The Complete Guide to Istikhara Dua for Umrah (Steps & Supplications)
As such, there comes a moment most UK Muslims reach when planning Umrah (after booking it of course) It is moment when you have chosen the right dates, stayed within budget, and have a clear intention. But something holds you back. A quiet uncertainty. An unanswered question in your mind; is this the time to? This is precisely the moment Istikhara was made for. Istikhara is one of the most practically useful acts of worship in Islam a prayer specifically designed for times of uncertainty. Not for the easy calls, not for the obvious answers, but for the ones where you really do not know the way forward and need something more than your own reason to resolve it. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its importance by teaching it to his Companions with the same care as a chapter from the Qur’an. This guide will discuss what is meant by Istikhara, how to practice Istikhara properly (the complete dua for the same with Arabic and English translations), what you can expect from Istikhara, and the relevance of this process to your decision for Umrah. What Is Istikhara? The word ‘Istikhara’ originates from an Arabic root that means seeking goodness or guidance in a decision. Basically, making Istikhara is like seeking Allah to provide guidance and advice on something that may go really well for you or to protect you from an outcome that may lead to harm or regret. Salat al-Istikhara includes two rakahs of voluntary prayer with the intention that it is done to seek divine guidance alongside the Istikhara dua through which you can pour your particular matter in front of Allah. It is based upon a genuinely narrated hadith attributed to Jabir ibn Abdullah, which can be found in Sahih al-Bukhari. Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the way of doing Salat al-Istikhara for all affairs just as he would teach us a chapter from the Qur’an. This detail is significant: teaching it like a chapter of the Qur’an shows that Istikhara was intended for every Muslim Istikhara is something that the Prophet ﷺ did not only do once, he did not consider it to be an elite act. It was something he taught as a thing every Muslim should know, strive to reach and ask about regularly like they would Surah al-Fatiha. When Should You Perform Istikhara for Umrah? Umrah is a journey of important decisions when to go, which package to book, whether the timing is right for your family, your financial needs and health. And if you come across a difficult situation in life, and you find it impossible to make up your mind, then ask Allah by praying Istikhara. Whether deciding on a career move, considering a marriage proposal, buying a house, or making any life choice, purchase a new house and settle any kind of issue; no one can guide you as genuinely well as Allah. When it comes to performing Umrah, the point in time that is quite evident in carrying out Istikhara is when making the trip is something that you have considered and are thinking about, but have not made the final decision, even when you have managed to fix dates, have seen packages from the travel agencies in the UK and the idea is becoming more tangible in your mind than other ideas for other destinations. The best use of istikhara is not to make it the last thing you do when all else fails, but rather something so natural to how you approach decision-making that it becomes your foremost response- where every major decision made is oriented toward Allah. Start before the pressure begins. For major decisions, pray Istikhara days in advance as opposed to the night of your deadline. The Conditions for Performing Istikhara There are some conditions applicable to Istikhara before you perform it – same condition which is applicable on any non obligatory prayer. Ensure you are in a state of physical purity with fresh wudhu, sit in a clean environment, and face the direction of the Qiblah. You must have a sincere intention, seeking Allah’s guidance and intending to follow His decree, and intending on truly following Allah’s command wherever it leads. One should learn how to pray Dua Istikhara cause we are always gonna need it in any matter of our lives. Although there is no required time of day to perform Istikhara, many scholars recommend avoiding the three disallowed times for prayer (after Fajr until mind-day, when the sun is directly overhead at mid-day until it passes its zenith, and after Asr until sunset). Istikhara can be performed anytime outside of these time periods. Step-by-Step: How to Perform Istikhara Step 1: Make Wudu Perform anew the wudu as if you were performing the regular Istikhara dua prayer, as found in Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith 1166. Step 2: Set Your Intention Be clear in your mind as to what specific thing you will be beginning with. In the case of Umrah, an example is: My intention is to offer two rakats of voluntary prayer and make a request from Allah to perform Umrah at this particular time. It does not have to be said aloud (mentally). Step 3: Pray Two Rakats In here you state that the two rakats of sunnah (not fard [obligatory] prayer) are to be performed as you always have done. Offer two rak’ahs of Naafl prayer. You can read any Surah after the Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak’ah. Then in each rakat, You can recite any surah you like from yourhj mind after surah al Fatiha. There is no specific Surah to be recited from either. Step 4: Praise Allah and Send Salawat Guidelines in an participated text of dua with me, i.e. Istikhara according to sahih al-Bukhari: After Salams Raise both hands Glorify Allah Exalting Allah with His greater Names and Recite the sentences of Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ Step 5: Recite the Istikhara Dua This is where real
Dua for Umrah: Authentic Duas Every Pilgrim Should Recite
A quick search through Google for “dua for Umrah” will reveal countless booklets, images, and even PDFs that have been reproduced so many times that one is unsure about source of the wording of dua itself. While some du’a are undoubtedly valid, others may be based purely on cultural traditions and not on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and Muslims are reciting the du’a unknowingly since they are not really authentic at all. As mentioned before, the approach adopted in this article is somewhat different from other Umrah dua articles. Unlike other du’a articles, which list only the fixed ritual du’a of Umrah in step-by-step manner (this is discussed in detail in our guide “Essential Umrah Duas & Supplications“), this article discusses how du’a are authenticated, the etiquette of making du’a in Umrah, and additional du’a for parents, forgiveness, and personal use. What Makes a Dua “Authentic”? In Islamic jurisprudence, a dua is seen to be authentic if the wording of the dua can be traced to one of three sources: That which cannot be termed as an authentic dua would include those du’a that have only been orally transferred culturally, loosely translated from other languages or from “a hadith” without any authentic source of the hadith, which occurs quite often than what pilgrims can imagine, especially those dua presented in pictures on social media sites. Common Fabricated or Weak Duas to Watch For There are few things that could come in handy to know before your pilgrimage: Whenever you have doubts about authenticity of some dua, there is always a way to check it with an Islamic scholar, reliable hadith app, or your tour group’s imam in a matter of minutes. The Etiquette of Making Dua During Umrah Apart from the actual wording of the dua, its style is of equal importance: Many British pilgrims visiting the Ka’aba for the first-time feel awkward about making their individual dua aloud in front of others at such places as Masjid al-Haram. It is worth remembering that all those people around you are doing exactly the same. Best Times to Make Dua During Umrah There are certain times during Umrah which are considered favorable for dua according to the Sunnah of the Prophet: Including some of these times in your daily life during your stay in Makkah, instead of doing dua only as part of the ritual, will make the whole trip more spiritual. Authentic Dua for Parents One of the most popularly recited duas in the Quran, especially after finishing duas of Umrah, is dua for one’s parents: Arabic: رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا Transliteration: Rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira Translation: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:24) It is often recited while performing Tawaf, Sa’i, or even when there are some moments of peace in Masjid al-Haram, and many people from the UK come here on Umrah to make dua for their parents, who cannot make it here. Authentic Dua for Forgiveness The following dua is a popular prayer for seeking forgiveness, derived from Sahih hadith: Arabic: رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ Transliteration: Rabbighfir li wa tub ‘alayya innaka antat-tawwabur-rahim Translation: “My Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, for You are the Ever-Relenting, the Most Merciful.” This is a good one to pray repeatedly in quiet times, especially after your Umrah when you are in Makkah. Authentic Dua for the Wider Ummah It’s also Sunnah to make dua not only for yourself but for the broader Muslim community, especially in a place like Masjid al-Haram where pilgrims from across the world are gathered together: Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ Transliteration: Allahummaghfir lil-mu’minina wal-mu’minat Translation: “O Allah, forgive the believing men and believing women.” How to Verify a Dua Before You Travel If there is a dua that you are unfamiliar with prior to your travel: Final Thoughts Saying a true dua in Umrah is not just about reciting the words correctly; rather, it is important to know where the words are coming from and what they mean along with having the appropriate etiquettes to say it. Besides the duas prescribed in our Essential Duas for Umrah guide and the entire sequence of rituals included in our Complete Umrah Guide, this article will provide a better understanding of how dua relates to process of performing Umrah in general. If you are in the process of planning the trip, check out our Umrah packages from UK. Frequently Asked Questions Is it necessary to recite dua in Arabic specifically? The ritual duas are always recited in Arabic, however personal supplications can be made in English or any language you prefer. Can I make up my own dua during Umrah? Yes. Along with the prescribed dua to be recited for every ritual, personal dua can also be made throughout the journey in your own words. Are duas found in Umrah apps generally reliable? Although many credible Umrah applications obtain the duas from the Holy Quran and Hadith literature, it is always wise to make sure that the application refers to its source. Why do some Umrah booklets contain different wording for the same dua? It is possible that many of the differences in the wording may result from the translator’s interpretation or slight differences in narrations of the authentic hadiths, but not necessarily that one of them is right while the other is wrong. Should I memorise dua or is reading from a card acceptable? Reading from a card, booklet, or mobile phone is completely fine. There are many people who have memorised the short and often recited duas such as Talbiyah and read the others in quieter times. The ritual duas are always recited in Arabic, however personal supplications can be made in English or any language you prefer. Yes. Along with the prescribed dua to be recited for every ritual, personal dua can also be made throughout the journey in your own words. Although many credible
Essential Umrah Duas & Supplications for UK Pilgrims
Umrah is much more than a holiday destination for the many thousands of Muslims travelling from Britain each year, it is a personal act of worship. From Heathrow to Manchester and Birmingham, one of the most common questions that UK pilgrims ask before their departure is straightforward: which duas should I actually memorise before going? This guide compiles all fundamental umrah duas UK pilgrims ought to be aware of at each and every step from the time you walk out your front door until the last steps of Sa’i in between Safa and Marwah. All duas are presented in Arabic with transliteration (if necessary) and English translation so you can follow along even if you’re not a native Arabic speaker. Why Duas Matter During Umrah The performance of the Umrah depends on several rituals like Ihram, Tawaf and Sa’i; however, the dua which you recite in these rituals is equally significant as performing the action itself. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has instructed particular duas in almost all stages of the journey and having these duas known (and not reading blindly from a pamphlet without any understanding) makes this journey very fruitful indeed. If you’re a first time pilgrim taking off from the United Kingdom, having these duas ready to go will take away a great deal of stress involved with learning how to cope with an unknown routine in the bustling Haram. Dua Before Leaving Home (Travel Dua) Before you even reach the airport, it’s Sunnah to recite a short travel dua when leaving your house. Arabic: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ Transliteration: Bismillahi tawakkaltu ‘alallahi, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah Translation: “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power or strength except with Allah.” This is a good one to say quietly as you close your front door, and again as your flight leaves UK airspace. Dua for the Journey (Traveller’s Dua) Once you’re seated and the journey has begun, there’s a well-known dua for travel taken from the Sunnah. Arabic: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ Transliteration: Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila rabbina la munqalibun Translation: “Glory be to Him who has provided this for us, though we could never have had it by our own efforts. Indeed, to our Lord we shall return.” Dua for Entering Ihram Once you reach the Miqat and put on your Ihram clothing, you make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah. Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي Transliteration: Allahumma inni uridul-‘umrata fa yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni Translation: “O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.” The Talbiyah Once in the state of Ihram, pilgrims repeat the Talbiyah frequently during the flight, in the taxi to the Haram, and right up until Tawaf begins. Arabic: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ Transliteration: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and dominion are Yours. You have no partner.” Many UK pilgrims find it useful to practise the Talbiyah out loud a few times before departure so it comes naturally once they’re in Ihram. Dua for Entering Masjid al-Haram Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ Transliteration: Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik Translation: “O Allah, open Your doors of mercy for me.” Dua on Seeing the Kaaba There’s no single fixed wording here the Prophet ﷺ would raise his hands and make personal dua on first sight of the Kaaba. Many pilgrims use this moment simply to ask sincerely for whatever is on their heart, alongside: Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَمَهَابَةً Transliteration: Allahumma zid hadhal-bayta tashrifan wa ta’ziman wa takriman wa mahabah Translation: “O Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect, and reverence.” Duas During Tawaf There’s no obligatory fixed dua for every circuit of Tawaf, but between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (roughly the last quarter of each circuit), it’s Sunnah to recite: Arabic: رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar Translation: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” Outside of that, you’re free to make personal dua in your own words during the rest of Tawaf in English is perfectly fine. Dua at Multazam After Tawaf, if you get the chance to stand at Multazam (the wall between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba), this is considered a powerful place for personal dua there’s no fixed wording required. Dua Behind Maqam Ibrahim After completing Tawaf, pilgrims pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim, reciting in the first rak’ah: Arabic: وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى Transliteration: Wattakhidhu mim-maqami Ibrahima musalla Translation: “And take the standing place of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” Duas During Sa’i (Safa and Marwah) Upon approaching Safa to begin Sa’i, it’s Sunnah to recite: Arabic: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ Transliteration: Innas-safa wal-marwata min sha’a’irillah Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” Standing atop Safa, facing the Kaaba, pilgrims then say three times: Arabic: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ Transliteration: La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir Translation: “There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise, and He has power over all things.” This is repeated between each of the seven laps of Sa’i, alongside personal dua of
