Al-Ihram (entering the state of consecration) is the Niyaa (intention). Proper Niyaa is a prerequisite for Allah to accept a good deed and use it for us on the Last Day. Every good deed should be performed solely for the satisfaction and pleasure of Allah and in hope of His reward.

Everyone who wants to perform hajj or umrah must meet the Ihram (intention), put on the consecration clothes and call Talbiyah from the local boundary (Al-Miqat) which is valid for him according to Islamic regulations. Who does not observe this, has to perform Fidyah (a sacrificial animal) and make up for the Ihram.

The intention for umrah

If one has the intention of performing the minor pilgrimage (umrah), one can say the following words in the first Talbiyah:

❁ لبيك اللهم لبيك عمرة ❁
❁ Labaik Allahumma labaika umrah ❁
❁ Here i am O Allah, serving You; here i am serving You with the umrah ❁

There are three types of hajj that one can choose depending on one's intention. All of these three types involve performing essentially the same rituals:

The intention for hajj Al-Ifraad

If one has the intention of performing only hajj (without umrah) (Al-Ifraad), then in the first Talbiyah one can say the words:

❁ لبيك اللهم لبيك حجا ❁
❁ Labaik Allahumma labaika Hajjan ❁
❁ Here I am O Allah, serving You; here I am serving You with the hajj ❁

The intention for hajj Al-Qiraan

If one has the intention of performing the umrah in conjunction with hajj (Al-Qiraan), one can say the words in the first Talbiyah:

❁ لبيك اللهم لبيك عمرة وحجا ❁
❁ Labaik Allahumma labaika Umratan wa hajjan ❁
❁ Here I am O Allah, serving You; here I am serving You with the uh and hajj ❁

The intention for hajj At-Tamatu’

If one has the intention of performing the umrah first and then the hajj (At-Tamatu'), he can say the words in the first Talbiyah:

❁ لبيك اللهم لبيك عمرة متمتعاً بها إلى الحج ❁
❁ Labaik Allahumma labaika umratan mutamti'an bihaa ila-l hajj ❁
❁ Here I am O Allah, serving You; here I am serving You with the umrah with interruption of the ihram state until hajj ❁

The Ihram also includes sunan which are not mandatory.