The Intention for 'Umrah

Many search for a supplication to declare the intention for 'umrah, assuming there is a formula. The answer, plainly: intention is an act of the heart, and pronouncing it is not prescribed.

Neither the Prophet ﷺ nor his companions are reported to have said 'I intend 'umrah'. The verifying scholars stated that pronouncing the intention in any act of worship — prayer, fasting, Hajj — is not transmitted.

What IS said at ihram is the talbiyah: 'Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…'. It is not an intention but a response to Allah's call, and raising the voice with it is recommended for men.

Whoever fears an obstacle may make a condition at ihram: 'O Allah, my place of release is wherever You hold me back' — as the Prophet ﷺ taught Duba'ah bint az-Zubayr.

The talbiyah

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am; You have no partner; here I am. Indeed all praise, favour and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.

Plain text (no diacritics)

لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك، لا شريك لك

The condition, if you fear an obstacle

اللَّهُمَّ مَحِلِّي حَيْثُ حَبَسْتَنِي

Allahumma mahilli haythu habastani.

O Allah, my place of release is wherever You hold me back.

Plain text (no diacritics)

اللهم محلي حيث حبستني

The order at ihram

Bathe, apply scent to the body, and put on the two garments.
Intend in your heart — do not pronounce it.
Then say the talbiyah, raising the voice (for men).
If you fear you may not complete it, make the condition.

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Common questions

Is there a dua for the intention?

No. Intention is an act of the heart, and pronouncing it is not transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ or his companions. What is said at ihram is the talbiyah.