Every year, thousands of Muslims from Bangladesh dream of visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” is not compulsory like Hajj, but the rewards are immense. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
said:
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what comes in between them” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This blog is specially prepared for the Bangladeshi brothers and sisters for their first Umrah, where every step is explained just the way narrated by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Preparing for Umrah: Step-by-step guide from Bangladesh
Before embarking on your sacred journey to the holy Kaaba, you must make some basic preparations. Several fundamental issues require addressing for you when you exit the home:
Umrah Visa: Apply through an authorized agency like Holy Hajj & Umrah Bangladesh. You’ll need a valid passport, photographs, and the package confirmation.
Flights: Most pilgrims travel from Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet, landing in Jeddah or Madinah. Plan your route based on package details.
Hotels: Accommodation near Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Madinah) makes the journey easier.
Packing essentials: Ihram cloth, comfortable sandals, dua book, small bag, medicines, Bangladeshi SIM with roaming or Saudi SIM.
Niyyah for Umrah
The Niyyah for Umrah is a heartfelt commitment to embark on this spiritual journey solely for the sake of Allah. The Niyyah for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or very near it as you proceed in its direction. Pilgrims may say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Meaning: O Allah, I want to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it simple for me.
Entering Ihram – The sacred state
Ihram is more than just clothing; it’s the mindset of devotion. Pilgrims must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat, the boundary line around Makkah. For most travelers from Bangladesh, this happens during the flight, when the
captain announces nearing Miqat.
Ghusl: Take a bath, trim nails, and remove unnecessary hair.
Clothing: Men wear two unstitched white clothes. Women wear modest, loose clothing without a face veil or gloves. Men cannot cover their heads.
Talbiyah: Recite repeatedly:
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk…”
The heart of Umrah begins when you step into Masjid al-Haram and see the Kaaba. It’s a moment that brings tears to many eyes.
Start point: Face the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) . Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.” If touching or kissing is not possible, raise your right hand towards it.
Idtiba & Ramal: Men uncover their right shoulder and walk briskly in the first three rounds.
Seven rounds: Move counterclockwise around the Kaaba, reciting duas. Between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone, recite:
For detailed information about how to perform Tawaf properly, you can read this blog: “How to Perform Tawaf”
Prayers & Zamzam: After Tawaf, pray two rakats near Maqam Ibrahim if possible. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun and
Surah Al-Ikhlas. Then drink Zamzam water facing Qiblah. For more information, you can read the blog - Etiquette of Drinking Zamzam Water
Sa’i – Between Safa and Marwah
This ritual reminds us of the struggle of Hajar (AS), who ran in search of water for her son Ismail (AS).
Begin at Safa Hill, face the Kaaba, and recite “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” followed by personal prayers.
Walk towards Marwah Hill. That’s one lap.
Complete seven laps in total, ending at Marwah.
Between the two green lights, men jog lightly while women walk normally.
At each hilltop, face Qiblah and make heartfelt duas.
Halq/Taqsir
The final act of Umrah is to shave or trim the hair. Once the hair is cut, all Ihram restrictions are lifted. The process of Halq:
Men: Strongly encouraged to shave their entire head (Halq) or at least trim all (Taqsir).
Women: Should cut a fingertip-length (2-3 cm) from the end of their hair.
Once done, Ihram restrictions are lifted and your Umrah is complete.
Visiting Masjid al Nabawi
This is not a mandatory part of Umrah, but very common to visit the blessed city of Madinah. You can pray at the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). Seek blessings from this sacred site and pay your respects at the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) grave.
Practical tips for Bangladeshi pilgrims
To make your Umrah more spiritually uplifting and aligned, consider the following tips:
Keep Ihram clothes ready in your hand luggage before the flight.
Carry familiar medicine from Bangladesh—availability differs in Saudi Arabia.
Weather can be extreme; stay hydrated and use an umbrella if needed.
Download translation apps—Arabic signs are everywhere, but Bangla help may not be available.
Try to stay in groups. It eases navigation and safety.
Common mistakes to avoid
We have listed some common mistakes that can affect your Umrah.
Wearing stitched clothing in Ihram (for men).
Using perfume or cutting nails during Ihram.
Pushing or rushing during Tawaf—patience is part of ibadah.
Neglecting Sunnah acts like drinking Zamzam or praying near Maqam Ibrahim.
Umrah: A journey of a lifetime
Umrah is more than a journey. It’s a chance to cleanse the heart, renew faith, and walk in the footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. For first-time pilgrims, following this step-by-step Umrah guide mentioned in this blog ensures the rituals
are done properly and peacefully. If you are planning to perform under expert guidance, Holy Hajj & Umrah Bangladesh will be the best option for you in Bangladesh.
We arrange everything including visa, flight, and hotel facilites. Your Umrah journey can be easier than ever as we offer:
Step-by-step training and providing Bengali-speaking guides.
No. It’s a Sunnah act, highly recommended but not obligatory like Hajj.
How long does Umrah take?
Usually 3–5 hours, depending on the crowd and walking pace.
What if I can’t touch the Black Stone?
Raise your right hand towards it and say “Allahu Akbar”. Touching is Sunnah, not compulsory.
Can I perform multiple Umrahs in one trip?
Yes, but you must leave the Haram boundary (for example, Masjid Aisha), re-enter Ihram, and perform again.
What should I do if I miss a ritual during Umrah?
If a ritual is missed during Umrah due to unforeseen circumstances, there is no need to panic. Repent sincerely, seek forgiveness, and perform the missed ritual as soon as possible once the situation is resolved.