When Muslims worship, they start with an unseen but essential part, and that is their intention. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Actions are judged by intentions” – [Bukhari and Muslim].
You see this idea most clearly in Umrah. What you feel and think inside is just as important as your actions. So, when you do Adhkar, which is the remembrance of Allah, it helps pilgrims to stay focused on why they are on their holy trip. In this guide, we’ll discuss how Adhkar plays a role in purifying your intentions for Umrah.
Understanding the Importance of Niyyah in Umrah
You can go on the Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina whenever you want; it’s your choice. It is not obligatory like the Hajj, but it has great blessings. But the real meaning of Umrah comes from what’s in your heart when you do it, more than just some ritual.
Niyyah is just a fancy Arabic word for intention. It’s about why you’re doing something. When you go to Umrah, your niyyah is very important. It means that you are only going for Allah. You will not get likes on social media to impress anyone or just because it’s something religious people do. It is all about what’s in your heart and why you are making this trip.
So, if you are planning your Umrah and looking for Umrah packages, you might get busy with your travel plans and other distractions. Try to be consistent with your Adhikar, because it helps you keep your intentions clear.
Related: 7 Things To Avoid During The Umrah Journey
What is Adhkar?
Adhkar are special words and prayers you say to remember Allah and praise Him. They’re like little reminders that help them feel closer to God.
You can say them as:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah)
These phrases are short, but they have many spiritual blessings. Allah says in the Quran:
O believers! Always remember Allah often -[Al-Ahzab 33:41]
You can consider checking the list of morning and evening adhkar and the benefits of reading morning and evening adhkar.
How Adhkar Helps Purify Intentions
Creates Mental Clarity
When you say Adhkar, it helps you clear your mind. It removes negative ideas and outside noises, making it simpler to pay attention when you pray.
Increases Awareness of Allah
When you remember Allah, you become more aware of your actions. This awareness, called Taqwa, naturally makes your intentions pure.
Brings Emotional Stability
Umrah can be physically tough and sometimes overwhelming. But making your Adhkar regularly helps calm your worries and remind you why you are there.
Protects Against Showing Off (Riya’)
When you do good deeds, don’t do them just to get compliments. If you do, your good intentions can get ruined. Instead, pray and worship quietly and honestly. That way, your worship stays real and doesn’t become a show for others.
Adhkar Before and During Umrah
Before Departure
Dua for Travel:
“Subhanalladhi sakh-khara lana hadha wama kunna lahu muqrineen…” [Az-Zukhruf 43:13]
Translation: Glory be to the One Who has subjected these for us, for we could have never done so ˹on our own˺.
This prayer for mounting a vehicle reminds the pilgrim that travel is only possible with Allah’s help.
Before Entering Ihram
Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk…”
Translation: (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am.)
When a pilgrim says this prayer before entering a vehicle, they remember that they can only travel with Allah’s help.
During Tawaf
When you do Tawaf, repeat Adhkar like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar. You can also make personal du’as from your heart in your language.
During Sa’i
You should remember the struggle of Hajar (AS) when you perform Sai, and also keep reciting Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur rahimeen (O Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy)
General Remembrance
Try to recite the Quran as much as possible and do silent dhikr while walking and waiting.
Final Thoughts
You can make big changes in your life during Umrah. And you know what? It all begins with your intention and what you plan to achieve. Your intentions become stronger when you remember Allah. Adhkar (saying special phrases to remember Allah) is a powerful tool from Allah. It helps Muslims feel closer to Allah, stay focused, and remember their main purpose in life.
If you want to go on this sacred journey, before you go, remember Allah often (that’s dhikr). Allow Allah’s remembrance to guide you, shape your thoughts, and keep your intentions pure. Let remembering Allah guide you, help you think clearly, and make your intentions good. If you perform Umrah with a pure heart and the right intentions, its blessings will stay with you forever, not just for a short time.
