A Detailed Guide - How Long Does Umrah Take?

Umrah, often called the "lesser pilgrimage," is a sacred journey for Muslims that can be performed at any time of the year. But how long does it actually take? The duration of Umrah depends on several factors, including the rituals, your pace, and external circumstances like crowd size, takes about 3 to 5 hours. However, during peak times like Ramadan, it may take longer due to large crowds.

Travel time and personal schedules also influence the overall duration. Many pilgrims spend 3 to 7 days in Makkah to perform Umrah and engage in prayers. In 2022, over 20 million pilgrims performed Umrah, showcasing its significance. Whether short or extended, this spiritual journey leaves a lasting impact.

Stay connected till the end to absorb more of the knowledge!

Understanding Umrah:

Umrah, also known as the "lesser pilgrimage," is a deeply spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It includes specific rituals performed in a particular order, such as wearing the Ihram, performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), completing Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and concluding with Halq/Taqsir (shaving or trimming hair). While Umrah is not obligatory like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual significance, offering believers an opportunity to seek forgiveness, renew faith, and earn countless blessings.

Millions of Muslims from around the globe perform Umrah every year. According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, over 20 million pilgrims visited in 2022, underscoring its popularity. The significance of Umrah was further highlighted in Ramadan 2024, when a new world record was set. On the 27th night of Ramadan, the Mataaf (area around the Kaaba) reached its full capacity, marking a historic moment as the number of pilgrims exceeded expectations, filling the holy site to its limit.

Many choose to perform Umrah multiple times in their lives because of the profound connection it fosters with Allah, making it a cherished and transformative experience.

The Duration of Umrah:

The actual rituals of Umrah can generally be completed within 3 to 6 hours, depending on crowd sizes, the time of year, and personal pace. For instance:

Tawaf takes around 30–60 minutes.
Sa’i requires approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on walking speed.
Additional time is spent entering the state of Ihram, praying at designated spots, and completing Halq/Taqsir.

While the rituals themselves are relatively brief, most pilgrims extend their stay in Makkah and Madinah to pray in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, making their trip last between 5 to 10 days on average. During Ramadan or peak seasons, the process can take longer due to overwhelming crowds.

Whether brief or extended, every moment spent on this spiritual journey is cherished as a means of connecting deeply with one’s faith.

Key Rituals of Umrah:

Umrah consists of four main rituals:

Ihram: This is the first step where pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity. Men wear two white cloths, while women wear modest clothing. This process usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tawaf: In this ritual, pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Depending on the crowd, this can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Sa’i: This involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This part usually takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how busy it is.
Tahallul: This final step marks the end of Umrah and involves shaving or cutting some hair. This usually takes around 15 minutes.

So, if we add up these times, we see that performing the core rituals can take between 3 to 6 hours.

Planning Your Trip:

While the actual rituals are short, many pilgrims choose to spend more time in Makkah and Madinah for several reasons:

Spiritual Reflection: Pilgrims often want time for prayer and reflection after completing their rituals.
Sightseeing: There are many important Islamic sites to visit in both Makkah and Madinah.
Rest and Recovery: Traveling can be tiring, so taking breaks is important.

A common duration for an Umrah trip is between 5 to 10 days. This allows for a comfortable pace and time for additional activities.

Types of Umrah Packages:

When planning your Umrah trip, you will find various packages offered by travel agencies. These packages can vary greatly in length:

Short-Term Umrah (3-5 Days): Ideal for those who want a quick pilgrimage experience.
Standard Umrah (7 Days): This allows for a more relaxed pace with time for prayers and sightseeing.
Extended Umrah (10-14 Days): Perfect for those who wish to spend more time visiting sacred sites in both Makkah and Madinah.

Factors That Affect Duration:

Several factors can influence how long your Umrah trip takes:

Crowd Levels: During peak seasons like Ramadan or holidays, crowds can slow down the rituals significantly.
Physical Condition: Your physical fitness can affect how quickly you perform the rituals.
Travel Arrangements: The efficiency of your travel arrangements can impact your overall trip duration.
Personal Preferences: Some pilgrims prefer a slower pace to enjoy their spiritual journey fully.

Preparing for Your Journey:

To ensure a smooth experience during your Umrah trip, it's essential to prepare ahead of time:

Travel Documents: Make sure you have all necessary documents ready before departure.
Booking Flights and Accommodation: Secure your travel arrangements well in advance.
Spiritual Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the rituals and their significance to enhance your experience.

Conclusion: How Long Does Umrah Take?

In conclusion, the question “How long does Umrah take?” has multiple answers depending on various factors such as crowd levels and personal preferences. While the core rituals can be completed in about 3 to 6 hours, most pilgrims choose to spend several days enjoying their spiritual journey.

Whether you are planning a short visit or an extended stay, preparing ahead will help make your pilgrimage meaningful and fulfilling. Remember that Umrah is not just about completing rituals; it’s about connecting spiritually with Allah and reflecting on one’s life.

For everyone who has the chance, Umrah is a blessed opportunity. Make the most of this opportunity by participating in Madinah's ziyarat during your days there. If you know how to do it correctly, we have a comprehensive guide: Step By Step Guide - How To Perform Ziyarat In Madina?

So if you’re thinking about embarking on this beautiful journey, take your time planning it out!

Enjoy every moment of your sacred pilgrimage!