Anyone who is going for the minor pilgrimage for the first time might have this question in mind: how long does Umrah take? It is a valid question, as understanding the Umrah timeline is key to planning your spiritual trip and your time in the most sacred city in the world. As Umrah is a minor pilgrimage, it is a lot shorter than Hajj. But the duration of this pilgrimage might vary depending on factors such as preparation, crowd levels, and personal pace.
Once you understand the complete timeline of performing Umrah, you will be able to perform your pilgrimage much more smoothly and without any hassle. This ensures comfort, ease, devotion, and peace of mind. So, if you want to be among the lucky UK Muslims looking for Umrah packages this year, it might be time to learn about the timeline of this spiritual retreat as well. We are here to make your pilgrimage a lot easier with this comprehensive guide on how long it takes to perform Umrah.
What is the Total Time Required for Umrah?
You can easily perform your Umrah within a few hours. Typically, it takes about 3 to 6 hours to complete the voluntary pilgrimage. However, the time for the whole experience from entering the state of Ihram to performing Halq/Taqsir might vary depending on crowds, prayer times, and individual comfort.
Here is an overview of the summary of how long it might take to perform Umrah, depending on your pace, the crowds, and other factors.
- Minimum time: 3 hours (light crowds, fast pace)
- Average time: 4–5 hours
- Extended time: 6+ hours (peak seasons, elderly pilgrims, or prayer breaks)
Step-by-Step Umrah Guideline
Now that we have an overview, let’s go through a step-by-step guideline for performing Umrah as you search for the best Umrah package from Manchester side-by-side. It will help you prepare for your pilgrimage properly in advance.
Entering Ihram and Making Niyyah (30 to 60 minutes)
Entering the state of Ihram marks the beginning of the Umrah journey. It is the first ritual of the pilgrimage. This is the state of purity that prepares you to be the guest of Allah Almighty. Every pilgrim must enter this state before crossing the designated Miqat points. To observe this state, you must perform ghusl and wear the Ihram garments.
After that, you will have to perform two rakats of prayer and make the intention for performing the pilgrimage. Then you can start reciting the Talbiya as you head towards Masjid al-Haram. The estimated time for this ritual is around thirty to sixty minutes. You can perform this ritual at your home, hotel, airport, or at one of the Miqat points.
Travel to Masjid al-Haram (Varies but on Average 10 to 45 Minutes)
After entering the Ihram, you will have to travel to Masjid al-Haram. This can vary depending on your pace, the distance to your hotel, traffic conditions, and whether you will be walking or using any other means of transportation. The estimated travel time is 10 to 45 minutes.
Tawaf Around the Kaaba (45 to 90 Minutes)
Tawaf is one of the primary rituals of the pilgrimage. To complete this ritual, you will have to circle the sacred cubic structure seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Many factors affect this pilgrimage ritual.
From crowd density and the ability to stay close to the Kaaba and the prayer breaks, everything decides how much time it will take for you to complete your Tawaf.
Usually, during the off-season, you can perform your Tawaf in about 45 to 60 minutes. But if you plan to perform this ritual during the peak season and peak hours, it might take 75 to 90 minutes.
Two Rakats After Tawaf (10 to 15 Minutes)
After performing the Tawaf, all pilgrims must perform two rakats, preferably Maqam-e-Ibrahim. If it is not possible at this spot, you can pray it anywhere in Masjid al-Haram. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes if you find a spot to pray immediately.
Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah (60 to 90 Minutes)
Sa’i is performed after Tawaf. This involves walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. The pace of this ritual can vary too, depending on factors such as personal walking speed, crowd movement, and use of upper levels or wheelchair paths. It can take around 60 to 90 minutes.
Halq or Taqsir (15 to 30 Minutes)
This is the final ritual of Umrah. Men have to shave their heads or trim their hair to the same length to complete this ritual. Women also have to trim their hair a few inches. You will also have to cut your nails. You can easily find barbers near the Haram. It takes only 15 to 30 minutes to perform this ritual.
Conclusion
Umrah is a highly rewarding spiritual act of worship. It is not a race to complete all the rituals. It demands patience, mercy, devotion, and reflection. So, as you book your Umrah package through a trusted Makkah travel agency, you should also take time to understand how to perform Umrah in a more meaningful way. Don’t worry about the duration and the pace. You can perform the pilgrimage at your own pace, by taking regular breaks in between.
