Embarking on the spiritual journey of Umrah is an enriching experience that brings a believer closer to the almighty Allah. However, many rules and traditions like Umrah ki Niyat or Niyyah have to be followed since the beginning of this spiritual journey.

Every step of the Umrah journey, from donning the Ihram to completing the Tawaf, is steeped in intentions (Niyyah) and prayers (Dua). But why is Niyyah so essential? How does it shape the entire pilgrimage?

This blog is the undoing of all meanings involved behind Niyyah during an Umrah, with detailed steps explaining the intention and each and every prayer line to be uttered as performed. This post may suit a pilgrim going there first time or aiming for in-depth awareness.

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What does Umrah Ki Niyat or Niyyah Mean?

Niyyah is an Arabic word that translates to “intention” or “purpose”. The more nuanced meaning of Niyyah is to have an intention, in the heart of the believer, to do any given act of ibadah strictly and only for Allah.

Niyyah is a declaration of an intention marking the beginning of an act of ibadah. It is generally not spoken out loud but rather takes place in the heart; it is a private speech from a servant to their Creator. 

Niyyah applies to every deed of worship in Islam, so naturally, it assumes an extremely deep sense in Umrah and Hajj. In Umrah, Niyyah is an expression of the pilgrim’s intent to perform all rituals sincerely and devotedly. It serves as a guide to ensure the journey of Umrah takes place per divine guidance.

Also Read:- How to Prepare for Umrah

What are the Importance of Niyyah?

The importance of Niyyah in Islam cannot be overstated. It serves as a basis for every action giving it a sense of meaning and purpose. It is beautifully portrayed in the well-known Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to their intention.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith states that every deed, small or big, is evaluated based on purity and sincerity of intention. To a Muslim, this implies that the heart and the mind must be in harmony; one must be fully conscious of the act being undertaken and its purpose.

In the context of Umrah, the Niyyah is not only a declaration to embark on a sacred journey but the very element that transforms the pilgrimage from a mere physical undertaking into a deep spiritual experience. By stating the Niyyah, a pilgrim consciously dedicates their journey to seeking blessings of the almighty. 

The Niyyah, therefore is a statement of purpose, a declaration of love, dedication and obedience to Allah and a cornerstone of the entire Umrah pilgrimage. It is the thread that weaves together the physical actions with the deeper spiritual goals of the pilgrimage.

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What is the History Behind Niyyah?

Niyyah is an Islamic concept deeply rooted in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and it forms a fundamental principle that reflects the spiritual essence of worship and the sincerity of one’s heart in seeking the almighty’s blessing.

The early days of Islam stressed the importance of intention as a distinguishing factor between genuine acts of worship and superficial actions. This period saw the Quraysh of Mecca carry out certain rituals with misplaced motives: to seek praise from people or to continue doing something just because it had always been done without proper intentions.

Islam made sense of these acts by saying that no act is acceptable to Allah if not done with a pure heart and good intentions.

The Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab, captures this principle:

“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will be rewarded according to their intention. Whoever migrates for Allah and His Messenger, his migration will be for Allah and His Messenger; and whoever migrates for some worldly benefit or to marry a woman, his migration will be for what he migrated for.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

The Hadith occurred during the time of the Hijrah (migration) from Mecca to Medina. Some people travelled simply for their own reasons or material gain. In these circumstances, the Prophet taught and emphasised that an action does not become valid due to the actual deed but is instead given its value because of the Niyyah.

Also Read:- A Guide to Ziyarat in Mecca & Medina

Niyyah in the Context of Umrah and Hajj

The concept and idea of Niyyah become even more important when it comes to rituals such as Hajj and Umrah. Both these pilgrims involve many rituals and rites and each of those is to be performed with specific Niyyah (intentions)/ to be considered valid.

For example, wearing Ihram is not merely an act of donning a garment but a symbol of entering a state of purity. Similarly, the Tawaf, Sa’ee, and other rites must be performed with the clear intention of fulfilling the commands of Allah.

One historical story that depicts the significance of Niyyah is the story of a man during the Prophet’s time who had the intention of performing Hajj but was stuck in assisting a sick neighbour instead.

The Prophet (PBUH) was informed of this and he commended the man, pointing out that Allah rewards individuals not just for their actions but also for the purity of their intentions.

What are the Niyyah and Dua for Umrah?

The Umrah journey is a highly spiritual activity, with many niyats and duas at various points. Each stage of the sacred journey demands a particular Niyyah and sometimes a corresponding dua, emphasising the pilgrim’s mindfulness and connection to Allah at every step.

Let’s take a look at all the various Niyats for Umrah;

1. Niyyah for Umrah (Umrah ki Niyat)

Before entering the state of Ihram, the pilgrim has to make the Niyyah of performing the Umrah. This intention is made in the heart and can be verbalised by reciting the following:

“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah.”
(“Here I am, O Allah, to perform Umrah.”)

This is accompanied by the Talbiyah;

“Labbayka 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. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”)

2. Dua for Entering Masjid al-Haram

As you draw closer to Masjid al-Haram, your heart overflows with awe and gratitude, and at that moment recite the following dua;

“Allahumma Aftah Li Abwaba Rahmatika.”
(“O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me.”)

You can also recite the following dua when entering the Masjid al-Haram; 

“Allahumma hadha ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimni ‘ala-n-Nar, wa amminni min ‘adhabika yawma tab’athu ‘ibadak, wa j‘alni min awliya’ika wa ahli ta’atik.”
(“O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You”)

3. Niyyah for Tawaf

While starting the tawaf (circumambulating) around the holy Kaaba, make the following intention;

“O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

While performing Tawaf, recite the following dua between the Yemeni Corner and the Hajar al-Aswad; 

“Rabbana Atina Fid-Dunya Hasanat, Wa Fil-Akhirati Hasanat, Wa Qina Azab an-Nar.”
(“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”)

4. Niyyah for Sa’ee

There is no need for Niyyah (intention) to perform Sa’ee. However, it must be done to please the almighty Allah. Pilgrims can recite the following before starting the ritual of Sa’ee;

“O Allah, I perform Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah to seek Your pleasure and obedience.”
The act of Sa’ee involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar’s (AS) search for water for her son, Ismail (AS). This symbolises perseverance, trust in Allah, and His mercy in answering prayers. On reaching Safa, recite the following; 

“Inna Safa Wal-Marwah Min Sha’airillah.”
(“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”)
Followed by: 
Abda’u bima bad’allahu bihi.
(“I begin with that which Allah has begun with.”)

5. Dua for Completing Umrah

Once the rituals of Umrah are completed, one should pray for all their personal needs and seek Allah’s forgiveness. A very simple and heartful dua may be:

“Allahumma Taqabbal Minna Wa-Aghfir Lana Wa’rhamna.”
(“O Allah, accept (this service) from us, forgive us, and have mercy upon us.”)

What is Hajj Ki Niyat?

Although Hajj and Umrah share many rituals, the intention for Hajj is different and profound. While making the Niyyah for Hajj, pilgrims declare:

Labbayka Allahumma Hajj.
(Here I am, O Allah, to perform Hajj.)

The intention is then followed by the Talbiyah, meaning submission to Allah’s command. The Hajj, unlike Umrah, has rites which are performed only during specific days of Dhul-Hijjah, therefore requiring an intention for every step taken.

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What is Fasting Niyyah?

The Niyyah (intention) for fasting or Ramadan is a declaration in the heart to observe the fast solely for Allah. While verbalising is not mandatory, you may recite:

“Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan”
(“I intend to fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”)

The intention should be made before Fajr for obligatory fasts.

Also Read:- Ziyarat Places in Madinah

Conclusion 

The journey of Umrah is as much about spiritual well-being as it is about physical turmoil. It is through silent resolve or niyyah that every action transforms into an expression of devotion and sincerity.

Understanding and reciting the appropriate niyyats and duas at each stage helps the pilgrims fulfil their physical obligations as well as their spiritual elevation. 

Without proper Niyyah, the pilgrim of Umrah is merely a physical journey to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. The silent intentions (Niyyah) and supplications (Dua) are what make the journey spiritually uplifting.

May Allah accept the intentions and efforts of all pilgrims and grant them the blessings of a meaningful and rewarding Umrah journey. Ameen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Niyyah?

A.Niyyah is an Arabic word that translates to “intention”, especially referring to an act of worship or deed. It is a declaration of an intention made in the heart towards pleasing the almighty Allah.

Q. Can everyday acts have Niyyah?

A.Yes, even mundane actions like eating, working, or helping others can become acts of worship if performed to seek Allah’s pleasure.