Umrah Tips for Ladies: The Essentials

Ladies, we all know that It is rightly said that 'a woman's work is never done'. This is especially true when it comes to taking care of the family and performing religious rituals. For Muslim women, one religious ritual is Umrah. A Muslim woman’s Umrah experience is often different from that of a man.

If you're planning to go for Umrah anytime soon, then you should be aware of the do's and don'ts involved to make your experience as smooth as possible. In this article, I’ll be sharing some tips that will help make your Umrah journey a success.

What is Umrah?

The pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah is one of the most important worship rituals we can perform as Muslims. It's called Umrah and can be done at any time during the year, but it comes with extra blessings if performed during Ramadan.

The pilgrimage includes several rituals like fasting, reciting Rakahs, going around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, and walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah multiple times.

 Ihram is the sacred state that a pilgrim enters into when performing Hajj or Umrah. Ihram is an Arabic word that means "sacred state". Ihram is a symbol of purity and modesty. It's also a reminder that all pilgrims are equal in the eyes of Allah.

The state of Ihram for women and men is different.

For women, ihram rules are not as strict. At the same time, there are still traditions that should be followed.

Now that we know a little bit about what Umrah is, let's take a look at some tips that will help make your journey a success.

Tips for Umrah for Women

The Umrah rituals are very simple and can be done by anyone. There are some special considerations for women making the pilgrimage, however. Here are a few tips to make your Umrah as smooth and fulfilling as possible:

Tip 1: Umrah Clothing for Women

When it comes to ladies' clothing for Umrah, there are a few key things to keep in mind. there are no specific Ihram rules for ladies, you can wear stitched clothing and regular clothing. At the same time, you should still dress in a way that is modest and respectful.

Modest clothing is key, as is comfort. You'll want to dress in layers, as the temperature in Mecca can vary depending on the month, especially during April. Black and white abayas are the preferred clothing for Umrah as they symbolize modesty and are comfortable to wear.

If you're not used to wearing an Abaya, don't worry. There are many different styles to choose from, and you can even find Abayas that are stylish and comfortable. Our favorite Abayas for Umrah are the Midnight Flow Modest Black Abaya for its simple elegance and structured waistline, and the Prayer Set for its extra luxurious feel.

Make sure to check the best Umrah Collection where you can find the most satisfied pieces for your spirtual journey. Umarh Collection. 

Here are a few more tips for ladies' clothing for Umrah:

• Choose clothing that is comfortable and doesn't restrict your movements
• Comfortable, breathable fabrics are key!
• Silk fabric is not allowed during the Umrah rituals
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures
• Avoid tight or sheer clothing - keep in mind that sheer white clothing could be revealing in the sunlight, and Umrah rituals are performed outside in the daytime
• If you wear white clothing, ensure that you do not have any bright colors underneath
• Focus on lighter weight clothing - you don't want to be weighed down by heavy clothes while performing Umrah
• It’s best to avoid bright colors and flashy jewelry, as these can be seen as too flashy or distracting
• Women should not cover faces and hands, but covering your head is a way to signal respect and modesty. which leads us to tip number two:

Tip 2: The Perfect Hijab for Umrah

When it comes to wearing a hijab for Umrah, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Firstly, the hijab should be loose and comfortable, so it doesn’t bother you during your prayers.

It’s also important to choose the right color – black is always a good option as it is modest and respectful. We love the Everyday Chiffon Hijab for this purpose. It is made with a light, airy fabric. When folded, it is opaque but it will still keep you cool and shady.

Always make sure your hijab is neatly arranged and doesn’t cover your face.

You can use an under scarf to keep everything in place. It keeps your hair out of your face and also looks stylish. Our favorite is the Clima Fit Cross Underscarf. Not only does it stay put, but it's also made of breathable fabric to keep you cool throughout the day.

Tip 3: Umrah Footwear for Ladies

The type of footwear you take on your Umrah trip is important. Ladies should choose comfortable shoes that are not too tight or loose. Unlike men, women can wear closed shoes. However, sandals or open-toe shoes are also allowed.

If you want to keep your feet happy and blister free, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes. They offer more support than open ones do which makes them better for the long term for your feet over time as well. Durability and comfort is important.

You should also consider the ease of taking your shoes on and off when deciding which type is best for you. You may need to take them on and off often when entering and exiting the mosque, so choose a style that is easy to slip on and off. Our pick? Sketcher’s On-The-Go Flex is a great option since it is supportive for walking, light for traveling and machine washable in case they get dirty.

If you're traveling in the summer, make sure to pack a pair of sandals too.

As always, keep it modest and respectful when choosing your footwear. Avoid shoes with high heels or excessive decoration.

Tip 4: Bring Enough Supplies

It's important to pack enough supplies for your journey.

We recommend bringing multiple outfits that are appropriate for Umrah. You will wear them often, so it's important that you have a few options. You never know what could happen, so it's best to be prepared. Be sure to check out our Umrah Collection if you find you need additional appropriate Abayas for the pilgrimage.

If you're traveling with children, you have even more to think about. Pack enough diapers, wipes, and food to last the entire trip. And don't forget a good book or some games to keep the little ones entertained on the journey!

You don't want to run out of anything while you're there.

Tip 5: Your "Everyday Carry"

When you go out during Umrah, you can bring a bag to carry daily essentials. Small bags and backpacks are acceptable, there are even bags designed specifically for the pilgrimage. Just be sure to be aware that it can be busy in the area so smaller bags will be appreciated by those around you. You should also keep in mind that you will not be able to bring your bag inside the Masjid-ul Haram, should you be going there.

We suggest you pack light and only bring items you or your family might need throughout the day. You will be walking a lot, so don't bring anything that will be a burden.

Tip 5: Umrah Traditions for Ladies

Makkah is a city of worship. It's easy to find many timeless traditions when you go there. When following these tenets during your Umrah, the experience can be more meaningful.

Here are Umrah do's and don'ts guided by tradition:

• Trim your nails. When performing Umrah, it's common for women to clip their nails before entering Ihram.
• When performing Sa’yi, hair is generally cut to the length of a fingernail. This ritual is different for males who will shave off all hair.
• When reciting Talbiya, women are not required to speak as loudly as men.
• Avoid wearing fragrances. This means perfume and scented personal care products. We suggest using unscented versions of these products while in Makkah, such as Kamil Unscented Handcream.
• Do not apply henna. Many women choose to wait until after they've completed their Umrah to apply henna.
• Refrain from using cosmetics. It is recommended that one does not wear makeup during Umrah. Spiritual, not physical beauty, is the goal.

The Umrah pilgrimage is one of the most beautiful pilgrimages in Islam. The spirit and soul that goes into performing this act can only be performed by a woman who has dedicated her life to being alert, aware-of herself as well as others around them at all times.

When you follow these guidelines to perform the Umrah pilgrimage nothing can distract from your experience. 

We would love to hear about your Umrah experience! Feel free to share any tips you have for other ladies planning their pilgrimage in the comment section below.

Note: If you have any doubts, it is recommended to consult scholars of the Islamic faith to get an opinion from someone knowledgeable in this topic before making decisions on what kind of observance or worshiping would be most appropriate. The Ministry of Hajj is a great reference for anyone looking for more detailed information.