Going to the Haram for Umrah

At a glance

• Leave the hotel in Ihram and with wudu.
• Carry the hotel card, phone, water and essential medicines.
• Agree in advance where to meet after Umrah in case you get separated.
• Carry a bag for your sandals.

Step by step

1. Get ready at the hotel: make wudu and adjust your Ihram. If you are very tired from the journey, rest first; there is no need to rush Umrah.
2. Choose your time: try to go when it is less crowded, such as a while after a fard prayer or late at night. Avoid the midday heat.
3. Learn the route: note a landmark as soon as you leave the hotel.
4. The Haram gate: every gate has a name and number. Take a photo of the gate you enter by.
5. Entering the mosque: right foot first, and recite the du’a for entering the mosque. Put your sandals in your bag.
6. To the Mataf: if it is not crowded, go down to the Mataf in the courtyard; otherwise perform Tawaf on the upper floor. Keep elderly family members with you.
7. Umrah: now begin Tawaf following the “How to Perform Umrah” page.

Do

• Carry a copy of your ID or passport and the hotel card.
• Keep the elderly and children in front of you, where you can see them.
• Keep drinking water; Zamzam is available throughout the Haram.

Don’t

• Don’t push in the crowd.
• Don’t carry much cash or valuables.
• Don’t leave an elderly person or child alone.

Common mistakes

• Not remembering the gate’s name and getting lost on the way back.
• Leaving sandals at the gate and not finding them later.
• Starting Umrah straight away despite exhaustion and falling ill.

Frequently asked questions

Are wheelchairs available for elderly parents? Yes. Wheelchairs are available at the Haram, and you can bring your own. Electric carts are available on the upper floor.

When is it less crowded? Usually a while after a fard prayer and late at night. Fridays and holidays are busier.

What should women take care of? Stay with a mahram or the group, agree a meeting point and keep your phone charged.