Supplications for Umrah serve as a spiritual bridge between those remaining at home and their loved ones traveling to the Holy Lands. When a relative, such as a grandmother, prepares for this sacred journey, family members often seek specific words of blessing to offer before her departure. This article outlines the recommended supplications (Du’aa) and advice to offer a pilgrim, focusing on general well-wishes and specific prayers from the Sunnah.

General Well-Wishes and Advice

Scholars state that there is no single mandatory formula for bidding farewell to a pilgrim. However, it is highly encouraged to offer general supplications for their safety, acceptance, and spiritual success.

Family members are advised to:

  • Pray for Protection: Ask Allah to guard the pilgrim during their travels and to grant them a safe return.
  • Wish for a Blessed Umrah: Pray that their Umrah is accepted (Umrah Maqbulah) and that their wishes are fulfilled.
  • Request Prayers: It is a recommended practice to ask the traveler to make Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Du’aa for the family and the entire Muslim Ummah while they are in the blessed precincts, as the prayers of a traveler and a pilgrim are readily accepted.

Recommended Supplications (Adhkar)

In addition to general prayers, family members can advise the pilgrim to recite specific remembrances (Adhkar) and supplications during their journey. These are powerful words of praise and requests for divine aid.

1. The Four Beloved Words: Encourage the pilgrim to frequently recite the following, which are among the most beloved words to Allah:

“Subhan Allah, wal-hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.” (Glory be to Allah; praise be to Allah; there is no deity but Allah; Allah is the Greatest; there is no power or strength except by the will of Allah.)

2. The Comprehensive Prayer: This Quranic supplication covers the best of both worlds and is frequently recited during Tawaf:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201) (Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)

3. The Prayer for Mercy and Guidance: This supplication of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is essential for seeking Allah’s reliance in all affairs:

“Allahumma rahmataka arju fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘aynin wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa Anta.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 5090) (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is no deity except You.)