Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be done at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah allows Muslims to renew their faith and seek forgiveness whenever they choose. This guide will cover the important duas (supplications) for Umrah and explain how to perform Umrah step by step. We will also use the secondary keyword “how to perform Umrah” throughout.
Introduction to Umrah
Umrah includes several rituals that are performed in a specific order. Each step has specific duas that make the experience more spiritual. These duas are essential as they connect the pilgrim directly to Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and blessings.
Preparing for Umrah
Before starting Umrah, it’s important to purify yourself both physically and spiritually. Perform Ghusl (a full-body purification), trim your nails, and wear the Ihram garments. Men wear two white, unstitched clothes, while women wear modest, simple clothing.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Umrah
1. Niyyah (Intention)
Begin by making the Niyyah (intention) for Umrah. This is a personal declaration that you are performing Umrah for Allah.
Dua for Niyyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah.”
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, making Umrah.”
2. Entering the State of Ihram
After making the intention, enter the state of Ihram by reciting the Talbiyah.
Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka Wal-mulk, La Shareeka Lak.”
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and dominion are Yours, and You have no partner.”
3. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
When you arrive at Masjid al-Haram, go to the Kaaba and start Tawaf. This means circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.
Dua for Tawaf:
Tawaf has no specific dua, but you can recite various praises to Allah. You can say:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
“Subhan Allah, wal Hamdu Lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar.”
Translation: “Glory be to Allah, all praise is due to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.”
4. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, go to perform Sa’i. This involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Dua for Sa’i:
At the start of Sa’i, while climbing Safa, recite:
duaإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’a’irillah.”
Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
Concluding the Umrah
After completing Sa’i, men should shave their heads or trim their hair. Women should cut a small portion of their hair. This act marks the end of Umrah.
Essential Dua for Umrah
Here is a collection of important duas to recite during your Umrah journey:
- Dua for Entering Masjid al-Haram:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
“Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatika.”
Translation: “O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
- Dua at the Maqam Ibrahim:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
“Wattakhidhu min Maqam-e-Ibrahima musalla.”
Translation: “And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
- Dua for Drinking Zamzam Water:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
“Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan waasi’an, wa shifa’an min kulli daa’in.”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and healing from every disease.”
How to Perform Umrah: A Recap
- Niyyah (Intention): Declare your intention for Umrah.
- Ihram: Enter the state of Ihram by reciting the Talbiyah.
- Tawaf: Perform seven circuits around the Kaaba.
- Sa’i: Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah.
- Haircut/Shaving: Conclude Umrah by shaving or trimming your hair.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a meaningful act of worship that strengthens faith and brings a Muslim closer to Allah. Following the steps in this guide and reciting the specified duas, pilgrims can ensure a fulfilling spiritual experience. Umrah is a physical journey and a deeply personal and spiritual one, representing devotion, humility, and the pursuit of divine forgiveness.
