Umrah Niyat Dua: Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Meaning and Authentic Duas
Umrah Niyat Dua: Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Meaning and Authentic Duas
Performing Umrah is a religious journey assisting the believer's closeness to Allah. A spiritual experience, it purifies the soul and fortifies one's faith. Each of the components of Umrah begins with the action of pure intentions “niyat” which is the core of Umrah. The du'a of Umrah's niyat signifies the start of the holy journey, demonstrating one's full devotion and love towards Allah.
This thorough and authentic guide describes the Umrah niyat dua in Arabic, its significance, when to recite it and how, and other essential duas which pilgrims recite on entering the Haram of Makkah. All of the information below is double-checked, authentic, and deeply researched from Islamic sources.
What Is Niyat in Islam?
In Islam, the term niyat means intention. This indicates a determination in one’s heart to do any form of worship for Allah alone. The Prophet of Allah Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Surely deeds are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This means the reward and acceptance for each deed depends on the reason for doing it. Prior to beginning the Ihram for Umrah, a Muslim must make the niyat to perform Umrah in their heart - with love and sincerity.
Without niyat, the umrah cannot begin. The moment a pilgrim exhibits niyat, they enter into the sacred state of Ihram. In the state of Ihram, certain actions are prohibited.
How to Make the Niyat for Umrah (Step-by-Step)
1. Make Ghusl: Cleanse your body and spirit before putting on Ihram.
2. Put on Ihram: Men wear two white sheets; women wear simple, modest clothing.
3. Pray Two Rakat: Offer two rakats of nafl prayer with the intention for Ihram.
4. Face the Qiblah: Stand to face Makkah.
5. Recite the Umrah Niyat Dua: Recite the niyat quietly and from your heart.
6. Begin the Talbiyah: After you say the niyat, you can then recite the Talbiyah immediately.
The Talbiyah (Declaration of Intention)
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْك، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْك، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Translation:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. There is no partner with You. Truly all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
This expressive chant signifies the pilgrim’s spiritual initiation into the Umrah journey.
Dua When Entering Makkah and the Haram
As you enter the blessed city of Makkah al-Mukarramah, it is a Sunnah to enter in a state of humility and recite the following dua when entering the Haram:
Arabic:
هُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ ❁
Transliteration:
Allahumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka faḥarrimnī ‘alan-nār, wa āminnī min ‘adhābika yawma tab‘athu ‘ibādak, waj‘alnī min awliyā’ika wa ahl ṭā‘atik.
Translation:
“O Allah! This is Your sacred sanctuary and place of security. So make me forbidden to the Fire, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You raise Your servants, and make me among Your close friends and those who obey You.”
This dua is rich in significance and humility; it demonstrates humility, thankfulness, and a request for safety, mercy, and acceptance. It is a Sunnah to recite this dua upon the first sight of the Haram or upon entering the city of Makkah.
Importance of the Umrah Niyat Dua
The niyat establishes the spiritual significance of your entire pilgrimage. Without niyat, Umrah is not valid. The niyat is the point at which the heart is completely directed to Allah. From that point on, one is in Ihram, and everything one does must be in a manner reflecting tahara and sincerity.
The niyat is the distinguishing factor between acts of worship and non-worship. A person may travel, dress, walk — but when he intends it for Allah, it becomes a rewardable act.
Umrah Niyat for Women
The niyat and intentions are identical for men and women performing Umrah; women do not have to plan or intend anything different. They do not have to cover their faces or hands while in Ihram, they should still be modest, avoid perfume, and perform the niyat sincerely with their hearts.
After showering and dressing in Ihram, women can say:
اللهم إني أريد العمرة فيسرها لي وتقبلها مني
(“O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah, make it easy for me and accept it from me.”)
Common Mistakes During Niyat
• Articulating niyat aloud in an audible manner for others to listen. Niyat is an intention that should be made in the heart, and quietly without speaking out loud.
• Neglecting to wear Ihram before proceeding across the Miqat.
• Once niyat is performed, not following the Ihram rules (i.e., cutting nails, applying fragrance, etc.
• Making niyat in Arabic without understanding it. It is better to know what it means or say it in your language with sincerity and understanding.
Spiritual Reflection
When the time arrives for umrah niyat dua, it is truly a moment filled with emotions and faith. It is that moment when a believer feels the weight of the niyat, letting go of everything to respond to Allah's call. Each word in the dua carries deep meaning:
• I intend to perform Umrah - a commitment to Allah's act of worship
• Make it easy for me - that niyat calls for Allah's help, in what may be a time of difficulty
• Accept it from me - a prayer asking Allah to accept the worship.
There are many pilgrims who also get teary at this moment. This is the real start of the journey.
Finalising:
The niyat dua for Umrah is the beginning of your blessed journey. It will convert travel into worship and a visitation into a lifetime of blessings. With a clean heart and sincere niyat, your Umrah will be a springboard for forgiveness and tranquility.
Recite:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
“O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
And when you arrive at the Haram, don’t forget the beautiful dua:
هُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ ❁
This dua is a protective dua over the heart, a purification for the soul and an invocation for Allah's mercy for all the pilgrims. May Allah accept every niyat, facilitate every journey, and grant every pilgrim the honor of His acceptance.
