What to Say to Someone Going for Umrah: Farewell and Welcome Words and Duas

When you find out that someone close to you is going for Umrah, the first thing you feel moved to do is to say something kind to them and to see them off with your prayers. In this article we answer the question of what to say to someone going for Umrah in the language of everyday life: we have brought together the common congratulations and prayers said when seeing someone off, the supplications the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited when seeing off a traveller, message examples for a mother, father, spouse, friend and colleague, the words said to someone returning from Umrah, and the customs of welcoming them home. This way you will know what to say and also learn small but important details about the meaning of your words.

What Do You Say to Someone Going for Umrah? The Short Answer

In our society, the words said to someone going for Umrah are both a congratulation and a prayer. People express their wishes for the traveller’s worship to be accepted, for the journey to go smoothly and for them to return safe and sound; very often they also ask the traveller to pray for them. These words have no fixed formula; any good wish that comes from the heart is appropriate. What matters is that the words are sincere and that they lift the traveller’s spirits; even a short sentence, when said sincerely, can be more effective than a long speech.

What do you say to someone going for Umrah?

The phrases most often said to someone going for Umrah are “May Allah accept it”, “Have a blessed journey, may Allah make it easy for you”, “May your Umrah be blessed (Umrah Mubarak)” and “Do not forget us in your prayers”. These sentences contain both a prayer for the acceptance of the worship and a good wish for the journey. As long as it is sincere, a short “May Allah make your path easy” is also enough.

Some of the phrases often used when seeing someone off are:

• “May Allah accept it and grant you a safe journey there and back.”
• “Have a blessed journey; may my Lord make it easy for you.”
• “May your Umrah be blessed and your path be open.”
• “May Allah accept your worship; do not forget us in your prayers.”
• “When you see the Kaaba, pray for us too.”
• “May my Lord allow you to complete this blessed journey in peace.”

The Meaning of the Words Said When Seeing Someone Off

Most farewell phrases are short prayers with a deep meaning. Saying “May Allah accept it” means wishing for the act of worship to be accepted in the sight of Allah. “May Allah make it easy for you” is a prayer for the difficulties that may be encountered on the journey and during worship to be lightened. The sentence “Do not forget us in your prayers” is also a beautiful expression of the Muslim tradition of praying for one another.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that when a believer prays for their brother in his absence, an angel responds by saying “And for you the same” (Muslim). For this reason, praying for the person going for Umrah is just as good as asking them to pray for you.

Do you say “May Allah accept it” to someone going for Umrah?

Yes, “May Allah accept it” is one of the most common and most appropriate phrases that can be said to someone going for Umrah, both before they set off and after they return. This phrase is a short prayer for the act of worship to be accepted in the sight of Allah. When said before departure, it means “May Allah accept the Umrah you are going to perform”, and when said after the return, it means “May Allah accept the Umrah you have performed”.

Are the same words said to people going for Hajj and for Umrah?

Largely, yes. Phrases such as “May Allah accept it”, “Have a blessed journey” and “Do not forget us in your prayers” are said both to those going for Hajj and to those going for Umrah. It is also common to say to those going for Hajj, “May Allah make your Hajj mabrur”. A Hajj mabrur means a Hajj that has been accepted and has not been mixed with sin; the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that the reward for a Hajj mabrur is nothing less than Paradise (al-Bukhari, Muslim).

The Supplications the Prophet (peace be upon him) Recited When Seeing Off a Traveller

For those who wish to add a touch of the Sunnah to their farewell words, the supplications the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited when seeing off Companions setting out on a journey are a precious example. According to the narration of Abdullah ibn Umar, when seeing off a traveller, the Prophet would take the traveller’s hand and say (at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud):

Transliteration: Estevdiullâhe dîneke ve emâneteke ve havâtîme amelik.

Meaning: I entrust to Allah your religion, your trust and the final outcome of your deeds.

According to the narration of Anas ibn Malik, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also made the following supplication for a man who said he was about to set out on a journey and asked for provisions (at-Tirmidhi):

Transliteration: Zevvedekellâhü’t-takvâ, ve gafera zenbeke, ve yessera leke’l-hayra haysümâ künt.

Meaning: May Allah make piety (taqwa) your provision, forgive your sins and make good easy for you wherever you may be.

Those who are unable to say these supplications in their original wording can say their meanings in their own language. Saying “I entrust you to Allah; may Allah make piety your provision and make good easy for you wherever you may be” is a farewell that is both in keeping with the Sunnah and heartfelt.

What the Person Going for Umrah Can Say

Seeing someone off works both ways: the person setting out also says goodbye by offering kind words to those staying behind. According to the narration of Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the traveller to say the following to those staying behind (Ibn Majah):

Transliteration: Estevdiukümullâhe’llezî lâ tedîu vedâiuh.

Meaning: I entrust you to Allah, who never lets what is entrusted to Him be lost.

It is also a deep-rooted tradition in our society for the person going for Umrah to seek mutual forgiveness with their family, relatives, neighbours and colleagues before the journey. When someone says “Please forgive me for any wrong I may have done you”, it is common to reply “You are forgiven; please forgive me too”. For the supplication to recite when setting off, take a look at our article on the Travel Dua.

Saying “I will not forget you in my prayers; please pray for me too” when saying goodbye creates a beautiful bond between the traveller and those staying behind. Writing down the names of those who have asked for prayers on your phone or in a small notebook makes it easier to keep this promise. Thanking those who have come to see you off, making amends with anyone you have fallen out with, and entrusting responsibilities concerning the home to a reliable relative for the duration of the journey also allow you to set off with peace of mind.

Examples of Congratulation and Farewell Messages

If you cannot see your loved one off in person, a short message will also warm their heart. You can use the examples below as they are or enrich them with your own words.

What do you write in a message to someone going for Umrah?

In the message, it is enough to include a short congratulation, a prayer for the acceptance of the worship and a request for prayers. For example: “May your Umrah journey be blessed. May my Lord make it easy for you, accept your worship and grant you a safe return. When you see the Kaaba, do not leave us out of your prayers.” Those who want a short message can write “May Allah accept it; have a blessed journey, and do not forget us in your prayers.”

What do you say to someone whose mother or father is going for Umrah?

To someone whose mother or father is going for Umrah, it is appropriate to say “May Allah accept your mother’s Umrah and grant her a safe return” or “Wishing your father a blessed journey; may my Lord make it easy for him”. If they are a close friend, you can add “Give my greetings to your mother, and may she not forget me in her prayers.” As for the mother or father going for Umrah themselves, sending them a message full of love and prayers is best.

What do you say to someone whose family is going for Umrah?

To someone several of whose family members are going for Umrah together, it is appropriate to say “May Allah accept your family’s Umrah and make it easy for all of them”. Offering support to the person staying at home by saying “Let me know if you need anything” is also a thoughtful gesture. Sharing the worries of someone whose elderly parents in particular are on the journey, and telling them that you are praying for their parents to return in good health, is heart-warming.

Message examples for different loved ones:

• To a mother: “My dear mother, may your Umrah be blessed. May my Lord make your steps easy and grant you a journey there and back in good health. When you see the Kaaba, include us in your prayers.”
• To a father: “Dear Dad, may Allah accept your Umrah. May your path be open and your worship peaceful; we entrust you to Allah.”
• To a spouse: “May my Lord allow you to complete this blessed journey in peace. Do not forget our family in your prayers; we are waiting for you to come back safe and sound.”
• To a friend: “My brother, may your Umrah be blessed. May Allah accept it; do not forget us in your prayers.”
• To a colleague: “I wish you a blessed Umrah journey. May Allah accept it; we look forward to your return in good health.”
• To a relative: “May Allah make your path easy and accept your Umrah. Please take our greetings to Madinah.”

What Do You Say to Someone Returning from Umrah?

Visiting someone who has returned from Umrah and welcoming them home is the finest way of sharing in their joy. The words said on these visits also usually consist of prayers for the acceptance of the worship.

What do you say to someone who has returned from Umrah?

The phrases most often said to someone who has returned from Umrah are “Welcome back, may Allah accept it”, “May your Umrah be blessed” and “May Allah grant it to you again and again”. The returning person can respond to these words with “May Allah be pleased with you, and may He grant it to you too”. Most of those who come to welcome them are curious about how the journey went and about the moment they first saw the Kaaba; these conversations also awaken a longing for those lands in people who have not yet been. During the visit, listening with interest to what they tell you, keeping the visit short and being mindful of their tiredness are also a matter of courtesy.

Other phrases that can be used on their return:

• “Welcome back; may my Lord accept your Umrah.”
• “May Allah show you those blessed places again, and grant it to us as well.”
• “May Allah be pleased with you for remembering us in your prayers.”
• “May my Lord let the blessing of this journey be reflected in your life.”

The sentence “Âyibûne tâibûne âbidûne li-rabbinâ hâmidûn”, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited when returning from a journey, also beautifully sums up the spirit of the moment of return; you can find its transliteration and meaning in our article on the supplication for travelling.

Welcoming, Gifts and Customs

Gifts such as Zamzam water, dates, prayer beads (tasbih) or a prayer mat brought back by the person returning from Umrah are a way of sharing the blessing of this journey with loved ones. When Zamzam is offered, it is common to say “May Allah grant healing”. For how to drink Zamzam and what to keep in mind when carrying it, take a look at our article on the Zamzam Dua.

Do you give a gift to someone going for Umrah?

Yes, giving someone going for Umrah small gifts that will be useful on the journey is a thoughtful gesture. A waist bag, a foldable prayer mat, prayer beads, a pocket-sized book of supplications, unscented wet wipes or comfortable slippers are some examples. Ihram garments for men and comfortable clothing in keeping with Islamic dress (hijab) for women are also good choices. You can browse gift options on our Umrah essentials page.

Do you call someone who has returned from Umrah “hajji”?

Among people, those returning from Umrah are sometimes affectionately called “hajji” as well; however, Hajj and Umrah are different acts of worship. Hajj is an act of worship performed on specific days and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who meets its conditions, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. We have explained the differences between the two acts of worship in detail in our article on the differences between Hajj and Umrah.

What to Say in Which Situation? Summary Table

Things to Keep in Mind When Seeing Off and Welcoming

Umrah is a journey of worship, and the beginning and end of this journey should also be greeted with this awareness. Instead of crowded farewell ceremonies, lavish refreshments and long visits that tire the traveller, a simple and sincere approach should be preferred. The person going for Umrah should also take care to be moderate when posting on social media and not to turn their worship into a display.

The following small courtesies can also be kept in mind when seeing someone off and welcoming them back:

• Do not tire the traveller: In the last days before departure, prefer short visits or phone calls.
• Do not hand over long lists: Keep your request for prayers short; avoid placing orders for gifts.
• Be mindful of the first days after the return: Remember that rest is needed after a long journey and an intense pace of worship.
• Support those staying behind: Calling to check on the elderly relatives or children the Umrah traveller has left at home is also a kindness.

Noting down the names of those who ask for prayers helps the traveller not to forget this trust. We have explained in our article on the Rawdah Visit Supplication how you can pass on, in Madinah, the greetings of those who say “Please pass on my greetings to the Prophet”.

Important: Most of the farewell and welcome phrases in this article are beautiful customs of our society and are not tied to a fixed formula. The supplications transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him), on the other hand, are given together with their sources; since the transliterations are written in Latin letters, you are advised to consult a qualified teacher for correct pronunciation.

Whether you are seeing your loved ones off for Umrah or preparing for this journey yourself, RotaNur is by your side. You can explore the programme that suits you among our Umrah tours, and for any questions you can reach us through our contact page. May our Lord grant ease to those who go, patience to those who wait, and to everyone the opportunity to visit those blessed lands.

Frequently Asked Questions