ADHKAR & DU'A GUIDE
FOR HAJJ & UMRAH

Umrah consists of four rites: (1) Entering the state of Ihram, (2) Tawaf around the Ka'bah, (3) Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and (4) Shaving or shortening the hair (Halq or Taqsir).

Before assuming Ihram, the pilgrim performs a full bath (ghusl), applies perfume to the body (not the garments), wears the Ihram garments, and performs two rak'ahs at the miqat. The niyyah (intention) is then made in the heart and uttered verbally.

Labbayka Allahumma 'Umrah

"Here I am, O Allah, (intending) Umrah."

When: At the miqat, when beginning Ihram for Umrah

How: Uttered aloud once while facing the qiblah, after performing the two rak'ahs of Ihram prayer

Once in Ihram, the Talbiyah is recited continuously until the first circuit of Tawaf begins. This is the most important dhikr of the pilgrimage, carrying the declaration of submission and response to Allah's call.

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.

"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

When: Continuously from entering Ihram until the first circuit of Tawaf begins (for Umrah). For Hajj: from Ihram until the stoning of Jamrat al-'Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah

How: Men recite aloud; women recite quietly. Said when mounting or descending conveyance, meeting others, after every obligatory prayer, in the early morning, and at every change of state. Repeat constantly. (Bukhari & Muslim)

Allahumma hadha haramuka wa amnuk, faharrimni 'alan-nar, wa ammini min 'adhabika yawma tab'athu 'ibadak, waj'alni min awliya'ika wa ahli ta'atik.

"O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and Your place of security. So forbid my flesh to the Fire, grant me security from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants, and make me among Your allies and those who obey You."

When: Upon entering the city of Makkah al-Mukarramah

How: Said once upon entering Makkah. (Reported by al-Baihaqi and others)

Beholding the Ka'bah for the first time is a moment of great blessing. Raise your hands and make du'a. It is narrated that du'a made at the first sight of the Ka'bah is answered. The Prophet ﷺ said upon seeing it:

Allahumma zid hadhal-bayta tashrifan wa ta'dhiman wa takriman wa mahabah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman hajjahu awi'tamarahu tashrifan wa takriman wa ta'dhiman wa birra.

"O Allah, increase this House in honor, veneration, nobility, and awe. Increase those who honor it - by performing Hajj or Umrah - in honor, nobility, veneration, and goodness."

When: Upon first beholding the Ka'bah

How: Raise both hands, face the Ka'bah, say this du'a once, then make personal supplication at length. This is among the most accepted moments of du'a.

Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Ka'bah seven times, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), with the Ka'bah always on the left. Men should place the Ihram garment under the right armpit (Idtiba') for the entire Tawaf.

Bismillahi, wallahu Akbar

"In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest."

When: Upon commencing each of the seven circuits at the Black Stone

How: Face the Black Stone. Kiss it if possible (as the Prophet ﷺ did). If unable to kiss it, touch it with the right hand. If unable to touch it, point toward it with the right hand. Say this dhikr. Do not push others. (Bukhari & Muslim)

No specific du'a has been established for each individual circuit. The books of du'a that prescribe specific supplications for each round are not based on authentic narrations from the Prophet ﷺ. Occupy yourself in:

• Recitation of the Qur'an
• Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tasbih (Subhanallah), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), Tahlil (La ilaha illallah)
• Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
• Personal du'a in any language for this world and the Hereafter

This is the ONLY segment of the Tawaf for which a specific du'a has been authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.

"Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire."

When: In every circuit, between the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) and the Black Stone

How: Recite continuously in every single circuit while walking this stretch. This is one of the most comprehensive prayers in the Qur'an (2:201). (Abu Dawud, authenticated by al-Albani)

Bismillahi, wallahu Akbar

"In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest."

When: Upon touching the Yemeni Corner in each circuit

How: Touch with the right hand (or both hands). Do not kiss it. Do not point toward it if you cannot reach it. This corner is touched but not pointed to.

Men should walk briskly with quick, short steps and swinging of the shoulders (raml) in the first three circuits of Tawaf al-Umrah and Tawaf al-Qudum. The last four circuits are walked normally. Women do not perform raml. This is an established Sunnah, not a mere recommendation. (Bukhari & Muslim)

After the seventh circuit, cover both shoulders (remove Idtiba'), and perform two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible. Recite Surah al-Kafirun (109) in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (112) in the second. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. (Muslim)

Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan wasi'an, wa shifa'an min kulli da'.

"O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and a cure from every illness."

When: While drinking Zamzam water

How: Face the qiblah. Drink in three sips, breathing outside the vessel between sips. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.' (Ibn Majah, Hasan). Ask for whatever you need.

Sa'i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah. It commemorates the actions of Hajar (peace be upon her). The walk begins immediately after Tawaf.

Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah.

"Indeed, al-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. (Qur'an 2:158)"

When: When first approaching Mount Safa

How: Recite this verse once only, upon approaching Safa for the first time. The Prophet ﷺ began with this and then said 'Nabda'u bima bada'allahu bihi' (We begin with what Allah began with). (Muslim)

Ascend Safa until the Ka'bah is visible. Face the Ka'bah, raise your hands, and repeat the following THREE TIMES, making personal du'a between each repetition:

La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir. La ilaha illallahu wahdah, anjaza wa'dah, wa nasara 'abdah, wa hazamal-ahzaba wahdah.

"There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He is capable of all things. There is no god but Allah alone - He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and He alone defeated the confederates."

When: On Mount Safa AND again on Mount Marwah, facing the Ka'bah

How: Raise hands in du'a. Repeat this dhikr three times total, making personal supplication between each of the three repetitions. Perform the same sequence at Marwah. (Sahih Muslim)

Men should jog between the two green marker lights on the walls of the Sa'i corridor. Women walk throughout. While jogging, one may say:

Rabbighfir warham, innaka antal-a'azzul-akram.

"My Lord, forgive and have mercy. You are the Most Mighty, the Most Noble."

When: While jogging between the two green markers

How: Men jog at a moderate pace; women walk at normal pace. This supplication was mentioned by scholars from the Salaf.

No specific dhikr is prescribed for the walking portions. Occupy yourself in recitation of Qur'an, general dhikr, salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, and personal du'a.

After completing Sa'i, the pilgrim exits Ihram by shaving the entire head (Halq - preferred for men) or cutting at least a fingertip's length from all parts of the head (Taqsir - the only option for women, also permitted for men). The Prophet ﷺ supplicated three times for those who shave:

Allahummaghfir lil-muhalliqqin. Allahummaghfir lil-muhalliqqin. Allahummaghfir lil-muhalliqqin wal-muqassirin.

"O Allah, forgive those who shave. O Allah, forgive those who shave. O Allah, forgive those who shave - and those who cut."

When: At the time of Halq or Taqsir

How: The Prophet ﷺ repeated the du'a for those shaving three times, and included those cutting only once. (Bukhari & Muslim). This signals the greater virtue of Halq.

Hajj consists of several rites across multiple days: Ihram, Tawaf al-Qudum, the journey to Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), the Standing at Arafat on the 9th, the night at Muzdalifah, the rites of the 10th (Rami, Nahr, Halq), Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i, and the days of Tashreeq (11th-13th).

For Hajj al-Tamattu (the most common form today): Ihram for Hajj is assumed in Makkah on the morning of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, after one has already completed Umrah and exited Ihram. For Hajj al-Ifrad and Hajj al-Qiran: Ihram is assumed from the Miqat.

Labbayka Allahumma Hajja

"Here I am, O Allah, (intending) Hajj."

When: At the time of entering Ihram for Hajj

How: Uttered once aloud. For Hajj al-Qiran say: 'Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan wa 'Umrah.'

The same Talbiyah as in Umrah is recited continuously from the time of entering Ihram for Hajj until casting the first pebble at Jamrat al-'Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This is a firm Sunnah agreed upon by the Companions.

Upon arriving in Makkah, those performing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran perform the Arrival Tawaf before departing to Mina. All adhkar and du'a are identical to those described for Umrah Tawaf. After this Tawaf, the Talbiyah continues.

On this day the pilgrim travels to Mina and spends the day and night there. The five prayers of Dhuhr through the following day's Fajr are performed in Mina. Prayers are shortened (two rak'ahs for Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha) but NOT combined, according to the stronger scholarly opinion following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

There are no specific rites on this day other than residing in Mina and performing prayers. Occupy the day and night with:

• The Talbiyah (for those in Ihram)
• Recitation of Qur'an
• Tasbih, Tahmid, Takbir, Tahlil
• Sincere personal du'a

The Prophet ﷺ declared: 'Al-Hajj 'Arafah.' (Tirmidhi). Being present at Arafat after midday until sunset is the essential pillar of Hajj. Missing it invalidates the Hajj. This is the most important day of the Islamic calendar.

Continue the Talbiyah throughout the journey to Arafat. Men raise their voices; women recite quietly. This is an act of worship for every step of the journey.

Upon arrival at Arafat, Dhuhr and Asr are combined at Dhuhr time and prayed as two rak'ahs each, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. After the prayer, the pilgrim faces the qiblah and begins the Standing.

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of what I and the Prophets before me have said on the evening of Arafat is...' (Tirmidhi - authenticated as Hasan):

La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir.

"There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He is over all things capable."

When: Throughout the afternoon and evening of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah at Arafat

How: Face the qiblah (not necessarily the mountain). Raise both hands. Repeat this dhikr abundantly and continuously. Make personal du'a between repetitions. Do not waste a single moment.

Allahumma lakal-hamdu kalladhi naqul wa khayran mimma naqul. Allahumma laka salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati, wa ilayka ma'abi, wa laka Rabb turathi.

"O Allah, Yours is all praise as we say, and better than what we say. O Allah, for You is my prayer, my rites of worship, my life and my death. To You is my return, and to You, my Lord, belongs my inheritance."

When: At Arafat, during the Standing - the afternoon until sunset

How: Narrated by al-Baihaqi. Follow with personal du'a in your own language for all your needs.

Do not leave before the sun sets - this is obligatory. When the sun sets, depart with calm and dignity. Do not rush or push. Continue the Talbiyah. The Prophet ﷺ proceeded at a slow, calm pace and forbade rushing. (Muslim)

Muzdalifah lies between Arafat and Mina. Upon arriving, Maghrib and Isha are combined at Isha time: Maghrib prayed as three rak'ahs and Isha shortened to two rak'ahs. No voluntary Sunnah prayers are performed between them.

After Fajr prayer at Muzdalifah, the Prophet ﷺ rode to al-Mashar al-Haram (the sacred monument), faced the qiblah, made takbir, tahlil, and tawhid, and stood in du'a until the sky was fully bright. Allah commands this:

Fa-idha afadtum min 'Arafatin fadhkurullaha 'indal-Mash'aril-Haram.

"And when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mashar al-Haram. (Qur'an 2:198)"

When: At Muzdalifah, from after Fajr prayer until the sky fully brightens

How: Face the qiblah. Raise both hands. Make abundant dhikr (Takbir, Tahlil, Tahmid) and du'a. Do not depart before the sky brightens (except the weak and those caring for them who may depart after midnight).

The greatest day of the year. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The greatest day with Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.' (Abu Dawud). Four rites are performed: (1) Rami of Jamrat al-'Aqabah, (2) Slaughter (Hady), (3) Halq or Taqsir, (4) Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i.

Seven pebbles are cast at Jamrat al-'Aqabah after sunrise on the 10th. With EACH pebble:

Allahu Akbar

"Allah is the Greatest."

When: With each of the seven pebbles cast at Jamrat al-'Aqabah on the 10th

How: Cast each pebble separately, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw. The Talbiyah ceases with the first pebble at this station. Face the qiblah while throwing if possible. (Bukhari & Muslim)

Those performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran must slaughter a Hady (sacrificial animal). At the moment of slaughter:

Bismillahi, wallahu Akbar. Allahumma hadha minka wa lak.

"In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is from You and for You."

When: At the moment of slaughtering the Hady animal

How: Face the animal toward the qiblah. Utter these words at the moment of slaughter. If slaughtering on behalf of another, add their name. (Muslim, Abu Dawud)

Shave or cut the hair after the slaughter. Make the same du'a as described in the Umrah section. The Prophet ﷺ made du'a for forgiveness three times for those who shave and once for those who cut.

This Tawaf is a rukn (pillar) of Hajj, without which the Hajj is invalid. It is performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah or during the Tashreeq days. All adhkar and du'a are identical to those of the Umrah Tawaf described above. There is no Idtiba' in this Tawaf and, according to the majority of scholars, no Raml either.

Those performing Hajj al-Tamattu must perform Sa'i after Tawaf al-Ifadah. All adhkar and du'a are identical to those described in the Umrah section. Those who performed Sa'i after Tawaf al-Qudum (Ifrad or Qiran) do not repeat it.

The Tashreeq days are spent at Mina. Each day after Dhuhr time, the three Jamarat are stoned: al-Sughra (small), al-Wusta (middle), and al-'Aqabah (large) - seven pebbles each, in that order.

Allahu Akbar

"Allah is the Greatest."

When: With each of the 21 pebbles thrown daily at all three Jamarat

How: Cast each pebble separately while saying Allahu Akbar. (Bukhari & Muslim)

After stoning the small Jamrah, move to the right side, face the qiblah, raise both hands, and make prolonged du'a:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.

"Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire."

When: After stoning Jamrat al-Sughra during the Tashreeq days

How: After the seven pebbles, step right of the Jamrah, face the qiblah, raise both hands, and make a long, extended du'a. This is from the confirmed Sunnah. (Bukhari)

After stoning the middle Jamrah, move to the left side, face the qiblah, raise both hands, and make extended du'a in the same manner as at the small Jamrah. The Prophet ﷺ would stand long at both these stations in supplication.

After stoning the large Jamrah on the Tashreeq days, there is no stopping for du'a. One completes the stoning and departs. This is from the established Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. (Bukhari)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.

"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise."

When: After every obligatory prayer from Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah through Asr of the 13th; and abundantly at all times during the Tashreeq days

How: This is Takbir al-Tashreeq. Men recite aloud after every fard prayer; women quietly. Also said at all times during these days of 'Eid and remembrance. Narrated from Umar, Ali, and Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them).

The last act before leaving Makkah is the Farewell Tawaf. It is obligatory for all pilgrims except women in their menstrual cycle. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Let none of you depart until his last act is with the House.' (Bukhari & Muslim). All adhkar are the same as those of all other Tawaf.

Allahummal-baytu baytuk, wal-'abdu 'abduk, wabnu 'abdik, wabnu amatik, hamaltani 'ala ma sakhkharta li min khalqika hatta sayyartani fi biladika, wa ballaghtani bi-ni'matika hatta a'antani 'ala qada'i manasikik.

"O Allah, the House is Your House and the servant is Your servant, the son of Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You carried me upon what You subjected of Your creation until You transported me through Your lands, and You brought me by Your grace until You helped me fulfill Your rites."

When: At the Farewell Tawaf, when facing the Ka'bah before departing Makkah

How: Said while facing the Ka'bah before turning to leave. Follow with personal heartfelt du'a for acceptance of the Hajj and protection on the return journey.

Visiting the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) is not a rite of Hajj or Umrah but is a highly recommended act of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'A prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except the Sacred Mosque.' (Bukhari & Muslim)

Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.

"O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy."

When: Upon entering any mosque

How: Enter with the right foot first. (Muslim)

Upon reaching the grave of the Prophet ﷺ, stand with respect and convey the salam with a moderate voice - not loudly:

As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulallah, as-salamu 'alayka ya Nabiyyallah. Ash-hadu annaka qad ballaghat-ar-risalah, wa addaytal-amanah, wa nasahtal-ummah.

"Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet of Allah. I bear witness that you conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, and gave sincere counsel to the Ummah."

When: When standing at the grave of the Prophet ﷺ

How: Stand facing the grave (facing north). Speak with a moderate, respectful voice. Then send salawat upon him. IMPORTANT: Du'a is made TO Allah - not to the Prophet ﷺ. You are conveying salam and honoring him.

The area between the grave and the pulpit (minbar) of the Prophet ﷺ is the Rawdah - described by the Prophet ﷺ as 'a garden from the gardens of Paradise.' (Bukhari). Pray voluntary prayers here, recite Qur'an, and make extended du'a. This is among the most blessed places on earth for supplication.

1. Sincerity (Ikhlas): All worship is only accepted when done sincerely for Allah alone, free of show and ostentation (riya'). The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Actions are by intentions.' A Hajj Mabrur is one free of sin, riya', and all that corrupts deeds.

2. Follow the Sunnah Precisely: Do not add dhikr or du'a that have no basis in authentic narrations. The Salaf said: 'Every innovation is a misguidance.' Stick to what is established. The books which prescribe specific du'a for each round of Tawaf or each step of Sa'i have no authentic basis.

3. Presence of the Heart: The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Allah does not accept the du'a of a heart that is heedless and distracted.' Slow down. Understand what you are saying. Weep if you can, or try to weep. This is how the Salaf approached du'a.

4. Personal Du'a in Any Language: Beyond the prescribed adhkar, you may ask Allah in your own language for anything permissible. The doors of du'a are wide open. Ask for forgiveness, for health, for provision, for your family, for the Ummah.

5. The Supremacy of Arafat: Guard the afternoon of Arafat above all else in this journey. Imam Malik said: 'The pilgrims at Arafat are those who are forgiven.' Do not waste a single moment of it in frivolity.

6. The Reward of Hajj Mabrur: The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The reward of Hajj Mabrur is nothing but Paradise.' (Bukhari & Muslim). Ask Allah to accept your Hajj and Umrah, and to return you to your family in health and with forgiveness.