Umrah is a special journey to Mecca that Muslims take to get closer to Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. It includes several important steps and prayers, called duas. This guide will explain how to perform Umrah and the specific duas to recite at each stage.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can perform at any time. It is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended in Islam. The rituals of Umrah help Muslims seek Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Umrah
- Niyyah (Intention)
The first step is to make the niyyah or intention. This means you decide in your heart that you are performing Umrah for Allah. - Ihram
Before entering Ihram, you must clean yourself by performing a ghusl (a full-body wash). Men wear two white, unstitched sheets, and women wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. After dressing, pray two rakats of Salah and recite the following dua:
Dua for Entering Ihram:
اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً
“Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah.”
(O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah.)
- Tawaf
When you reach the Masjid al-Haram, start Tawaf, which means walking around the Kaaba seven times. You can recite any dua during Tawaf.
Dua for Tawaf:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
“Subhan Allah, walhamdu lillah, wala ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar.”
(Glory be to Allah, and all praise is due to Allah, and there is no god except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.)
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhabannar.”
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)
- Sa’i
After Tawaf, perform Sa’i, which means walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Before starting Sa’i, recite this dua at Safa:
Dua at Safa:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Innassafa walmarwata min sha’a’irillah.”
(Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.)
- Halq or Taqsir
The final step is Halq (shaving the head) for men or Taqsir (cutting a small portion of hair) for women. This act symbolizes completing Umrah and renewing your spiritual state.
Essential Dua for Umrah
- Talbiyah
Recite the Talbiyah often during Umrah, especially after making your intention and entering Ihram.
Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
- Dua for Entering Masjid al-Haram
When entering the Holy Mosque, recite this dua:
Dua for Entering Masjid al-Haram:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
“Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.”
(O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.)
- Dua for Seeing the Kaaba
When you first see the Kaaba, make personal supplications and prayers. It is a moment of deep spiritual connection. - Dua Between Safa and Marwah
While performing Sa’i, recite:
Dua Between Safa and Marwah:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ
“Rabbighfir warham innaka antal-‘azzul-akram.”
(My Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Most Mighty, the Most Noble.)
Spiritual Benefits of Umrah
Umrah offers many spiritual benefits. It helps erase past sins, renews your faith, and brings you closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones.”
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that helps Muslims grow closer to Allah. Following the steps and reciting the correct duas ensures your Umrah is performed sincerely and correctly. Umrah is about physical actions, spiritual growth, and purification. May Allah accept the Umrah of all those who undertake this blessed journey.