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Comprehensive umrah instructions | How to perform umrah step-by-step

How to Prepare for Umrah: A Comprehensive Guide

Making the necessary arrangements is only one aspect of preparing for Umrah; another is taking care of your heart and soul and looking forward to the spiritual voyage that lies ahead.

What the Niyyah

Muslims are urged to focus their hearts on the sublime act of Niyyah, or intention, before setting out on the holy pilgrimage of Umrah. The Niyyah for Umrah represents a sincere pledge to set out on this spiritual pilgrimage exclusively for Allah's glory and blessings, with the intention of earning His pleasure.

Reaching an Ihram state

Before commencing the journey, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram, a sacred state of purity and devotion. This involves wearing the designated white clothing for men and dressing modestly for women. During Ihram, certain actions are prohibited, such as cutting hair or nails, using perfume, and engaging in arguments or harmful behavior.

Quoting from Talbiyah

Muslims recite Talbiyah, a profound and holy invocation, during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Its name, which comes from the Arabic word "labbayk," which means "here I am," symbolises the pilgrim's humble answer to Allah's summons to set out on this spiritual quest. Talbiya is, لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ - لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ - إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمةَ لَكَ وَالْمُهْكَ لَكَ - لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ How to pronounce it: Allahumma Labbayk labbayeek, l'aa sharika labbayeeka Laka labbayeek, laka wal-mulk, l'aa sharika lak, innal-ḥamda wan-ni’mata.

Engaging in spiritual preparation

There is more to Umrah preparation than just making the necessary arrangements. It is recommended that pilgrims read the Quran, ask for forgiveness, and increase their acts of worship in the days preceding their departure as a means of preparing themselves spiritually.