Preparing for Umrah: Intention, Preparation and Etiquette
Almost every Muslim carries a quiet dream: to stand, one day, before the Kaaba. Umrah is a chance to fulfil it. It is more than a long journey. It is an answer to Allah's call and an opportunity to begin again. This article gathers a few simple things worth remembering before you travel.
The virtue of Umrah
Allah speaks of completing Umrah in the Quran:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.”
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:196
The Prophet ﷺ also spoke about its great reward:
الْعُمْرَةُ إِلَى الْعُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الْجَنَّةُ
“One Umrah to the next is an expiation for what lies between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1773; Sahih Muslim 1349
Scholars explain that this hadith refers mainly to the forgiveness of minor sins. Major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah) of their own.
1. Set your intention
Every deed depends on its intention. The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1 (this is al-Bukhari's wording); Sahih Muslim 1907
Before you leave, ask yourself: why am I going? Not to be seen, not for photos, and not for praise, but only to please Allah. The clearer your intention, the deeper the journey will feel.
2. Halal earnings and settling what you owe
Make sure the cost of your Umrah comes from halal income. If you owe anyone money, repay it before you go or arrange for it to be repaid. Mend any broken relationships. Put your family's affairs in order so your mind is at ease. A light heart finds sweetness in worship.
3. Learn the essentials
The main steps of Umrah, in brief:
- Ihram and intention: entering the state of ihram at the miqat, making the intention for Umrah and reciting the Talbiyah.
- Tawaf: circling the Kaaba seven times.
- Sa'i: walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
- Halq or taqsir: shaving the head or trimming the hair.
4. The Talbiyah: answering Allah's call
Once in ihram, the believer's voice rises with the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all praise, all favour and all sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Recite it slowly and understand its meaning. You will find it is more than a prayer: it is a servant's declaration that he has answered his Lord's call.
5. Etiquette of the journey
- Be patient: in the crowds, the heat and the fatigue, keep your temper calm. Patience is itself worship.
- Do not harm others: do not push during tawaf and sa'i. Make room for the elderly, the sick and women.
- Value your time: spend your moments in the Haram in dua, dhikr, Quran recitation and prayer. Try not to lose too much time to photos and videos.
- Follow the rules: listen to the authorities, keep the place clean and do not waste Zamzam water.
- Pray for yourself and others: remember your family, friends, teachers and the whole Muslim ummah in your supplications.
6. Beware of scams
Some people take advantage of the eagerness to perform Umrah. A few things to keep in mind:
- Use the official Saudi Nusuk app or platform for permits and bookings.
- Choose a licensed, well-known agency and keep a receipt for every payment.
- Be careful with offers such as “free Umrah” or “guaranteed chance”, especially if they ask for money or passport details.
- Never send advance payments to someone you do not know.
7. After you return
The real test begins when Umrah ends. Keep the softness of heart you felt before the Kaaba. Stay regular in prayer, speak the truth and treat your family well. Many scholars have said that being granted another good deed after a good deed is a sign that the first was accepted.
May Allah grant us all the chance to visit His House with sincere intention, and accept our worship. Ameen.