How to Make Niyat for Umrah: Step-by-Step for First-Time Pilgrims

Published: 18 Feb 2026

Performing Umrah is a journey of the heart before the body. At its center is niyat, your sincere intention for Allah. If you’re a first-timer, it’s normal to feel nervous: What do I say? When? Where? This guide gives clear, simple steps so you can begin Umrah with confidence and calm.

Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca each year to worship Allah, pray in Masjid al-Haram, and perform tawaf around the Kaaba. The journey starts with intention quiet, sincere, and focused on pleasing Allah.

What Is Niyat and Why Is It Important?

Niyat means intention. In Islam, every worship begins in the heart. Niyat isn’t about speeches or impressing others; it’s simply deciding that you’re doing Umrah only for Allah.

The importance of intention is taught to us by the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad and is also in harmony with the teachings of the Qur’an. Your Umrah is accepted by Allah based on sincerity, not on how perfect your words sound.

So remember:

Niyat is mainly in the heart.
Saying it out loud is helpful, but not compulsory.
Sincerity matters more than wording.

Step 1: Prepare Your Heart and Mind

Before you even put on the Ihram, take a few quiet moments to mentally and spiritually prepare.

Ask yourself:

Why am I going for Umrah?
Am I doing this only for Allah?
Am I ready to leave sins and bad habits behind?

Make a short du‘a asking Allah to accept your journey, forgive you, and make Umrah easy. This inner preparation forms the foundation of true niyat.

Step 2: Put on Ihram

Ihram is the special state and clothing for Umrah.

For men:

Two white, unstitched cloths
No stitched clothing
No perfume after entering the Ihram

For women:

Normal modest clothes
Face and hands uncovered.
No perfume after entering the Ihram

You can put on Ihram at home, at the airport, or before reaching the Miqat point (the boundary where Ihram becomes mandatory). Putting on Ihram does not mean you have made niyat; it only means you are getting ready.

Step 3: Reach the Miqat (or Get Ready for It)

Miqat is the special boundary where pilgrims must enter Ihram and make niyat for Umrah. If you are traveling by plane, the announcement is usually made before boarding.

When close to Miqat, focus your heart and remove distractions. You are about to begin a sacred act of worship.

Step 4: Make the Niyat for Umrah

Now comes the main step.

In your heart, make the intention:

“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah for Your sake.”

You can also say it out loud in simple words, for example:

“Labbayka ‘Umrah”

(O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah)

That’s it. Your niyat is done.

You do not need long sentences or perfect Arabic. Allah knows what is in your heart sincerity is what matters.

Step 5: Start Reciting the Talbiyah

Right after making niyat, begin reciting the Talbiyah:

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk,

Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk,

Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk,

La sharika lak.

This shows you are answering Allah’s call and have entered Umrah. Keep reciting until you reach the Haram and begin tawaf.

Step 6: Stay Away from Things That Break Ihram Rules

After niyat, you are officially in the state of Ihram. This means:

No cutting hair or nails
No using perfume
No hunting or harming animals
No arguments or bad behavior
Marital relations are forbidden.

These rules help you stay focused on worship.

Common Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Make

Let’s clear up some common confusions:

1. Thinking niyat must be long or complicated

A simple intention in the heart is enough.

2. Worrying too much about exact words

Allah values your sincerity, not perfect wording.

3. Making niyat too early. Putting on Ihram means entering a state of readiness for Umrah, but it is not the same as making niyat. Niyat, your actual intention for Umrah, is made later, at or just before reaching Miqat.

4. Panicking if you forget the words

Intend in your heart and say a simple phrase. Your Umrah remains valid, inshaAllah.

A Quick Word About Travel Planning

Many first-time pilgrims start planning months, looking at options like umrah packages 2026 to arrange flights, hotels, and transport. This is helpful for logistics, but remember: the spiritual side of the journey begins with your intention, not your booking.

You will also need an Umrah visa before traveling, so make sure your documents are ready in advance. Once these practical matters are sorted, you can focus fully on your worship.

If you still feel unsure, let’s address some common worries:

That’s completely normal. Every pilgrim feels this way at first.

Here’s the good news:

Allah is Merciful
He knows your effort and your intention.
He does not burden you with what you cannot do.

If you make a sincere intention and try your best, your Umrah is valid, inshaAllah.

Final Thoughts

Making niyat for Umrah is not something to fear; it is something to treasure. It is the moment you officially step into a sacred journey, leaving behind daily life and turning fully to Allah.

Trust yourself, trust your intention, and move forward with faith and sincerity.

May Allah accept your intention, ease your Umrah, and grant you a blessed return with forgiveness and peace. Ameen.