When it comes to beginning your sacred journey, one of the most common questions Muslims ask is how to make intention for Umrah. The truth is, the intention (niyyah) in Islam is not always about loudly saying something out loud; rather, it resides in your heart. However, when it comes to Umrah, many scholars recommend reciting a specific dua while entering Ihram to prepare spiritually and mentally for the journey. Since I have not yet performed Umrah myself, I rely on authentic sources, scholars, and references from Hadith to share these steps so that you (and I, one day Insha’Allah) can approach Umrah with the right mindset. With more than 10 million people visiting Makkah each year, understanding the proper way to make intention for Umrah ensures that your journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual.
Step 1: Understanding the Importance of Niyyah
Before you even recite any dua, it’s important to know that the niyyah (intention) is an action of the heart. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what he intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1,)
This means that your intention for Umrah begins the moment you decide to perform it sincerely for the sake of Allah, leaving behind worldly distractions.
Step 2: When to Make Intention for Umrah (Niyat of Umrah)
You make the intention for Umrah at the Miqat—the designated boundary points around Makkah that pilgrims must not cross without entering into the state of Ihram. The Prophet ﷺ clearly defined these Miqat points, and they are mentioned in authentic Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1524).
For pilgrims traveling from Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, the Miqat is usually Qarn al-Manazil (also called As-Sail al-Kabir) because this is the Miqat for those coming from the direction of Najd, which aligns with most international flight routes landing in Jeddah. Airlines often announce before crossing the Miqat so pilgrims can prepare.
Here are the main Miqat points:
Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): For those coming from Madinah.
Al-Juhfah: For pilgrims coming from the Levant (Syria, Jordan, Palestine).
Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabir): For those arriving from Najd, and by extension, for most Tier 1 international travelers (USA, UK, Canada, Australia).
Yalamlam: For pilgrims from Yemen.
Dhat Irq: For people coming from Iraq.
If you’re flying from New York, London, Toronto, or Sydney, your plane will most likely pass over Qarn al-Manazil, and that is where you must make your intention for Umrah. Therefore, it is highly recommended to change into Ihram at the airport before boarding your flight or at least before nearing the Miqat, so you are ready once the announcement is made.
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Step 3: The Dua for Intention of Umrah
Here is the authentic dua you should recite when making intention:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni urīdu al-‘umrata fa-yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
English Meaning:
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
This supplication is not obligatory but highly recommended. The real niyyah is in your heart, but this dua strengthens your focus and helps you begin Umrah with clarity.
Step 4: Saying the Talbiyah After Intention
Immediately after making your intention, you begin reciting the Talbiyah, as the Prophet ﷺ did:
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharīka laka labbayk, innal-ḥamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
English Meaning:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1549)
This continues throughout your journey until you reach Makkah and begin Tawaf.
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Step 5: Maintaining the Intention During Umrah
Intention is not just a single moment; it’s something you maintain throughout the rites of Umrah. While performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and other rituals, remind yourself that you are doing this solely for Allah’s pleasure, not for social recognition or worldly gain.
Why This Matters for Your Journey
Understanding how to make intention for Umrah sets the spiritual foundation for everything that follows. Without a sincere niyyah, the actions may become routine rather than acts of worship. For pilgrims from the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia who spend thousands of dollars and hours traveling for this journey, making a heartfelt intention ensures the sacrifice is meaningful and rewarding.
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FAQs: How to Make Intention for Umrah
1. Do I have to say the intention for Umrah out loud?
No, the real intention is in your heart. Saying the dua verbally is recommended but not obligatory.
2. What is the dua for making intention for Umrah?
The dua is: Allahumma inni urīdu al-‘umrata fa-yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me).
3. Where do I make the intention for Umrah?
At the Miqat, before entering into Ihram.
4. Can I make the intention for Umrah from the airport or hotel?
No, the Sunnah is to make intention at the Miqat. If you cross it without Ihram, you must offer a sacrifice as expiation.
5. Is the intention for Umrah the same for men and women?
Yes, the intention (niyyah) is the same for both.
6. Do I need to memorize the intention in Arabic?
It is better if you can, but if not, you can say it in your language while keeping the niyyah in your heart.
7. What if I forget to say the dua for intention?
Your Umrah is still valid as long as the niyyah is in your heart.
8. Do I need wudhu before making intention?
It is recommended to be in a state of wudhu, but not strictly required.
9. How do I renew my intention if I lose focus during Umrah?
Remind yourself silently and renew your heart’s sincerity.
10. Is there a specific Hadith about the exact dua for intention?
The general principle is from Hadith about intentions (Bukhari 1, Muslim 1907). Scholars derived the recommended dua for Umrah from the practices of the companions.
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