Glossary of Umrah

The Black Stone set in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, which pilgrims kiss, touch, or point toward as Tawaf begins.

An accepted Hajj, performed sincerely and correctly, whose reward — as the Prophet ﷺ said — is nothing but Paradise.

Shaving the head completely after Sa'i — the more rewarded way of exiting Ihram for men.

The manner in which men wear the Ihram during Tawaf, leaving the right shoulder uncovered.

The sacred state a pilgrim enters to perform Umrah or Hajj, with its own dress (two white cloths for men) and restrictions. Also the name of the garments themselves.

The cube-shaped House of worship at the centre of Masjid al-Haram, toward which Muslims pray.

The black-and-gold embroidered cloth that drapes the Kaaba, replaced each year.

The Station of Ibrahim — the stone bearing his footprint, behind which pilgrims pray two rak'ah after Tawaf.

The open marble area immediately around the Kaaba where Tawaf is performed.

The boundary stations around Makkah at which a pilgrim must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding.

The intention, made in the heart, to begin an act of worship such as Umrah.

The official Saudi platform through which Umrah and Hajj permits, Mataf access and Rawdah slots are arranged.

The brisk, vigorous walk men adopt in the first three circuits of Tawaf.

Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, re-living Hajrah رضي الله عنها's search for water.

Two small hills beside the Kaaba, named in the Qur'an as among the symbols of Allah; the site of Sa'i.

The pilgrim's call — “Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk…” — answering Allah's invitation, recited from the moment of Ihram.

Trimming the hair (rather than shaving) to exit Ihram; women trim a fingertip's length.

Circling the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone.

The blessed well in Makkah that sprang forth for Hajrah رضي الله عنها and Isma'il عليه السلام and has flowed for some 4,000 years.

A virtuous visit to a sacred site — such as Madinah — which is highly recommended but not part of the Umrah rites.