A List of Essential Dua for Umrah : How to Perform Umrah

In Arabic, “UMRAH” means “‘a visit‘ to the Holy Kaaba (the Sacred House of Allah Almighty). In this blog, you will find comprehensive information about Umrah in Islam. The heart of Islam lies within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, where the cubic structure of the Kaaba, adorned in black cloth, stands as a guiding light for Muslims around the world. This simple structure, believed to have been built by Hazrat Abraham (AS) and Hazrat Ishmael (AS), serves as the focal point for five daily prayers, uniting Muslims in their worship of Allah (SWT) regardless of location.

What is Umrah in Islam

In Islam, Umrah is an optional pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken to seek the blessings and forgiveness of Allah Almighty. Many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan or in the Islamic lunar months of Rajab and Shaban that precede it. It is widely believed that these months offer greater mercy, higher acceptance of prayers, and increased rewards for worship. Hazrat Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated: Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.) said, “(The performance of) `Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773)

What Is the Purpose of Umrah?

The primary purpose of Umrah is to seek the blessings of Allah Almighty, ask for forgiveness, and renew one’s faith in Islam. It is believed that those who perform Umrah are cleansed of their sins and bestowed with numerous blessings. The pilgrimage involves performing specific acts of worship, including the Tawaf, which is the act of circulating the Kaaba. Although Umrah shares some rituals with Hajj, it is a shorter and less demanding pilgrimage. Through these acts, Muslims aim to strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah and reaffirm their commitment to their faith.

Rituals of Umrah – How to Perform Umrah

While both Umrah and Hajj are significant pilgrimages in Islam, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah: Ihram from Miqat Tawaf Sa’i Halq or Taqsir

Dua for Umrah

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ. “I begin in the name of Allah Almighty, all praise be to Him, and Blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah (SAW); O Allah (SWT), forgive my sins and open for me the gates of your mercy.”

Step 1 – Ihram

Before starting the Umrah pilgrimage, you need to enter a special state called Ihram. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Preparing for Ihram

Ihram Clothing: Men should wear two unstitched white clothes—one around the waist and one over the shoulder. Women should wear loose, modest clothing that covers their entire body except for the face and hands. This simple clothing removes any social and economic differences, making everyone equal before Allah. Rules During Ihram: While in Ihram, certain actions are not allowed to keep your spiritual state pure. These include: Cutting nails or shaving any part of the body. Using perfumes or scented products, like deodorants and soaps. Having marital relations. Hunting or harming animals and plants. Intention (Niyyah): Making the intention, or niyyah, to perform Umrah is very important. This is a promise in your heart to do the pilgrimage for Allah. You can say it in your mind in any language, but many people use Arabic. Make this intention before putting on Ihram clothing. Talbiyah: After making your intention, recite the Talbiyah to declare your readiness to perform Umrah: “Bismillahi wal hamdulillahi wassaulatu a’laa rausulillah, Allauhummaghfirlee zunoobee waf tahlee abwaaba rauhmatik.”

Salah Al-Ihram

Before entering the state of Ihram, it is recommended to perform two Rak’ahs of Salah, called Salah Al-Ihram. You can do this: After changing into Ihram clothes at home or the airport. On the plane before crossing the Miqat (the boundary where you must enter Ihram), if there are prayer facilities on board. These two Rak’ahs help you prepare spiritually for Umrah.

Importance of Ihram

Ihram represents purity and humility. When everyone wears the same simple clothes, social and financial differences disappear, showing that all Muslims are equal before Allah. This creates a sense of unity among all pilgrims.

Rules During Ihram

While in the state of Ihram, you must follow certain rules to keep your spiritual state pure: Nail Cutting and Shaving: Do not cut your nails or shave any hair. Clothing: Men should avoid stitched clothing and only wear two unstitched white clothes. Women can wear stitched clothing as long as it is modest. Visibility: For women, only the face and hands should be visible. Scented Products: Do not use perfumes, scented soaps, deodorants, or aftershaves. Use unscented products instead. Marital Relations: Do not engage in marital relations. Harming Living Beings: Do not harm or kill animals and plants. Making the Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah The niyyah is very important. It is the intention in your heart to perform Umrah for Allah. This does not need to be spoken out loud but should be firmly made in your heart. Making this intention marks the start of your spiritual journey. Here are three examples of intentions that can be said in Arabic: لَبَّيْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ عُمْرَةً “O Allah Almighty, here I am to perform Umrah.” اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ العُمْرَةَ “Allah Almighty, I intend to perform Umrah.” اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ العُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي “O Allah Almighty, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.”

Step 2 – Tawaf

Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba and is a central ritual during Umrah and Hajj. This essential practice involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Black Stone. Tawaf demonstrates devotion to Allah Almighty and follows the example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions. It also symbolizes the unity of the Muslim community and submission to Allah’s will. Before starting Tawaf, ensure you are in a state of ritual purity by performing ablution. Make the intention (niyyah) to perform Tawaf for the sake of Allah Almighty. Men should uncover their right shoulder by placing the upper part of their Ihram garment under their right armpit and over their left shoulder—this is called Idtiba. Men should also walk quickly and take short steps in the first three rounds of Tawaf, known as Raml. Women should cover their whole body except their face and hands and walk normally. During Tawaf, you can recite Takbir, Tahlil, Tasbih, various essential Dua for umrah, and other supplications based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). After completing Tawaf, perform two Rak’ahs of voluntary prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Then, kiss or touch the Black Stone again, or point to it if approaching it directly is not possible. This marks the completion of Tawaf. To learn more about the significance and deeper meaning of Tawaf, you can refer to this blog post: “Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah: Significance and Method.”

Step 3 – Sa’i

Sa’i is a ritual involving walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located near the Kaaba in Makkah. Sa’i is derived from the Arabic word Sa’a, which means to strive or to pursue. It is performed after completing Tawaf. Sa’i consists of seven rounds, starting from Safa and ending at Marwa. Each round is about 450 meters long, making the total distance of Sa’i about 3.15 kilometers. Sa’i commemorates the story of Hazrat Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who searched for water for her son Hazrat Ismail (AS). Allah (SWT) rewarded her patience and trust by making a spring of water, known as Zamzam, pour out from under Hazrat Ismail’s (AS) feet. Sa’i symbolizes determination, faith, and gratitude to Allah Almighty. Dua to Recite Upon Reaching Safa: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ “Surely, Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah Almighty.”

Step 4 – Halq or Taqsir

Halq or Taqsir is the final step of Umrah, symbolizing the completion of this sacred journey and the removal of worldly sins. For Men: Halq involves shaving the entire head, while Taqsir refers to trimming a portion of the hair. Both acts signify humility and a fresh start in spiritual life. Many men prefer Halq for its deeper symbolic meaning of complete renewal. For Women: Women should cut a small portion of their hair, roughly the length of a fingertip. This modest act also represents a new beginning and spiritual cleansing. By completing Halq or Taqsir, you mark the end of your Umrah rituals. This act signifies your purification and readiness to return to everyday life with a renewed spiritual focus.

Performing Umrah in Islam

Performing Umrah involves these fundamental steps and can usually be completed in a few hours, depending on your pace and preference. Each step is filled with spiritual significance, helping you draw closer to Allah Almighty and cleanse your soul from sins. Umrah is a deeply rewarding journey, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. May Allah Almighty accept our Umrah and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Umrah is an optional but highly significant pilgrimage in Islam. It provides Muslims with a chance to seek Allah Almighty’s blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. Unlike Hajj, which has particular dates, Umrah may be done at any time of the year. This flexibility allows Muslims to express their devotion, cleanse their souls, and unite with the global Muslim community in worship around the Kaaba in Mecca.