The intention
What is the niyyah (intention) for Umrah?
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
The intention for Umrah
The intention for Umrah is made in the heart, and saying it aloud helps the heart settle on it. Say: O Allah, I intend Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me. Then recite the talbiyah.
When to make it
Make the intention after the two rak'ahs of Salah al-Ihram, when brothers have uncovered their heads. Then recite the talbiyah at least once. From that moment you are in ihram, so it must be done before you pass the miqat.
The wording
The wording below is the one given in the Hanafi manuals. The essential part is the intention in the heart, and you may express it in your own words and language. Read Salah al-Ihram and the talbiyah.
The intention for Umrah
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Allāhumma innī urīdu al-ʿumrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī
O Allah, I intend Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
The wording given in the Hanafi manuals
More questions
Do I have to say the niyyah aloud?
The intention is in the heart. Saying it aloud helps the heart settle on it.
Where do I make the intention when flying?
Make it before the plane crosses the miqat, usually when the crew announce it. If there is no announcement, make it about an hour before landing to be safe.
Is the intention enough without the talbiyah?
No. The intention joined to the talbiyah makes you a muhrim.
Read the full guide
Perform your Umrah with confidence
Follow every rite in order, with counters and duas in Arabic, in our step by step Umrah guide. To study the Hanafi rulings behind it with qualified teachers, see our courses, or explore our apps. Ihya us Sunnah is sustained by its community, so please consider supporting our work.
This guide follows the Hanafi method and is based on Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal's Umrah book, Essential Islam. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.