Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is a journey of self-reflection, faith, and spiritual rejuvenation. Along with the physical rituals of Hajj, such as stoning the devil, running between Safa and Marwa, and circling the Kaaba, one aspect that plays a pivotal role in this sacred journey is recitations and prayers during Hajj.
The Hajj is a way for Muslims to strengthen their bond with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and feel his proximity and prayers help do just that! Moreover, prayers are more than just acts of worship; they are a tool for asking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for forgiveness, expressing appreciation, and seeking direction. In this blog, we will discuss the essential Sunnah prayers and supplications that you can recite while performing the rituals of Hajj and throughout your journey.
The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, “Which is the best deed?” He said, “To believe in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His Apostle.” He was then asked, “Which is the next (in goodness)?” He said, “To participate in Jihad in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)’s Cause.” He was then asked, “Which is the next?” He said, “To perform Hajj-Mabrur.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1519)
Dua Talbiyah: The Most Important Recitation for Hajj
لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration: Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayk laa shareeka laka labbayk, ‘innal-hamda, wanni’mata, laka walmulk, laa shareeka lak.
Translation:At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favor, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Talbiyah is the essential prayer that reverberates through the ranks of pilgrims during Hajj. Pilgrims testify to Allah that they are here to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah.
The Talbiyah prayer is divided into six parts, and each part has its own beautiful meaning.
- Labbayka Allahumma labbayk (Here I am, O Allah, here I am)
A phrase uttered repeatedly by pilgrims to show their love and devotion to Allah. It testifies to Allah that here we are in your continual obedience, worship, and service. It implies earnestness and closeness, emphasizing the need to attempt to get closer to Allah.
- Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk (Here I am, You have no partner, here I am)
Shirk – believing someone to be equal to Allah is the biggest sin in Islam, and Wahdat (the oneness of Allah) is the founding principle. With this phrase, pilgrims pledge the oneness of Allah and proclaim that Allah is one and there is no one equal to Him.
- Innal-hamda (Verily, all praise, and thanks belong to You)
All praise is for Allah. It is another way of showing affection for Allah by saying Innal-hamda, all praise is for You, Allah.
- Wan-ni’mata (Verily, all blessings belong to You)
With this phrase, pilgrims admit that all blessings that are awarded to them are from Allah only, and He alone is deserving of their gratitude. Pilgrims thank Allah for giving them countless blessings despite their sins and shortcomings.
- Laka wal-Mulk (Verily, all sovereignty belongs to You)
Pilgrims reiterate the oneness and greatness of Allah by chanting that He is the all-powerful, absolute, sovereign authority of the universe.
- La shareeka lak (You have no partner)
Pilgrims reaffirm that Allah is one and there is no one equal to Him.
When to Recite Talbiyah?
Pilgrims may recite Talbiyah as many times as possible once they are in the state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah. Scholars recommend that pilgrims recite it while standing, sitting, walking, lying down, and in any other bodily state. Moreover, it should be recited with the changes in time and when pilgrims change their location. Pilgrims must keep reciting Talbiyah until Rami al-Jamarat of Jamarah al-Aqaba on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
When Not To Recite Talbiyah?
Talbiyah should not be recited when pilgrims are performing Sa’i or Tawaf.
How to Recite Talbiyah?
It is said that Jibreel came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and requested him to tell his friends and followers to shout the Talbiyah aloud. Therefore, the jurisprudence is that men must recite it loudly while women can recite it softly.
According to Sunnah, pilgrims must recite the Talbiyah with 4 brief pauses between the 4 phrases.
لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ،
لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ،
إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ
لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Essential Duas from the Quran & Sunnah for Hajj Pilgrims
It’s common to witness people saying duas while doing Tawaf and sa’i from booklets or from memory. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that there isn’t a set dua for every round. Here are a few Qur’anic duas that you can recite to gain the favor of Allah while you perform the rituals of Hajj
1. Duas To Recite While Traveling During Hajj
Dua 1
Arabic Verse:
Dua Transliteration: Subhana-alladhi sakh-khara la-na hadha wa ma kunna la-hu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
English Translation: Glory unto Him Who created this transportation for us, though we were unable to create it on our own. And unto our Lord, we shall return.
Dua 2
Arabic Dua:
Dua Transliteration: Allauhumma hauwwin alainaa safaraunaa haazaa watwi annaa bo’dah; Allauhumma antassauhibu wa khalifatu fil ahl. Allauhumma innee a’uzubika miuwa’saa issafari wakaabatil manzari wa so oil munqaulabi fil maali wal ahli wal walad.
English Translation: O Allah! Make this journey easy for us and shorten its length too. O Allah! You are our companion on this journey and the Guardian of our house. O Allah, I seek your protection from the hardship of travel, from witnessing a terrible sight, and from finding our family and property in misfortune upon returning.
2. Dua for wearing Ihram
Before wearing Ihram, it is musahib to recite the following:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Translation: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
سبحان الله
Translation: Allah is Flawless.
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱلله
Translation:There is no God but Allah.
الله أكبر
Translation: Allah is [the] greatest
When a pilgrim enters the state of Ihram, they may offer two rakats Salah, called Sunnah-ul Ihram.
3. Dua for Niyyah – Hajj
Niyyah or intention is essential to perform Hajj. To start your Hajj, proclaim that you intend to perform Hajj by saying the following dua:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْحَجَّ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْحَجَّ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
Transliteration: Labbayk Allahumma Hajj. Allahumma Innee Ureedul Hajj. Allahumma Innee Ureedul Hajja fa Yassir-hu lee wa Taqabbal-hu Minnee.
English Translation: O Allah, here I am to perform Hajj. O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj. O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
4. Dua for Niyyah – Umrah
If you intend to perform Umrah before and after Hajj, you will need to make Niyyah for Umrah with the following dua:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Transliteration: Labbayk Allahumma Umrah. Allahumma Innee Ureedul Umrah. Allahumma Innee Ureedul Umrata fa-Yassirhaa lee wa Taqabbal-haa Minnee.
English Translation: O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah. O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
5. Dua for Entering Haram or Another Mosque
Once you enter al-Haram, position your right foot in front and recite the dua:
Arabic Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Dua Transliteration: Allahummaftah li abwaba rahmatika
EnglishTranslation:O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
6. Dua for Leaving Haram or Another Mosque
Arabic verse:
بِسْمِ اللّهِ وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللّهِ، اَللَّهُـمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْـلِكَ، اَللَّهُـمَّ اعْصِمْنِـي مِنَ الشَّيْـطَانِ الرَّجِـيمِ.
Transliteration: Bismil-lah wassalatu wassalamu AAala rasoolil-lah, allahumma innee as-aluka min fadlik, allahumma iAAsimnee minash-shaytanir-rajeem.
English Translation:In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You for Your favor. O Allah, guard me from the accursed devil.
7. Dua for Tawaf
Arabic:
بسم الله، الله الكبر ولله الحمد
Transliteration: Bismillahi Allauhu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
Translation: I begin with the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all Praise is to Allah.
8. Dua Between Rukan Yamani and Hajr al-Aswad
When pilgrims reach Rukan Yamani, the side of the Kaaba that faces Yemen, they may recite the following dua as per the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Pilgrims may recite this dua as many times as possible. It is an optional dua, and some may not choose to recite it.
Arabic:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِىْ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِىْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Raubanaa aatinaa fiddunya hasanah wa fil akhirauti hasanah wa qinaa a’zab annaar.
Translation: Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
9. Dua for Maqam-e-Ibrahim
Pilgrims may choose to recite the following dua upon reaching Maam-e-Ibrahim after completing their Tawaf:
وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِمَّ مَقَامِ إِبرَٰهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Transliteration: Watakhizo mim maqami ibrahema musalla
Translation: And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.
10. Dua for Sa’i
Arabic:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالمَروَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَن حَجَّ البَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ ١٥٨
Transliteration: Innassaufaa wal marwata min sha-airillah, faman hajj al baeeta awi-tamarau falaa junaaha a-laihi aiyattawafa bihi maa, wa man tatawwa-a khauiran fa innAllauha shaakirun a-leem.
Translation: Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwah1 are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs the pilgrimage or minor pilgrimage,2 let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.
Takbir al-Tashriq
Takbir al-Tashriq or Takbir Tashriq is an essential supplication recited by pilgrims after every fardh salah during ayyam ul-Hajj. It is wajib, obligatory for men and women pilgrims to recite Takbir al-Tashriq audibly after every fardh salah from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
This is what pilgrims should recite:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Ilallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil Hamd.
Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah, and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest, and all praises are for Allah only.
Memorizing Key Supplications for Ease and Consistency
While performing Hajj, you are bound to have plenty of free time to make duas and pray during your stay in Mina, Makkah, Medina, and on the plains of Arafah. During this time, it is best to use your time wisely and memorize a few key supplications to ensure your journey toward self-reflection, peace, and prosperity is completed with ease.
Keeping that in view, here are some key supplications to memorize:
- Allāhumma k-finī bi ḥalālika ‘an ḣarāmika wa gh-ninī bi faḋlika ‘amman siwāka
- Bismillāhi tawakkaltu ‘ala l-lāhi wa lā ḣawla wa lā quwwata illā bi l-lāh
- Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī
- Labbayka allāhumma labbaik, labbaika lā sharīka laka labbaik, inna l-ḣamda wa n-ni’mata laka wa l-mulka lā sharīka laka
- Allāhumma zid hādha l-bayta tashrīfan wa ta’żiman wa takrīman wa mahābatan, wa zid man sharrafahū wa karramahū mimman ḣajjahū wa’tamarahū tashrīfan wa ta’żiman wa takrīman wa birran
- Allāhumma īmānan bika wa taṣdīqan bi kitābika wa sunnati nabiyyika ṣalla l-lāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam
- Allāhumma innī as’aluka ‘ilman nāfi’an wa rizqan ṭayyiban wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan
Recommended Prayers (Salah) During Hajj
During Hajj, there are several recommended prayers that pilgrims are encouraged to offer in addition to the obligatory five daily prayers. . These recommended prayers hold immense value and reward, enhancing the spiritual experience of the pilgrimage.
1. Sunnah Prayers
One of the highly recommended prayers is the Sunnah prayers before and after the fardh (obligatory) prayers. These additional units of prayer are known as Sunnah Muakkadah and are performed as two units before Fajr, four units before Dhuhr, two or four units after Dhuhr, two units after Maghrib, and two units after Isha. These Sunnah prayers offer an opportunity to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)and seek His blessings.
2. Salat al-nafl for Tawaf
Tawaf prayer is a nafl salah (voluntary) performed after completing the seven rounds of circumambulation around the Kaaba. Pilgrims are encouraged to offer two rakats of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the vicinity of the Haram.
3. Salat al-nafl for Arafah
Additionally, the Prayer of Arafah holds great significance during the Day of Arafah, which is the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafah and engage in supplications and remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Offering Zuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened at Arafah is recommended for those performing Hajj.
4. Salat al-nafl for Tawaf al-Ifadah
Finally, the Prayer of Tawaf al-Ifadah is performed after the completion of the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat). Pilgrims offer two units of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere within the Grand Mosque complex.
Prayers & Supplications in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi
There are numerous prayers that one might repeat in Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque,to enhance the spiritual experience. Some of the suggested prayers are listed below:
- Tahiyat al-Masjid: Upon entering the mosque, it is encouraged to offer a two-unit prayer known as Tahiyat al-Masjid. This prayer demonstrates gratitude and reverence for the sacred space.
- Nafl Prayers: Throughout the day, pilgrims can engage in voluntary prayers (Nafl) in Masjid al-Haram. These additional prayers can be performed individually or in a congregation and hold immense rewards.
- Istighfar and Supplications: The Grand Mosque offers an atmosphere conducive to reflection, repentance, and supplication.
- Night Prayers (Tahajjud): The late-night voluntary prayer, known as Tahajjud, is highly recommended in Masjid al-Haram.
- Dua at the Kaaba: Standing in front of the Kaaba is a moment of deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Pilgrims are encouraged to make personal supplications, pouring out their hearts and seeking blessings for themselves, their loved ones, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
While in Masjid al-Nabawi, the Prophet (ﷺ)’s Mosque in Madinah, there are several recommended prayers that one can perform to enhance their spiritual experience. Here are some of the prayers to consider:
- Greeting the Mosque: Upon entering the Prophet (ﷺ)’s Mosque, it is recommended to offer a two-rakat nafl prayer known as Tahiyat al-Masjid to acknowledge and show respect for the sacred space.
- Visiting the Prophet (ﷺ)’s Grave: When visiting the blessed grave of the Prophet (ﷺ), it is customary to offer greetings and send blessings upon him. This can be done through reciting the Salawat (prayers of peace) such as “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin” (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and his family).
- Istighfar and Supplications: The Prophet (ﷺ)’s Mosque provides a serene environment for reflection, repentance, and supplication. Take advantage of this sacred space to seek forgiveness (Istighfar), recite Quran, and engage in heartfelt personal supplications.
FAQs
Q1: What are the recommended recitations during Sa’i?
There isn’t a set Dhikr or Dua that needs to be recited during Sa’i; you can instead send Salawat to the Prophet (ﷺ) while reciting any supplications or prayers of your choice. Moreover, some also recommend reciting the 158 verse of Surah Baqarah, which is as follows:
Innassaufaa wal marwata min sha-airillah, faman hajj al baeeta awi-tamarau falaa junaaha a-laihi aiyattawafa bihi maa, wa man tatawwa-a khauiran fa innAllauha shaakirun a-leem.
Q2: What are the recitations to be made during Rami?
During Rami, you must recite “Allah hu Akbar”while throwing pebbles into the pot while walking with the jamarat.
Q3: What are the recommended recitations during Tawaf?
The Tawaf is something that starts from the black stone. When making the intention to perform Tawaf, recite the following dua:
Bismillahi Allauhu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
You can also recite:Raubanaa aatinaa fiddunya hasanah wa fil akhirauti hasanah wa qinaa a’zab annaar.
Q4: What dua should I recite when wearing Ihram?
Perform two rakes of Sunnat-ul Ihram after entering the Ihram state.
Conclusion or Essential Recitations and Prayers During Hajj
So these were some of the most essential recitations and prayers during Hajj.From the melodious recitation of the Qur’an to the heartfelt supplications made at the holy sites, these acts serve as a means to connect with the divine, seek forgiveness, and attain a higher level of spirituality.
Ultimately, the recitations and prayers during Hajj serve as a reminder of the shared purpose and eternal bond that unites the global Muslim ummah, leaving a lasting impression and spiritual nourishment that lasts a lifetime.
