How to Intend Umrah Correctly? In Islam, sincere intention is the first step in righteous deeds that draw a person closer to their Lord. Therefore, the intention for Umrah is the true first step to begin the rituals of Umrah. In this great journey, Al sharq Travel will guide you on How do you make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah?Providing a comprehensive and detailed guide covering all aspects related to the intention for Umrah.
What is the meaning of intention in Umrah? And how do you achieve it correctly?
In Arabic, intention (niyyah) means purpose. In the context of Umrah, it is the sincere intention of the heart to enter into the rituals of Umrah by avoiding prohibitions and following all instructions and rites specific to Umrah.
How to Intend Umrah? The Correct Steps for Ihram Intention
Here are how do you make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah:
1.Mental Preparation
Remember the greatness of the place and draw closer to Allah Almighty through remembrance and recitation of the Holy Quran before intending to enter Ihram or beginning the rituals.
2.Making the Intention at the Correct Time
This means that the intention should be made upon reaching the designated Miqat (boundary) for each town, neither before nor after.
3.The Correct Wording of the Intention
There is no specific wording for the intention, but the pilgrim should adhere to the text of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) statement: “Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for ‘Umrah).
Conditions for the Validity of the ‘Umrah Intention Before Entering Ihram
It is worth noting that there are specific conditions for the intention to be valid, as follows:
1.Making the Intention at the Miqat
One of the conditions for the validity of the intention is that it be made upon reaching the designated Miqat for each town, neither before nor after.
2.Purity
Taking a ritual bath (Ghusl) before entering Ihram is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice). Therefore, it is preferable for both men and women to perform Ghusl before beginning the Ihram or making the intention for Ihram.
3.Physical Ability
Physical ability is a general condition for ‘Umrah. Therefore, if there is a legal impediment or excuse preventing one from performing the rituals of ‘Umrah, then making the intention is not permissible. 4. Avoiding the things that invalidate Umrah
Once you begin Umrah by entering Ihram, you must avoid doing anything that invalidates it, such as cutting your hair or covering your head. This applies to men.
How to prepare for Umrah before the intention and Ihram
Regarding how do you make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah?Here are the correct steps to prepare for entering Ihram:
1.Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) and put on Ihram clothing
Before entering Ihram, it is recommended for both men and women to perform Ghusl and purify themselves, and then put on the Ihram clothing designated for men and women.
2.Perform two Rak’ahs (units of prayer) for Ihram
Many scholars agree that it is recommended to pray two Rak’ahs before entering Ihram, if possible for the pilgrim.
3.Make abundant supplications
A Muslim should make abundant supplications before entering Ihram, especially supplications for the acceptance of their Umrah, in remembrance of the greatness of Allah Almighty.
You can read more articles: When do the Hajj rituals begin?
Women’s Intention for Umrah: Special Rulings to Know
For women, there is no difference between the intentions of women and men. They intend to perform Umrah just as men do, wearing appropriate clothing that adheres to Islamic dress codes, which do not reveal the body’s contours and cover all parts of the body that must be covered. There is no specific wording for the intention, as mentioned previously. The conditions for a valid intention are ritual purity and the absence of a valid excuse.
The Difference Between the Intention for Umrah and the Intention for Hajj: Which Takes Precedence?
It is worth noting that there is a difference between the intentions for Hajj and Umrah. The intention for Umrah is limited to Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and then shaving or cutting the hair. The intention for Hajj is more comprehensive, as it includes a greater number of rituals, such as standing at Arafat, spending the night at Muzdalifah, and throwing pebbles at the Jamarat. A pilgrim can also combine Umrah and Hajj, as previously mentioned.
The Best Time to Intend Umrah and How to Ensure a Correct Start to the Rituals
It is worth noting that the appropriate time to intend Umrah is upon reaching the designated Miqat (boundary) for each country. This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did. Therefore, it is not permissible to delay the intention due to the distance from the Miqat, nor is it permissible to make it before that time, so that the act of worship conforms to the Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). To ensure that your Umrah is performed correctly, follow these steps:
- Physically and mentally prepare yourself before reaching the Miqat by performing Ghusl (ritual bath) and wearing the designated Ihram clothing for men and women.
- Maintain a sincere intention in your heart to enter into the rituals of Umrah.
- Verbally declare your intention if you wish, by reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah).
- Avoid actions that invalidate Ihram, such as cutting your hair or using perfume after entering into the rituals of Umrah.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has covered how to correctly intend Umrah, as a sincere and correct intention is key to the acceptance of all Umrah rituals. Therefore, Muslims should ensure their intention is made according to the conditions detailed above. If you wish to undertake a comfortable and comprehensive Umrah trip that guarantees you perform the rituals correctly and perfectly, Al Sharq Travel is your ideal destination for performing Umrah correctly.
FAQs
Is it required to verbally express the intention at the beginning of Umrah?
No, verbalizing it is not required. Intention in the heart is sufficient, but verbalizing it is permissible for those who wish to do so.
When should I intend Umrah?
The intention is made upon entering Ihram at the designated Miqat, without advancing or delaying it.
What is the correct wording for the Umrah intention?
The well-known wording is: “Labbayk Umrah” or “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah.”
Can I make the intention for Umrah from inside the hotel before reaching the Miqat?
No, it is not permissible. The intention must be made at the Miqat or directly adjacent to it.
Is it permissible to change one’s intention after entering ihram?
Changing one’s intention after entering ihram is not permissible except for a legitimate reason.
Is Umrah valid without a clear intention?
No, intention is a fundamental pillar, and the act of worship is invalid without it.
Does a woman’s intention differ from a man’s during Umrah?
No, it does not, but there are specific rulings regarding purification and clothing.
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