position: The four major schools recommend a Mahram accompany women on long journeys as a protection and safety measure.

Permissive Scholarly View: Some scholars permit women to travel without a Mahram when:

• The journey is safe and well-organized
• Women travel in trustworthy groups
• No Mahram is available and the religious obligation remains

Practical Guidance:

• Respect both legal permissions and religious recommendations
• If traveling without a Mahram, choose reputable tour operators like KSA Travels
• Travel in groups whenever possible
• Keep family informed of your complete itinerary

Documentation Recommendations

 Carry authorization letter from your tour company
Emergency contact information for family
Hotel booking confirmations near Haram
Return flight details

 Special Situations for Women

Menstruation During Umrah

What You Can Do:

• Enter Ihram (your Ihram remains valid)
• Recite dhikr and make dua
• Attend lectures and educational programs
• Stay in all areas except the Tawaf area

What You Must Postpone:

• Tawaf around the Kaaba
• Sa’i between Safa and Marwah (in most scholarly opinions)

How to Complete:

• Wait until you achieve ritual purity
• Perform Ghusl
• Complete the remaining rituals before leaving Saudi Arabia

Many women extend their stay by 1-2 days to ensure completion. Consult with your tour operator about flexible arrangements.

Pregnancy and Umrah

Safety Considerations:

• Consult your obstetrician before traveling
• Most women safely perform Umrah during the second trimester
• Request wheelchair assistance for Tawaf and Sa’i
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks

Medical Essentials:

• Carry prenatal vitamins and prescribed medications
• Keep your doctor’s contact information accessible
• Inform your tour guide about your condition

Women in Iddah (Waiting Period)

Women observing the waiting period after divorce or widowhood cannot travel for Umrah until the Iddah completes. This is a religious obligation that supersedes travel plans.

Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims

Available Services:

• Wheelchair service (free at the Haram)
• Designated wheelchair paths for Tawaf and Sa’i
• Golf carts for transport within the Haram complex
• Hotels with accessibility features near Haram gates

Book accommodations close to the Haram to minimize walking distance.

 Footwear & Comfort Tips

Selecting appropriate shoes is crucial for the extensive walking involved in Umrah.

Best Footwear Options

Recommended:

• Flat, cushioned sandals with arch support
• Slip-on style for easy removal before prayer
• Closed-toe comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight sports sandals with back strap

Avoid:

• High heels or platform shoes
• Plastic flip-flops that cause blisters
• Brand new shoes (break them in first)
• Shoes with complicated straps or buckles

Comfort Essentials

Foot Care:

• Bring blister plasters and moleskin pads
• Carry extra socks for warmth during Fajr
• Apply anti-chafing balm before long walks
• Soak feet in warm water after rituals

Walking Tips:

• Take regular breaks during Sa’i
• Use the second or third floor for less crowded Tawaf
• Walk during non-peak hours when possible

 Solo Women & Safety – Traveling Alone for Umrah

Saudi Arabia has made significant improvements in safety and infrastructure, making it increasingly feasible for women to travel independently or in women-only groups.

Legal Safety in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Enhanced Security Measures:

• 24/7 security presence throughout Haram areas
• CCTV surveillance across Makkah and Madinah
• Tourist police specifically trained to assist pilgrims
• Women’s designated areas and facilities

Practical Safety Guidelines

Before You Travel:

• Register with a licensed Umrah operator like KSA Travels
• Share your complete itinerary with family
• Enable real-time location sharing (WhatsApp, Google Maps)
• Keep digital and physical copies of all documents

Accommodation Safety:

• Book women-friendly or family hotels near the Haram
• Choose well-reviewed properties with 24-hour security
• Request rooms on middle floors (not ground level)
• Use hotel safes for valuables and documents

Transportation Safety:

• Use official Uber/Careem services or hotel transportation
• Avoid unmarked taxis or accepting rides from strangers
• Travel with your group whenever possible
• Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone

Essential Items:

• Cross-body pouch for Umrah permit and ID
• Portable phone charger
• Emergency contact card in Arabic and English
• Small first-aid kit

Explore: Women-Friendly Umrah Packages from Pakistan – designed for safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment.

 Common Mistakes & Myths about Umrah For Women

Additional Common Errors:

• Confusing Umrah rituals with Hajj requirements (Mina, Arafat, stoning—these are Hajj-only)
• Not trimming hair from all sections
• Using scented products unknowingly
• Taking photos/selfies during Tawaf instead of focusing on worship

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can a woman perform Umrah alone in 2025?

Yes. Women aged 18 and above can perform Umrah without a Mahram if traveling with an authorized group or licensed tour operator under current Saudi regulations.

Do women need a Mahram for Umrah?

Not legally under 2025 Saudi policy, though many Islamic scholars still encourage it when possible for safety and adherence to traditional fiqh.

What should women wear for Umrah?

A plain, modest abaya or loose dress with full hijab—no specific color required. Face and hands must remain uncovered.

How much hair should women cut after Umrah?

Trim approximately 1-2 cm (fingertip length) from all sections of hair, not just one spot.

Can women wear socks or face cover in Ihram?

Socks—yes. Face cover—no tied niqab; however, you may loosely drape a scarf over your face without it touching the skin.

What if menstruation starts during Umrah?

You must pause Tawaf and Sa’i. Wait until achieving purity, perform Ghusl, then complete the rituals. You can still make dua and recite dhikr.

Can pregnant women perform Umrah?

Yes, with medical clearance and proper arrangements. The second trimester is generally safest. Consider wheelchair assistance.

Which toiletries are allowed in Ihram?

Only unscented soap, wipes, moisturizer, and deodorant. Avoid all fragranced products.

How do women enter Ihram on a flight?

Change into Ihram clothing before reaching the Miqat point. Most airlines announce when passengers should prepare, typically 30-45 minutes before crossing.

Is there any difference between normal Ghusl and Umrah Ghusl?

No, the method is the same. The only difference is your intention (niyyah) — for Umrah Ghusl, you make niyyah to purify yourself and prepare for Ihram.

How should women do Ghusl before Umrah?

Make niyyah, wash hands and complete body, perform wudu, then pour water over the head and entire body, starting from the right side.

Can I perform Umrah multiple times in one trip?

Yes. Each Umrah requires re-entering Ihram from outside the Haram boundaries (typically from Masjid Aisha or Taneem).

References & Official Sources

This guide is based on authentic Islamic scholarship and official Saudi government policies:

• Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah – Official visa and travel regulations
• IslamQA info – Fiqh rulings on women’s Umrah and Mahram requirements
• Major Islamic Scholarly Councils – Guidance on Ihram, rituals, and contemporary issues
• WHO Travel Health – Vaccination and health requirements for pilgrims

For visa assistance, women-friendly accommodations, and safe group travel arrangements, explore KSA Travels Umrah Packages for Women 2025—designed to make your pilgrimage easy, comfortable, and spiritually meaningful.

 Final Thoughts

Performing Umrah is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual awakening that brings you closer to Allah. Understanding the correct rules, dress code, and rituals ensures your pilgrimage is accepted and your experience is peaceful.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or in an organized women’s group, preparation and knowledge are key to a blessed journey. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you the rewards of this sacred pilgrimage.

Need Help Planning Your Journey?
Contact KSA Travels for personalized Umrah packages 2025 and 2026, visa support, and women-friendly travel arrangements designed specifically for Pakistani pilgrims.