Duas & Prayers for Hajj: What Every Pilgrim Should Recite

Hajj is not just a physical journey but a deeply spiritual experience where a Muslim gets closer to Allah through supplication (du’a) and devotion. Du’a is one of the most significant acts of worship during Hajj, as it opens the doors of mercy, brings divine blessings, and strengthens the pilgrim’s connection with the Creator.

In this article, we will explore the essential supplications that every pilgrim should recite during Hajj, explaining their significance and the best times to say them.

The Importance of Du’a in Hajj

1. A path to closeness with Allah: Hajj provides a rare opportunity to be as close to Allah as possible, and du’a is the strongest tool to achieve this connection.
2. A guaranteed response: The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah, and the best thing I and the Prophets before me have said is: La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir (There is no god but Allah, alone without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He has power over all things).” (Tirmidhi)
3. A means of forgiveness and relief: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in obscenity or wrongdoing will return as pure as the day his mother gave birth to him." (Bukhari & Muslim)
4. A way to fulfill desires and needs: Many pilgrims witness the blessings of their sincere prayers being answered during and after Hajj.

Essential Du’as for the Hajj Journey

1. Du’a for Entering Ihram and Talbiyah

When entering the sacred state of Ihram, the pilgrim should make the intention in their heart and verbally say:

📌 “Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan” or “Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umratan wa Hajjan” (depending on the type of pilgrimage being performed).

Then, the pilgrim should begin reciting the Talbiyah, a declaration of devotion:

📢 "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa an-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak."

✍️ Note: The Talbiyah should be repeated frequently from the moment of Ihram until reaching Makkah.

2. Du’a for Entering Makkah and the Masjid al-Haram

Upon seeing the Holy City of Makkah, one can say:

📢 "O Allah, make this a place of peace for me and provide me with lawful sustenance here. O Allah, this is Your sacred land, so protect me from Hellfire and keep me safe from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants."

Upon entering the Grand Mosque, it is recommended to say:

📢 "In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy."

3. Du’a During Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

While performing Tawaf, the pilgrim should recite various supplications, the most important being:

📢 "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 protect us from the punishment of the Fire.) (Quran 2:201)

📢 "Allahumma inni as’aluka al-‘afwa wal-‘afiyata fid-dunya wal-akhirah." (O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this life and the Hereafter.)

📢 "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astaghith. Aslih li sha’ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn." (O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy, I seek assistance. Rectify all my affairs and do not leave me to myself for the blink of an eye.)

💡 Tip: There is no specific du’a for each round of Tawaf; pilgrims can recite any supplication they prefer.

4. Du’a for Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

At the start of Sa’i, upon reaching Safa, one should recite:

📢 "Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. I begin with what Allah has commanded."

Then, three times:

📢 "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir."

After this, the pilgrim may make any personal supplications before continuing the Sa’i.

5. Du’a for the Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is the most significant day of Hajj, and prayers made on this day are strongly encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ said:

📢 "La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir." (There is no god but Allah, alone without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He has power over all things.)

📢 "Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbu al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni." (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.)

📢 "O Allah, accept my Hajj, forgive my sins, and bless me with a righteous life."

✍️ Tip: Spend the entire day in deep supplication and repentance, as this is a day of immense mercy and forgiveness.

6. Du’a for Stoning the Jamarat

📢 "O Allah, accept my Hajj, forgive my sins, and grant me steadfastness in faith."

📢 "O Allah, make me among those who obey You and strengthen me in my religion."

💡 Tip: Upon throwing each stone at the Jamarat, the pilgrim should say "Allahu Akbar" and make any personal prayers.

7. Du’a for the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)

📢 "O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your sacred house. If You decree it to be so, then grant me a place in Paradise."

📢 "O Allah, grant me another opportunity to perform Hajj and accept this one from me."

💡 Tip: The final Tawaf is a moment of reflection and gratitude—pilgrims should spend it in remembrance, praise, and asking for forgiveness.

Tips for Making the Most of Du’a in Hajj

✅ Sincerity – Ensure your prayers are purely for the sake of Allah.

✅ Humility – Approach du’a with a humble and broken heart.

✅ Certainty in Allah’s response – The Prophet ﷺ said: "Call upon Allah while being certain of His response." (Tirmidhi)

✅ Begin with praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

✅ Be persistent – Do not rush; Allah loves those who insist in their supplications.

✅ Pray for yourself and others – Du’a for others brings blessings for the supplicant as well.

Conclusion

Du’a is the key to acceptance in Hajj. It is the most powerful act of devotion, connecting the pilgrim to Allah at every stage of the journey. From entering Ihram to Tawaf, from Arafah to stoning the Jamarat, du’a remains the spiritual essence of Hajj—erasing sins, fulfilling wishes, and opening the gates of mercy.

May Allah accept our Hajj, answer our prayers, and grant us the opportunity to perform it again. Ameen. 🤲