Umrah - also called the lesser Hajj - is not obligatory like Hajj, yet it is worthy of praise, reward and recompense because it pleases Allah. This guide explains all the steps and requirements of Umrah. Umrah is similar to Hajj except that it can be performed at any time of the year. To maximize the reward, pilgrims often perform it during the holy month of Ramadan. Unlike Hajj, the rituals of Umrah are shorter and simpler. Here are the basic steps of Umrah: - Entering Ihram after bathing and donning Ihram clothing. - Reciting the Talbiyah aloud from the Miqat to announce the intention to perform Umrah. - Heading to Makkah. - Entering the Grand Mosque and performing Tawaf 7 times counterclockwise. - Sa’i 7 times between Safa and Marwah. - At the end of Umrah, men are released from Ihram by shaving or trimming their hair. Women end their Umrah by cutting a small lock of hair.