DU’A AND DHIKR DURING UMRAH: SUPPLICATIONS, REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH, AND HOW TO MAKE HEARTFELT DU’A DURING THE JOURNEY
Umrah is a blessed journey of faith, devotion, repentance, and spiritual renewal. It is an opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah, seek His forgiveness, express gratitude for His blessings, and ask for His guidance and mercy. While the physical rituals of Umrah are important, the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) and supplication (Du’a) give the journey a deeper spiritual meaning.
Every pilgrim arrives in Makkah with different hopes, concerns, and needs. Some seek forgiveness for past sins, some pray for their families, others ask for good health, righteous children, financial stability, or relief from difficulties. Whatever a person’s circumstances may be, Umrah provides an opportunity to turn sincerely to Allah, the Most Merciful.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Qur’an 2:152)
This verse reminds believers of the importance of remembering Allah in every situation. During Umrah, a Muslim should strive to keep the tongue occupied with His remembrance and the heart connected to Him.
This article explores the meaning of Du’a and Dhikr, authentic supplications associated with Umrah, the appropriate times to make Du’a, and practical ways to make the journey spiritually meaningful.
1. Understanding Du’a and Dhikr in Islam
What is Du’a?
Du’a means supplication: calling upon Allah, asking Him for help, seeking His forgiveness, and expressing one’s needs and hopes.
Du’a is an act of worship because it demonstrates a person’s dependence upon Allah and recognition that He alone possesses ultimate power over all things.
Allah says:
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” (Qur’an 40:60)
This verse encourages believers to call upon Allah with hope, humility, and trust.
During Umrah, pilgrims can ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, protection, good health, lawful provision, family unity, success in the Hereafter, and every other permissible need.
What is Dhikr?
Dhikr means remembering Allah through words of praise, glorification, gratitude, and other forms of remembrance taught in Islam.
Examples include:
- SubhanAllah — Glory be to Allah.
- Alhamdulillah — All praise belongs to Allah.
- Allahu Akbar — Allah is the Greatest.
- La ilaha illallah — There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
- Astaghfirullah — I seek Allah’s forgiveness.
- La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah — There is no power and no strength except through Allah.
Dhikr helps a believer remain mindful of Allah throughout the journey, whether walking, waiting, resting, or performing the rituals of Umrah.
2. The Importance of Du’a and Dhikr During Umrah
Du’a and Dhikr are not limited to a particular place or moment. They are important throughout a Muslim’s life, and the journey of Umrah offers many opportunities to practise them.
A. Strengthening one’s relationship with Allah
When a pilgrim remembers Allah frequently, the journey becomes more than a physical visit to Makkah. It becomes an opportunity to renew faith, reflect upon life’s purpose, and develop a closer relationship with the Creator.
Allah says:
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Qur’an 13:28)
Remembering Allah can bring comfort to a troubled heart and remind a believer that no difficulty is beyond His knowledge or power.
B. Seeking forgiveness for sins
Every human being makes mistakes. Umrah is an opportunity to repent sincerely, regret wrongdoing, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and resolve to avoid returning to sin.
A pilgrim should not only ask for forgiveness during the journey but also take practical steps to correct wrongs, fulfil people’s rights, and improve their conduct.
C. Expressing gratitude
The opportunity to perform Umrah is a blessing. Some people may desire to visit Makkah for years without being able to do so.
A pilgrim should therefore express gratitude for the opportunity, health, resources, safety, and assistance that made the journey possible.
D. Asking for goodness in this world and the Hereafter
Islam encourages believers to seek both worldly well-being and eternal success.
A Muslim may pray for a peaceful home, lawful income, good health, beneficial knowledge, righteous children, and protection from hardship while also asking for Paradise and salvation from the Fire.
3. Important Du’as to Learn Before Travelling for Umrah
The following supplications are useful for pilgrims to learn. Their Arabic transliterations are provided to assist those who cannot yet read Arabic.
Du’a 1: The Talbiyah
The Talbiyah is a central expression of responding to Allah’s call when entering the state of Ihram.
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Meaning:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
When to recite it: After entering Ihram for Umrah, pilgrims recite the Talbiyah frequently until they begin Tawaf. Men generally recite it aloud without causing disturbance, while women recite it quietly.
The Talbiyah expresses obedience, devotion, and the pilgrim’s response to Allah.
Du’a 2: Asking for goodness in this world and the Hereafter
This is one of the most comprehensive supplications in the Qur’an.
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.
Meaning:
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Reference: Qur’an 2:201.
This supplication is particularly associated with the area between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone during Tawaf. It can also be recited at other times.
Du’a 3: Seeking forgiveness
Arabic:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
Transliteration:
Astaghfirullah.
Meaning:
“I seek Allah’s forgiveness.”
A pilgrim can repeat this phrase while reflecting sincerely upon past mistakes.
True repentance involves abandoning the sin, regretting it, and resolving not to return to it. If the sin involved violating another person’s rights, those rights must also be addressed appropriately.
Du’a 4: Glorifying Allah
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
Transliteration:
SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi.
Meaning:
“Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him.”
This is a beautiful form of Dhikr that can be recited throughout the journey.
Du’a 5: Asking Allah for guidance and righteousness
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-‘afafa wal-ghina.
Meaning:
“O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2721.
This supplication reminds the pilgrim that spiritual success is more important than worldly appearance or possessions.
Du’a 6: Seeking protection and relying upon Allah
Arabic:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
Transliteration:
HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal-wakil.
Meaning:
“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”
Reference: Qur’an 3:173.
This phrase expresses trust in Allah during moments of uncertainty, fear, and difficulty.
4. Du’a and Dhikr During Each Stage of Umrah
It is helpful to understand where particular supplications belong within the rites of Umrah. At the same time, pilgrims should avoid assuming that every stage requires a special fixed prayer.
A. Before leaving home
Before departure, a pilgrim should ask Allah to make the journey safe, beneficial, and accepted.
One can pray for protection, ease, good health, and the ability to perform the rituals correctly.
It is also beneficial to seek forgiveness, settle outstanding obligations where possible, and make peace with people with whom one has unresolved disputes.
B. When entering Ihram
After making the intention to perform Umrah, the pilgrim begins reciting the Talbiyah.
The intention is in the heart; a special verbal formula is not required to make it valid.
The Talbiyah should be recited frequently as the pilgrim responds to Allah’s call and prepares for the sacred rites.
C. Upon seeing the Ka’bah
Many pilgrims feel deep emotion when they first see the Ka’bah. Some cry, others remain silent, and others feel overwhelmed by gratitude.
There is no established authentic supplication that every pilgrim must recite specifically upon first seeing the Ka’bah.
A pilgrim may make sincere personal Du’a, praise Allah, and ask for forgiveness and goodness. There is no need to feel that a special formula must be memorised for this moment.
D. During Tawaf
Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Ka’bah, beginning at the Black Stone.
During Tawaf, a pilgrim may engage in Dhikr, recite Qur’an, and make personal Du’a.
There are no obligatory, uniquely prescribed supplications for each of the seven circuits. A pilgrim should not feel compelled to follow a booklet assigning a different fixed prayer to every round.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the supplication in Qur’an 2:201 is established as a practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Pilgrims should also maintain awareness of others, avoid pushing, and remember that protecting people’s safety and rights is part of good conduct.
E. During Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son, Ismail (peace be upon him).
When approaching Safa, the pilgrim recites the Qur’anic verse:
Arabic:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration:
Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah.
Meaning:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
Reference: Qur’an 2:158.
The fuller account of the Prophet’s practice at Safa is reported in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1218.
The pilgrim praises Allah, declares His oneness, and makes Du’a at Safa and Marwah according to the established Sunnah.
During the walk between the two hills, one may make personal supplications, remember Allah, and reflect upon Hajar’s trust in Allah and her determination.
F. After completing Umrah
After completing Tawaf and Sa’i, the pilgrim completes Umrah by shaving or trimming the hair, according to the applicable rulings.
At this point, the pilgrim can thank Allah for the opportunity to complete the rites and ask Him to accept the worship.
There is no single obligatory Du’a that must be recited immediately after completing Umrah.
The pilgrim should remain hopeful, seek forgiveness for any shortcomings, and resolve to maintain the lessons of the journey.
5. How to Make Heartfelt Du’a During Umrah
A heartfelt Du’a does not depend on eloquent language or the ability to memorise many Arabic supplications. What matters is turning sincerely to Allah in accordance with Islamic teachings.
A. Begin by praising Allah
It is recommended to praise Allah and send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when making Du’a.
A Muslim may begin by acknowledging Allah’s mercy, greatness, generosity, and power.
B. Ask with humility
Remember that every person depends upon Allah. No one is free from mistakes, difficulties, or the need for divine guidance.
Approach Du’a with humility rather than arrogance or a sense of entitlement.
C. Be specific about your needs
You may ask Allah for guidance in a difficult decision, relief from financial hardship, healing, family peace, righteous children, success in lawful work, or protection from temptation.
You may also ask Him to strengthen your faith, purify your heart, and grant you a good ending.
D. Make Du’a in your own language
Personal supplications outside the prescribed words of the ritual may be made in a language you understand.
You do not have to speak Arabic fluently for Allah to understand your needs.
For formal ritual acts, follow the established Sunnah and the relevant guidance of your school of Islamic jurisprudence.
E. Combine hope with patience
Do not assume that a Du’a has been rejected simply because you do not immediately see the result you hoped for.
Continue asking Allah, take appropriate practical steps, and trust in His wisdom. A believer’s relationship with Allah is not limited to receiving immediate answers to personal requests.
F. Avoid disturbing others
The Haram can be crowded, especially during busy seasons. Du’a does not require shouting, pushing, or obstructing other worshippers.
Speak at a level that does not disturb others, and remember that calmness, patience, and respect are important expressions of good character.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Du’a and Dhikr
A. Believing every ritual has a fixed special Du’a
Some booklets assign specific supplications to each circuit of Tawaf or each stage of Sa’i. Such collections may include permissible personal prayers, but they should not be presented as obligatory or established Sunnah without reliable evidence.
Learn the authentic practices and make personal Du’a freely where appropriate.
B. Thinking Du’a must be in Arabic
Arabic is the language of the Qur’an and the prescribed words of many acts of worship. However, Allah understands every language, and a pilgrim may ask for personal needs in their own language.
Do not let a lack of Arabic fluency prevent you from turning to Allah.
C. Neglecting the rights of other pilgrims
Some people become so focused on reciting their prayers that they push others, block pathways, or argue over space.
Remember that worship includes good conduct. Be patient, protect others from harm, and follow the instructions of the authorities responsible for managing the Haram.
D. Making Du’a only for worldly needs
It is permissible to ask Allah for worldly blessings, but do not forget the Hereafter.
Ask for forgiveness, steadfastness, beneficial knowledge, a sound heart, protection from the Fire, and entry into Paradise.
E. Becoming discouraged when emotional feelings are absent
Not every pilgrim will cry or experience overwhelming emotion. The absence of tears does not automatically indicate a lack of faith or sincerity.
Continue worshipping Allah with humility, knowledge, patience, and hope, regardless of how intensely you feel at a particular moment.
7. A Personal Du’a for Your Umrah Journey
The following is a personal supplication that a pilgrim may make in their own language. It is not a fixed prophetic formula.
“O Allah, Lord of the Ka’bah and Creator of the heavens and the earth, I come before You as Your servant, in need of Your mercy, forgiveness, and guidance.
O Allah, forgive my sins, both those I remember and those I have forgotten. Purify my heart from pride, envy, hatred, dishonesty, and every quality that displeases You.
O Allah, accept my Umrah and make it a means of drawing closer to You. Help me perform every ritual according to Your guidance and the Sunnah of Your Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
O Allah, grant me sincerity in my worship, humility in my heart, patience in difficulties, and gratitude for Your blessings.
O Allah, bless my parents, my family, my friends, and all those who have asked me to remember them in my prayers. Grant relief to those who are suffering, healing to those who are ill, provision to those facing hardship, and guidance to those who are lost.
O Allah, protect me from wrongdoing, keep me firm upon the truth, and grant me a heart that remembers You often.
O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, protect us from the punishment of the Fire, admit us into Paradise by Your mercy, and allow us to return home with our faith strengthened and our deeds accepted.
Indeed, You are the Most Merciful, the All-Hearing, and the All-Knowing. Ameen.”
8. Maintaining Dhikr After Returning Home
The benefits of Du’a and Dhikr should not end when the pilgrim leaves Makkah.
A Muslim can maintain a daily habit of remembrance through the prescribed morning and evening adhkar, regular Qur’an recitation, the remembrance after obligatory prayers, and frequent repentance.
Continue to make Du’a for your family, your community, and the wider Muslim Ummah. Remember Allah during both ease and hardship, and strive to make your actions consistent with the teachings you have learnt.
A successful spiritual journey should encourage a lasting commitment to faith rather than a temporary change that disappears after returning home.
Conclusion
Du’a and Dhikr are essential expressions of a Muslim’s devotion to Allah. During Umrah, they provide opportunities to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, ask for guidance, and renew one’s commitment to living according to Islam.
From the Talbiyah at the beginning of Ihram to the remembrance of Allah during Tawaf and Sa’i, every stage of the journey can encourage reflection and spiritual growth.
However, pilgrims should remember that sincerity and knowledge are more important than merely memorising long lists of supplications. Learn the authentic Du’as, follow the established Sunnah, and make personal supplications with humility and hope.
Do not become discouraged if you cannot remember every Arabic phrase or if your emotions are not as intense as you expected. Allah knows what is in the heart, understands every language, and hears every sincere call.
May Allah accept the Umrah of all pilgrims, forgive their sins, answer their lawful supplications in the best way, protect them throughout their journeys, and grant them hearts that remain steadfast in His remembrance.
Ameen.
