Certainly, when one intends to embark on the journey of Umrah, certain preparations are advised. These include trimming nails, shaving armpit and pubic hair if needed, and also shaving the head. Grooming the beard and mustache is also recommended. If possible, it is suggested to perform a purification bath (ghusl) or at least ablution (wudhu), apply a fragrant scent, and change into the ihram clothing, comprising an izar and rida.
If it is not a discouraged time for prayer, it is recommended to perform a two-unit sunnah prayer of ihram and then express the intention for Umrah by reciting the intention in Arabic:
“لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً.”
“Labbaikallahumma ‘umratan.”
“I respond to Your call, O Allah, for Umrah.”
Alternatively:
“نَوَيْتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَأَحْرَمْتُ بِهَا لِللَّهِ تَعَالَى.”
“Nawaitul ‘umrata wa ahramtu biha lillahi ta’a’alaa.”
“I intend to perform Umrah and enter into ihram for it, solely for the sake of Allah the Most High.”
After stating the intention, the pilgrim should recite the talbiyah three times:
“لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ.”
“Labbaik. Allahumma labbaik. Labbaika laa sharika laka labbaik. Innal hamda wan ni’mata laka wal mulk. Laa sharika lak.”
This signifies the commencement of the state of ihram, during which the pilgrim must refrain from specific actions, such as using foul language, engaging in arguments, hunting, wearing stitched clothing, using a turban on the head, or covering the face. They should avoid using perfumes, cutting nails, and shaving hair from the head or beard until they exit the state of ihram. However, they are permitted to use unscented soap, greet fellow believers with a cheerful face and smile, and avoid harming anyone. Additionally, they should frequently recite takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”), tahlil (saying “La ilaha illallah”), sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad(SAW), and reciting the talbiyah until they reach the Kaaba Muazzamah.
A common prayer to send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad(SAW) is:
“اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ.”
“Allahumma solli wa sallim ‘alaa sayyidina Muhammadin wa ‘alaa aali sayyidina Muhammad.”
“O Allah, send blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad and upon the family of our master Muhammad.”
Following this, additional supplications and prayers can be made, such as:
“Allahumma inna nas’aluka ridhaaka wal jannata wa na’udzu bika min sakhatika wan naar. Rabbanaa aatinaa fid dunyaa hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qinaa azaaban naar.”
“Allahumma haadzaa haraamuka wa amnuka, faharrim lahmii wa damii wa sya’rii wa basyarii ‘alan naari wa aaminni min ‘azabika yauma tub’atsu ‘ibaaduka waj’alni min awliyaa’ika wa ahli thaa’atika.”
“Allahumma antas salaamu wa minkas salaamu wa ilaika ya’uudus salaamu, fahayyinaa rabbanaa bissalaami wa adkhilnal jannata daaras salaami tabaarakta rabbanaa wa ta’aalaita yaa dzal j’alaali
wal ikraam.”
“Allahummaftah lii abwaaba rahmatika, bismillahi walhamdulillahi was shalaatu was salaamu ‘alaa Rasuulillah.”
“Rabbighfir warham wa’fu wa takarram watajaawaz ‘ammaa ta’lamu innaka ta’lamu maa laa na’lamu innaka antallahu a’azzul akram.”
Please note that these are paraphrased versions, and the Arabic verses have been retained as requested.