Introduction
Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims to the Holy city of Mecca. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. This sacred pilgrimage involves a series of rituals, each accompanied by specific Duas (supplications) and prayers. These Duas are recited to seek Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and guidance, making the journey not just a physical act but a profound spiritual experience.
This article explores the various Duas and prayers recited during Umrah, explaining their significance and the appropriate times to recite them. By understanding and internalizing these Duas, pilgrims can enhance their spiritual connection with Allah during their pilgrimage.
The Importance of Duas in Umrah
Dua, in its essence, is a form of communication with Allah. It is a means by which Muslims express their needs, desires, and gratitude to their Creator. In Umrah, Duas play a crucial role as they guide the pilgrim’s heart and soul through the different stages of the pilgrimage.
Reciting Duas during Umrah is not just about uttering words; it is about the heartfelt connection with Allah. The act of supplicating allows the pilgrim to align their intentions with the purpose of the journey – seeking closeness to Allah, repentance for sins, and asking for blessings in this life and the Hereafter.
Duas Before Starting Umrah
Before embarking on the journey of Umrah, it is essential to make the intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah alone. This intention should be clear and sincere. The Niyyah can be made in any language, but the most common way is to recite:
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah”
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”
This simple declaration signifies the pilgrim’s readiness and commitment to undertake the journey solely for Allah’s pleasure.
Duas for Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state in which a Muslim must enter to perform Umrah or Hajj. The pilgrim enters this state by donning the prescribed clothing (two white, unstitched cloths for men and modest clothing for women) and making the intention for Umrah. After wearing Ihram, the following Dua is recited:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadir.”
Translation: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah, He is alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything.”
This proclamation, known as the Talbiyah, is a declaration of the pilgrim’s submission to Allah. It is repeated frequently throughout the journey, especially during travel to Mecca.
Duas When Entering the Masjid al-Haram
Upon reaching the Holy Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca, the pilgrim should enter with humility and reverence, recognizing the sanctity of the place. Upon entering, the following Dua is recommended:
“Bismillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunubi waftah li abwaba rahmatika.”
Translation: “In the name of Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
This prayer is a request for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging the holiness of the place and the pilgrim’s need for divine grace.
Duas for Tawaf
Tawaf, the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, is one of the main rituals of Umrah. Each circuit starts and ends at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Although there are no mandatory Duas for Tawaf, it is highly recommended to recite specific supplications during the ritual.
1. Istilam of the Black Stone
At the beginning of Tawaf, the pilgrim should face the Black Stone and make the following Dua while pointing towards it:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”
Translation: “In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
If possible, the pilgrim should touch or kiss the Black Stone, but if it is not feasible due to the crowd, it is sufficient to point towards it with the right hand and continue the recitation.
2. Dua During Tawaf
While performing Tawaf, pilgrims can recite any supplications, Quranic verses, or prayers. One of the most common Duas is:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
Translation: “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
This Dua is a comprehensive prayer asking for the best in both this life and the Hereafter, emphasizing the pilgrim’s desire for spiritual and material well-being.
Duas at Maqam Ibrahim
After completing Tawaf, it is Sunnah (recommended) to pray two Rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim, the station of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The following verse from the Quran is often recited:
“Wattakhidhu min maqami Ibrahima musalla.”
Translation: “And take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer.” (Quran 2:125)
In these two Rakat, Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) is often recited in the first Rakat after Surah Al-Fatiha, and Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) is recited in the second Rakat after Surah Al-Fatiha.
Drinking Zamzam Water
After praying at Maqam Ibrahim, pilgrims are encouraged to drink Zamzam water. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to drink Zamzam water after Tawaf. While drinking Zamzam, the following Dua is often recited:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an wa rizqan wasi’an wa shifa’an min kulli da’in.”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and a cure from every disease.”
This supplication reflects the belief that Zamzam water is not only a source of physical nourishment but also of spiritual healing and blessing.
Duas for Sa’i
Sa’i is the ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This act commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail, a symbol of trust in Allah and perseverance.
1. Dua at Safa
Upon reaching Safa, the pilgrim faces the Kaaba, raises their hands, and makes the following supplication:
“Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’iri Allah.”
Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Quran 2:158)
The pilgrim then repeats the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk, Inna al-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
After this, the pilgrim can make personal supplications before beginning the walk towards Marwah.
2. Dua During Sa’i
While walking between Safa and Marwah, the pilgrim can recite any Dua or Quranic verse. A commonly recited Dua is:
“Rabbighfir warham innaka anta al-A’azzul Akram.”
Translation: “O Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous.”
Between the green markers, men are encouraged to run or walk briskly, symbolizing Hajar’s effort to find water. Women should continue walking at a normal pace.
3. Dua at Marwah
Upon reaching Marwah, the pilgrim again faces the Kaaba, raises their hands in supplication, and makes a personal Dua. The process is then repeated, with the pilgrim moving back to Safa. This is done seven times, with the seventh circuit ending at Marwah.
Dua After Completing Sa’i
After completing the Sa’i, the pilgrim should make a final Dua, thanking Allah for the opportunity to perform Umrah and asking for the acceptance of their efforts. A suggested Dua is:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka ridaka wal-jannah wa a’udhu bika min sakhatika wan-nar.”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for Your pleasure and for Paradise, and I seek refuge in You from Your anger and the Fire.”
This prayer reflects the pilgrim’s ultimate goal – seeking Allah’s pleasure and eternal reward in Paradise.
Duas When Cutting Hair (Halq or Taqsir)
After completing Sa’i, men either shave their heads completely (Halq) or shorten their hair (Taqsir), while women cut a small portion of their hair. This act signifies humility and submission to Allah, marking the end of the Umrah rituals. While cutting the hair, it is recommended to make a Dua, expressing gratitude and seeking Allah’s acceptance of the pilgrimage:
“Allahumma taqabbal minni wa’fu ‘anni.”
Translation: “O Allah, accept [this] from me and forgive me.”
This supplication reflects the pilgrim’s hope that their Umrah is accepted by Allah and that their sins are forgiven.
Exiting the State of Ihram
After cutting the hair, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram, which means they can now resume normal activities, such as wearing regular clothes. Exiting Ihram is a significant moment in the pilgrimage as it symbolizes the completion of the key rituals of Umrah. While there is no specific Dua for exiting Ihram, it is an opportunity for the pilgrim to make personal supplications, asking Allah to accept their efforts and to bless them in their lives.
General Duas for Umrah
In addition to the specific Duas mentioned above, pilgrims are encouraged to make general Duas throughout their journey. Here are some Duas that can be recited during any part of the pilgrimage:
1. Dua for Forgiveness
“Astaghfirullah Rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh.”
Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed, and I turn to Him in repentance.”
This Dua emphasizes the pilgrim’s repentance and desire for forgiveness, which is a central theme of the Umrah pilgrimage.
2. Dua for Guidance
“Allahumma inni as’aluka huda wa tuqa wa ‘afafa wa ghina.”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.”
This supplication seeks Allah’s guidance and moral strength, which are essential for a successful pilgrimage and life.
3. Dua for Protection
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min al-hammi wal-hazani wal-‘ajzi wal-kasali wal-jubni wal-bukhli wa ghalabatid-dayni wa qahrir-rijal.”
Translation: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief, weakness and laziness, cowardice and miserliness, and the burden of debts and the oppression of men.”
This comprehensive Dua asks for protection from various forms of hardship and negativity, ensuring that the pilgrim remains spiritually and emotionally resilient.
4. Dua for Acceptance
“Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka Antas-Sami’ul-‘Aleem.”
Translation: “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran 2:127)
This Dua is particularly meaningful as it was recited by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail when they were building the Kaaba. It is a request for Allah to accept the pilgrim’s efforts and to acknowledge their devotion.
Conclusion
The Umrah pilgrimage is not just a physical journey; it is a profound spiritual experience that allows Muslims to draw closer to Allah. Duas and prayers play an essential role in this journey, guiding the pilgrim’s thoughts, actions, and intentions. By understanding and internalizing these Duas, pilgrims can enhance their connection with Allah and make their Umrah a truly transformative experience.
As pilgrims perform the various rituals of Umrah – from the state of Ihram to Tawaf, Sa’i, and the final act of cutting hair – they are continuously engaged in supplication, seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Each Dua recited during Umrah is an opportunity to deepen one’s faith and to express sincere devotion to the Creator.
May Allah accept the Umrah of all those who undertake this blessed journey and grant them the rewards and spiritual elevation that come with it. Ameen.
