Umrah for Women: Ihram, Mahram Questions, Preparation and Practical Guidance

Umrah for Women: Preparation Guide

Planning your Umrah can bring some questions. For example, what should you wear during Ihram? Do you need a Mahram? Should you worry about your period? And how can you prepare for long walks, busy prayer areas and changes to the schedule?
 

This guide contains some general information to help get you started. There are often differences between scholars and schools of thought regarding certain rituals and rulings. Please ask a trusted scholar for your own guidance. Also, visa, health and entry requirements can change, please check with official sources from Saudi.

Whether you are finalizing your pilgrimage, looking for halal-friendly holiday packages, booking suitable halal-friendly hotels worldwide, or arranging your transfers & airport pickup, proper preparation makes all the difference.

What is Ihram for Women?

Ihram is the state of being in a sacred state with the intention to perform Umrah. This includes having intentions and following certain rules.
 

Unlike men there is no set 2 piece Ihram clothing for women. The guidance states women should wear their everyday clothing (Nusuk Saudi Guide) and the official guide suggests ‘Wear suitable clothing.’ (Umrah Guide)

Wear loose, modest clothing that you can walk comfortably in. Many women like to wear an Abaya or other modest outfit with a headscarf. There is no specific colour requirement. Choose breathable clothing and comfortable footwear.

Choose something that can easily move during your Tawaf and Sa’i. When organizing your trip logistics, it can also be reassuring to secure halal insurance (takaful) for total peace of mind.

Women’s Ihram: Face Covering & Gloves

Many guides from scholars state women should not wear tight fitting niqab or gloves whilst in Ihram. Guidance can vary depending on your situation regarding covering your face around non Mahram males. Speak to a trusted scholar for guidance on how to follow the guidance of your school of thought. If you are likely to be in busy areas then ask for guidance.

Perfumes & Toiletries

Try to avoid using perfumes once you are in Ihram. Check the labels on your toiletries such as soap, deodorant, lotions, shampoos, wipes and hand sanitisers to see if they contain a scent. Pack suitable unscented toiletries. During your downtime, you can also explore local dining spots like top-rated halal restaurants near your stay.

It is common to perform ghusl and take care of your hygiene prior to entering Ihram. It is recommended to do this and avoid using any fragrances on your Ihram clothing (Umrah Guide).

When & Where to Enter Ihram
 

Those intending to perform Umrah will enter Ihram at the Miqat for their route. If you are travelling by plane then your plane may pass over the Miqat. Speak to your airline, tour operator or group leader to find out when you can expect to cross the Miqat.
 

Many people will dress in suitable clothing prior to boarding so they do not have to change in a busy aircraft. You must have the intention to perform Umrah and enter Ihram at or before crossing the Miqat. Those travelling by air or sea should enter Ihram when they reach the same point as the Miqat (Umrah Guide).
 

Beyond pilgrimage planning, you can explore other enriching journeys like halal-friendly cruise packages or browse hundreds of halal-friendly activities worldwide curated by HalalExplore.

Before leaving ask your group leader:
 

• What Miqat do you need to use?
• When will the flight crew/guide inform you?
• Will you need to change?

• What will you do if you miss/hear it clearly?

   

Whilst in Ihram you will follow the rules. This commonly includes avoiding perfumes, cutting hair/nails and having marital relations. If something happens by accident or you are unsure then speak to a qualified scholar.
 

Do I Need a Mahram?

It can be helpful to understand the difference between the travel requirements from Saudi and religious rulings.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi have announced women can perform Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram). This is a travel rule and does not answer the religious question for all Muslims. (Saudi Press Agency Report)
 

There can be differing opinions between scholars regarding whether women can travel without a Mahram. There are many narrations from the Prophet regarding travelling with a Mahram. Scholars will have differing opinions on how to interpret and apply the evidence. (Sahih Muslim Book of Pilgrimage)
 

If this is affecting your plans then speak to a trusted scholar who understands your situation and religious school. Also confirm the current visa and booking requirements for your nationality. You can find this information from official sources such as the Nusuk Umrah platform. The Saudi tourist eVisa is only available to certain nationalities and can be used to perform Umrah outside of Hajj. (Official Saudi eVisa Portal)
 

If you are travelling without a Mahram then consider:
 

• Travelling with a reputable and organised group or booking tailored halal-friendly holiday packages.
• Informing someone you trust of your flight, hotel and transport details.
• Pre-booking your accommodation at verified halal-friendly hotels worldwide and arranging reliable transfers & airport pickup.
• Having emergency contact details and your group leader’s number, as well as securing halal insurance (takaful) for financial protection.

• Agreeing on a clear meeting point.

   

Periods
 

You are allowed to enter Ihram during your period. If you reach the Miqat whilst on your period you can still enter Ihram with the intention. However you will need to adjust the timings of your Tawaf. The Prophet (SAW) informed Aisha to perform all rites of pilgrimage except Tawaf until she was pure. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

If your period starts before/ during your trip:
 

• Inform your group leader/tour operator as soon as possible. Depending on when you check-out of your hotel, transport and return flight this could impact your options.
• Speak to a trusted scholar for personal guidance. Do not assume you need to cancel your trip.
• Do not leave Ihram based on assumptions. Ask what applies to your situation.
• Plan for any changes to your schedule. If your group have a set schedule then ask them in advance how they would deal with any delays.
• If you are considering taking medication to delay your period then speak to a medical professional. Don’t take any medication based on advice from your travel group or online.
   

While managing your schedule and resting, you can also look into top local halal restaurants for convenient meal options near your hotel.

How to Perform Umrah as a Woman

The main rites to perform are entering Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and cutting your hair. Below is a general overview. Please follow the guidance of your scholar/group leader. Beyond Umrah, you can explore other spiritual and leisure journeys such as halal-friendly cruise packages or discover curated halal-friendly activities worldwide with HalalExplore.

Intention & Talbiyah

Have the intention to perform Umrah and start saying your Talbiyah at or before the Miqat. Be prepared before reaching the Miqat especially if you are travelling by flight.

Tawaf

Walk around the Kaaba 7 times. Start and finish at the Black Stone area. Walk at a safe pace and do not try to push through the crowds to touch/kiss the Black Stone. You can complete your Tawaf without touching it.

Women are not required to walk quickly around the Kaaba for the first 3 circuits like men. Walk at a pace and in an area that feels safe for you. The official guide states you should walk around 7 times. Quick walking is not prescribed for women. (Umrah Guide)

Prayer
 

It is common to pray 2 units after completing Tawaf. If possible try to pray without causing anyone issues. If the area around Maqam Ibrahim is busy then follow the guidance of the Mosque staff and find a safe area.
 

Sa’i
 

Walk between Safa & Marwah 7 times. Start at Safa and finish at Marwah. This counts as 1 unit each way. Men are told to run between the green markers however women will walk the whole way. (Umrah Guide)
 

Cutting Hair

After completing your Sa’i you will cut a small amount of hair from the ends. The official guide states ‘cutting off a little from the end of your hair (about the length of a fingertip)’. (Umrah Guide) You may wish to bring small clean scissors. Or find a safe way to cut your hair privately. Follow the guidance of your scholar on how much to cut.
 

Umrah Preparation Checklist for Women
 

Clothing & Footwear
 

Wear modest clothing that is comfy in the heat and easy to walk in. Pack extra headscarves and supportive footwear. Avoid new footwear as this can cause blisters.
 

Toiletries & Medication

Consider packing:

• Unscented soap, lotions & deodorant.
• Period products & personal toiletries.
• Everyday medication (in original packaging).
• Small first aid kit with blister plasters.
• Reusable water bottle (if allowed).
• Light layer for air conditioned areas.
   

If you have any health issues, are pregnant or need advice on medication then speak to your doctor. Check the current requirements for vaccinations and health certificates from the Saudi Ministry of Health. Requirements can depend on the season and where you are travelling from. (Saudi Ministry of Health Pilgrim Health Requirements)

Documents

Ensure you have your passport, visa, flight details, hotel confirmation and transfer details. Store digitally and share your itinerary with someone you trust. Check the conditions of your visa and passport requirements.

Current information can be found from the Nusuk Umrah platform and official Saudi eVisa portal. When organizing your travel logistics, remember to double-check your transfers & airport pickup arrangements and secure comprehensive halal insurance (takaful) for added protection.
 

Tips for Tawaf & Sa’i
 

The Haram can be very busy and you may find your walking routes take longer than expected. Some simple tips:
 

• Agree a clear meeting point with your group.
• Charge your phone and have essential contact details.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks. Between rituals, take time to relax and dine at verified halal restaurants nearby.
• Follow the guidance of Mosque staff and security.
• Don’t block pathways whilst waiting for family or taking photos.
• Allow extra time to return to your hotel especially during prayer times, particularly if staying at major halal-friendly hotels worldwide.
• If you have any mobility or health requirements then speak to your doctor and travel provider.
   

Crowds can vary, access, permits and transport may also vary. Check current guidance from official sources prior to your travel.
 

FAQs

Do women need special Ihram clothing?

No special white clothing is required. The guidance from Saudi Nusuk states women can wear their everyday clothing and ensure they are appropriately covered. If you have specific questions about covering your face and gloves then speak to a trusted scholar.

Can women perform Umrah without a Mahram?

Saudi have announced women do not need a Mahram. There are varying opinions regarding travelling without a Mahram. Speak to a trusted scholar and confirm current travel requirements. You can also explore pre-arranged halal-friendly holiday packages designed specifically for group or solo female travelers.
 

Can I enter Ihram if I’m on my period?

Yes! You can enter Ihram whilst on your period. However this will affect when you perform your Tawaf. Speak to a qualified scholar for guidance. Inform your group leader as your plans may change.

What should I do if I start my period after entering Ihram?

Speak to your group leader and a qualified scholar as soon as possible. Do not leave Ihram or change your plans based on assumptions. Your next steps may depend on your situation and travel.
 

What should I pack for my Umrah?

Pack comfortable modest clothing, supportive footwear, unscented toiletries, medication, period products and essential travel documents. Check with your airline regarding luggage requirements and current official health and entry requirements.

Do women run during Tawaf & Sa’i?
 

The official guide states quick walking during the first 3 circuits of Tawaf is not prescribed for women. During Sa’i women will walk the whole way. Men will run between the green markers. Follow current guidance from the Mosque and ensure you are safe.
 

Final Thoughts

A little preparation can make your Umrah feel easier. Know when you will reach your Miqat, wear comfortable clothing and footwear and organise your travel. Speak to a trusted source for personal religious questions such as travelling without a Mahram and periods.
 

Use official sources from Saudi for current visa, health and travel requirements. Speak to your airline/tour operator. For future travel ideas or leisure trips, you can explore options like halal-friendly cruise packages or discover diverse halal-friendly activities worldwide with HalalExplore.