Tawaf:  When a Muslim arrives in Makkah, he should make Tawaf around the Ka’bah, as a gesture of greeting Al-Masjid Al Haraam.  This is done by circling the Ka’bah seven times in the counterclockwise direction, starting from the black stone

with Takbeer and ending each circle at the black stone with Takbeer, keeping the Ka’bah to one’s left.

Then the pilgrim goes to Maqam Ibrahim (Ibrahim’s station), and performs two rak’ah behind it, (close to it if possible), but away from the path of the people making Tawaf.  In all cases one should be facing the Ka’bah when praying behind Maqam Ibrahim.         

Sa’i:  The next rite is to make sa’i between Safa and Marwah.  The pilgrim starts Sa’i by ascending the Safa.  While facing the direction of the Ka’ba he praises Allah, raises his hands and says Takbeer “Allah-u-Akbar” three times, then makes supplication to Allah.  Then the pilgrim descends from the Safa and heads towards the Marwah.  One should increase the pace between the

clearly marked green posts, but should walk at a  normal pace before and after them.  When the pilgrim reaches the Marwah, he should ascend it, praise Allah and do as he did at the Safa.  

  This is considered one round and so is the other way from the Marwah to the Safa.  A total of seven rounds are required to perform the sa’i.

 After Sa’i, the Muslim ends his Umra rites by shaving his head or trimming his hair (women should cut a finger tip’s length from their hair).   At this stage, the prohibitions pertaining to the state of Ihram are lifted and one can resume his normal life.

  There are no required supplications for Tawaf or for Sa’i.  It is up to the worshipper to praise Allah or to supplicate Him with any acceptable supplication or to recite verses of the Qur’an.  There are supplications that the Prophet (SWS) used to recite during the rites
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