DUAS TO RECITE BEFORE EMBARKING ON HAJJ

FILE - Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2023. For the first time in over a decade, 270 Syrians traveled on a direct flight early Tuesday from Damascus to Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, the Syrian Transportation Ministry said. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)

 

The Hajj pilgrimage is a profound journey of faith, discipline, and spiritual connection. From the moment a pilgrim sets out on this sacred journey, numerous duas (supplications) can be recited to seek Allah’s blessings, protection, and acceptance. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential duas that accompany each step of the Hajj pilgrimage.

1. DUA FOR INTENTION (HAJJ NIYYAH)

Before beginning the pilgrimage, a sincere intention (niyyah) is essential. This dua asks Allah to make the Hajj easy and to accept it.

اللهم إني أريد الحج فيسره لي وتقبله مني
Allahumma inni ureedul hajj fa yassirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni
Meaning: O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

2. DUA FOR A SAFE JOURNEY

This powerful dua seeks protection and ease throughout the long journey to Mecca.

اللهم إنا نسألك في سفرنا هذا البر والتقوى ومن العمل ما ترضى، اللهم هون علينا سفرنا هذا واطوِ عنّا بعده، اللهم أنت الصاحب في السفر والخليفة في الأهل
Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadha al-birra wat-taqwa wa minal ‘amali ma tardha…
Meaning: O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety in this journey and deeds that please You. Make this journey easy and shorten its distance. You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of our family.”


3. DUA FOR BOARDING A VEHICLE

Recited when embarking on any mode of transportation, this dua acknowledges Allah’s grace and control over all means.

بِسْـمِ اللهِ وَالْحَمْـدُ لله…
Bismillah, walhamdulillah. Subhanal-ladzi sakh-khara lana hadza…
Meaning: In the name of Allah and all praise is for Allah. How perfect He is, the One Who has placed this (transport) at our service… and to our Lord is our final destination.”


4. DUA UPON ENTERING MECCA

As pilgrims enter the holy city, this dua expresses reverence and a plea for protection.

اللهم هذا حرمك وأمنك فحرمني على النار وأمنّي من عذابك يوم تبعث عبادك
Allahumma haza haramuka wa amnuka faharrimni ‘ala an-nar…
Meaning: O Allah, this is Your sacred land and sanctuary; protect me from Hellfire and grant me safety from Your punishment on the Day of Resurrection.”


DUAS FOR HAJJ RITUALS

Each ritual of Hajj comes with special supplications, enriching the pilgrim’s spiritual experience.


1. DUA FOR WEARING IHRAM (TALBIYAH)

Before entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims declare their servitude through the Talbiyah:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ…
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk…
Meaning: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You.”


2. DUA UPON SEEING THE KAABA

Upon first seeing the Kaaba, a personal dua is recommended. One commonly recited supplication is:

اللهم زد هذا البيت تشريفًا وتعظيمًا…
Allahumma zid hadha al-bayta tashreefan…
Meaning: O Allah, increase this House in honor, greatness, nobility, and awe, and honor those who honor it.”


3. DUA FOR TAWAF (CIRCUMAMBULATING THE KAABA)

Tawaf begins at the Black Stone with the following:

بسم الله الله أكبر ولله الحمد
Bismillahi Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd
Meaning: In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Him.”


4. DUA BETWEEN YEMENI CORNER AND BLACK STONE

This is recited while walking between the Yemeni Corner and Hajar al-Aswad:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً…
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan…
Meaning: Our Lord, grant us good in this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”


5. DUA FOR SA’I (BETWEEN SAFA AND MARWAH)

Although no fixed dua is prescribed, this verse from the Quran is often recited:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ…
Innassafaa wal marwata min sha’airillah…
Meaning: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)


6. DUA AT ARAFAT (9TH DHUL HIJJAH)

The most important day of Hajj, where the best dua is:

لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ…
La ilaha illa Allahu wahdahu la sharika lahu…
Meaning: There is no god but Allah, alone without partner. His is the dominion, and His is the praise, and He has power over all things.”


7. DUA FOR STONING THE JAMARAT

When throwing pebbles at the Jamarat, say:

بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillah, Allahu Akbar
Meaning: In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”


8. DUA FOR RETURNING FROM HAJJ

After completing the pilgrimage, this dua expresses gratitude and renewed faith:

آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ
Ayibun, ta’ibun, ‘abidun, sajidun, lirabbina hamidun
Meaning: We return, repentant, worshipping, prostrating, and praising our Lord.”


CONCLUSION

The journey of Hajj is not just physical—it is a deeply spiritual experience. Reciting these duas at each stage of the pilgrimage allows Muslims to remain mindful, spiritually connected, and earnestly devoted to Allah. Each supplication enhances the ritual, helping to elevate the soul and bring the pilgrim closer to their Creator.

Memorizing and reciting these powerful duas can transform the Hajj experience—making it more reflective, meaningful, and spiritually fulfilling.