Quick Answer: There are no strictly obligatory duas specific to each step of Umrah — you may make any sincere supplication to Allah throughout. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught specific duas at certain points, and these are recommended (Sunnah) to recite. The most important are: the Talbiyah (recited from Ihram until Tawaf begins), the dua at the Hajar al-Aswad (start of each Tawaf circuit), the dua between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the dua at Safa and Marwa, and personal supplication throughout. This guide covers every stage with Arabic text, transliteration, and English meaning.
One of the questions first-time Umrah pilgrims ask most frequently is: what should I say at each step? The answer has two parts. First, there are specific duas the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited at particular points — these are the Sunnah duas and are recommended to learn and use. Second, and more important: throughout every stage of Umrah, your own sincere personal supplication in any language is not only permitted but encouraged.
Allah hears every language. The duas in this guide are not magic words that validate the Umrah — they are the words the Prophet (peace be upon him) used, preserved so that we can follow his example. Learn them, understand their meaning, and let them inform your own personal du’a at each stage of the journey.
Note: This guide presents duas from authentic hadith sources. All Arabic text, transliterations, and translations are presented carefully — if you notice any discrepancy with a scholarly source you trust, please use the version recommended by your scholar. Where scholarly variation exists in wording, this is noted.
Before You Begin: Preparing for Umrah Spiritually
Before entering Ihram, many pilgrims make a general dua asking Allah to accept their Umrah and grant them a blessed, sincere journey. There is no specific text required — this is a personal supplication from the heart. A simple, sincere intention is the foundation of all worship:
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah — make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Section 1: Duas for Ihram
The Niyyah (Intention) — At the Miqat
The Niyyah is made in the heart — sincerely intending to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah alone. It may be expressed verbally as well:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً
Transliteration: Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah
Meaning: “O Allah, here I am for Umrah.”
Some scholars add: Allahumma labbayka ‘Umratan fa-taqabbalha minni — “O Allah, here I am for Umrah — so accept it from me.”
The Talbiyah — Recited from Ihram Until Tawaf Begins
The Talbiyah is the most distinctive dua of pilgrimage. It is recited repeatedly from the moment Ihram begins until the pilgrim starts Tawaf (at which point it stops). Men recite it aloud; women recite it quietly, audible only to themselves.
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayk la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak.
Meaning: “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.”
This is the established Talbiyah from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Recite it as often as possible during the journey to Makkah — on the plane, in the car, walking through the airport. It is among the most beloved acts of the pilgrim’s journey.
Section 2: Duas for Entering Masjid al-Haram
Upon approaching Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot first and recite the dua for entering any mosque:
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration: Bismillah was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.
Meaning: “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.”
When you first see the Kaaba, stop and make dua. This is one of the moments when dua is most powerfully accepted — the first sight of the Kaaba. There is no specific dua required at this moment; it is a moment for your own personal supplication from the heart. Many scholars recommend raising the hands and making whatever heartfelt dua you have prepared. Do not rush past this moment.
Section 3: Duas for Tawaf
At the Hajar al-Aswad — Beginning Each Circuit
At the start of each of the seven circuits, face the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone), touch or kiss it if possible, or point toward it with the right hand. Say:
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
Meaning: “In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
This is confirmed in authentic hadith. Some narrations also add: Allahumma imanan bika wa tasdiqan bi kitabika wa wafaan bi ‘ahdika wattiba’an li sunnati nabiyyika Muhammadin sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam — though the shorter version above is the most widely established.
The Dua Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone
This is the one dua during Tawaf with the strongest specific basis in hadith. It is recited during the final stretch of each circuit — from the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) to the Black Stone:
Arabic:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.
Meaning: “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Al-Baqarah: 201)
This dua is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud and other authentic collections as having been recited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) specifically in this section of Tawaf. Recite it in every circuit between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
During the Rest of Tawaf
There are no specific obligatory or strongly Sunnah duas for the remainder of each Tawaf circuit. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Tawaf is like Salah except that you may speak — so speak only good. Use this time for:
- Personal dua in your own language — asking Allah for what you most need and desire
- Recitation of Quran
- Sending salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad
- Dhikr: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah
Many pilgrims use a dua booklet during Tawaf for structure and guidance. This is perfectly acceptable. The Nusuk app also includes dua guidance if you prefer a digital reference.
After Completing Seven Circuits — At Maqam Ibrahim
After completing all seven circuits, pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim. Before beginning the prayer, recite:
Arabic:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Transliteration: Wattakhidhu min maqami Ibrahima musalla.
Meaning: “And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” (Al-Baqarah: 125)
In the first Rak’ah after Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Kafirun. In the second Rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas. This is the established Sunnah.
Drinking Zamzam Water
After the two Rak’ahs, proceed to the Zamzam taps. Drink standing, facing the Kaaba, and say Bismillah before drinking. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk.” Make dua while drinking — asking for whatever you most need: health, knowledge, forgiveness, acceptance of your Umrah, or whatever is in your heart.
Section 4: Duas for Sa’i
At Safa — Beginning Sa’i
Ascend the hill of Safa (now an incline within the enclosed Mas’a walkway), face the direction of the Kaaba, and recite:
Arabic:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration: Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah.
Meaning: “Indeed Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah.” (Al-Baqarah: 158)
Then say: Abda’u bima bada’Allahu bihi — “I begin with what Allah began with.”
Then face the Kaaba direction and make dua. The following is confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him) at Safa and Marwa (narrated in Sahih Muslim):
Arabic:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ. لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ. لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumitu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer. La ilaha illallahu wahdah, anjaza wa’dah, wa nasara ‘abdah, wa hazamal ahzaba wahdah.
Meaning: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise. There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner — to Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise, He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone — He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.”
This dua is recited three times at Safa, with personal supplication made between each recitation. The same dua and sequence is repeated at Marwa at the end of each traversal.
During the Walk Between Safa and Marwa
There is no specific obligatory dua for the walking portions of Sa’i. Use this time for personal supplication, Quran recitation, dhikr, and reflection on the meaning of Hajar’s act of faith that this ritual commemorates. Many pilgrims find the walking portions of Sa’i the most naturally contemplative part of Umrah — the rhythm of the walk, the length of the route, and the knowledge of what Hajar experienced in this place creates a powerful atmosphere for personal dua.
Section 5: Dua After Halq or Taqsir
After completing Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (cutting the hair), the state of Ihram ends. There is no specific dua prescribed at this exact moment. Many pilgrims make a general dua of gratitude — thanking Allah for enabling them to complete the Umrah and asking for its acceptance:
O Allah, You have enabled me to complete this Umrah. Accept it from me, forgive my sins, and grant me the ability to return again. Ameen.
Section 6: Duas for Visiting Madinah
Upon Entering Masjid an-Nabawi
Enter with the right foot first and recite the mosque entrance dua (same as for Masjid al-Haram), adding specifically:
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَسَلِّمْ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa sallim. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.
Meaning: “O Allah, send peace and blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
Sending Salawat at the Prophet’s Grave
When standing before the blessed grave of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the established greeting is:
Arabic:
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Transliteration: As-salamu ‘alayka ya Rasulallah wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
Meaning: “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.”
Then step slightly to the right to offer salawat to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), and slightly further right for ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), whose graves are adjacent. This sequence follows the established practice described in the hadith and fiqh literature.
At the Rawdah
The Rawdah — the area between the Prophet’s grave and his minbar — is described in an authentic hadith as “a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (Sahih Bukhari). It is one of the most blessed places on earth for supplication. Pray two Rak’ahs of nafl prayer if space permits, then make your most heartfelt personal dua. There is no specific dua text prescribed for the Rawdah — this is a time for your own sincere personal supplication in whatever language comes most naturally to your heart.
Section 7: General Duas to Know for the Entire Journey
These short duas are useful throughout the entire Umrah journey — on the plane, in the hotel, walking between the Haram and your accommodation, and during any moment of reflection:
| Occasion | Dua (Transliteration) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning any act | Bismillah | In the name of Allah |
| Gratitude for anything good | Alhamdulillah | All praise is for Allah |
| Before any endeavour | Bismillahi tawakkaltu ‘alallah | In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah |
| When seeing something distressing | Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un | Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return |
| Sending blessings on the Prophet | Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad | O Allah, send peace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad |
| Seeking forgiveness | Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh | I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him |
| Seeking protection | A’udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim | I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan |
| When something pleases you | SubhanAllah | Glory be to Allah |
| Affirming Allah’s greatness | Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest |
A Note on Personal Dua: The Most Important Guidance
This guide has focused on specific duas from the Sunnah — and knowing these adds depth and connection to the rituals. But the most important guidance about dua during Umrah is not about specific Arabic text. It is this:
The places you will visit — in front of the Kaaba during Tawaf, at the Zamzam taps, at Safa and Marwa, at the Multazam (the wall of the Kaaba between the Black Stone and the door), in the Rawdah in Madinah — are among the most powerful locations for supplication on earth. What you ask Allah for in these places, with sincerity and certainty that He hears you, is what matters most.
Prepare your personal duas before you travel. Write a list of what you are asking for — for yourself, for your family, for people you love, for the Ummah. In the busyness and emotion of the Haram, it is easy to forget what you intended to ask. A list of duas prepared at home, read in front of the Kaaba with full presence and sincerity, is worth more than beautifully recited Arabic that the heart is not present for.
For the complete step-by-step Umrah ritual guide that puts all of these duas in context, see our guide on how to perform Umrah step by step. For help preparing for the journey from the UAE, see our complete Umrah guide for UAE residents.
FAQs
Are there specific duas I must recite during Umrah?
There are very few duas that are strictly obligatory during Umrah. The Talbiyah — recited from entering Ihram at the Miqat until beginning Tawaf — is strongly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and considered by many scholars as wajib (obligatory). The recitation of “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” at the Hajar al-Aswad at the start of each Tawaf circuit has strong basis in authentic hadith. The dua at Safa and Marwa is confirmed Sunnah. Beyond these, the specific duas in this guide are recommended acts based on the Prophet’s practice — not conditions for the validity of the Umrah itself. What is essential is performing the four rituals (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq or Taqsir) correctly. Personal sincere supplication throughout is encouraged and rewarded.
Can I make dua in English during Umrah?
Yes. Personal supplication (dua) may be made in any language, including English, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tagalog, or any language in which you can express yourself sincerely. Allah hears and understands all languages. The specific duas drawn from hadith and Quran in this guide are in Arabic because that is how they were narrated — and learning their meaning deepens the experience of reciting them. But your personal supplications — asking for what you need, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness — may be made in the language most natural to your heart. This is the consensus position of Islamic scholars.
What should I ask for during Tawaf?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Tawaf is like Salah except that you may speak — meaning personal dua and dhikr are encouraged throughout. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the specific dua “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan…” is recommended. For the rest of each circuit, use the time for personal supplication. Prepare a mental or written list of what you want to ask Allah before you travel — for health, family, forgiveness, specific needs, the wellbeing of loved ones, guidance, and anything else on your heart. In front of the Kaaba during Tawaf is one of the most powerful places on earth for sincere supplication.
What is the Talbiyah and when do I stop reciting it?
The Talbiyah is the distinctive chant of pilgrimage: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la shareeka laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.” It is recited from the moment the pilgrim makes the Niyyah and enters Ihram at the Miqat. It is recited repeatedly throughout the journey to Makkah — on the plane, in the car, in the airport. It stops when the pilgrim begins Tawaf — specifically at the moment they face the Hajar al-Aswad to start the first circuit. After completing Umrah and exiting Ihram through Halq or Taqsir, the Talbiyah is not recited again until the next Ihram.
Is there a dua for when you first see the Kaaba?
There is no single specific dua that is strongly established in authentic hadith for the moment of first seeing the Kaaba. However, Islamic scholars have noted that this moment — when the Kaaba first comes into view — is one of the most powerful moments for personal supplication, as the sight of the Kaaba itself is associated with the acceptance of dua. Many pilgrims stop at their first sight of the Kaaba, raise their hands, and make their most heartfelt personal dua at that moment. Some scholars recommend reciting “Allahu Akbar” three times. Whatever you say in that moment with a full and sincere heart is between you and Allah.
What duas should I prepare before my Umrah trip?
Before travelling, prepare a personal duas list — written on paper or saved on your phone — covering: your most important personal requests for yourself; duas for your parents, spouse, and children; duas for any family members or friends who are ill or in difficulty; general duas for guidance, forgiveness, and acceptance of your Umrah; and any specific intentions or requests you have been carrying. The time in front of the Kaaba and at the Multazam — the section of the Kaaba wall between the Black Stone and the door, considered among the most powerful spots for dua in the world — passes quickly. Having your duas prepared means you use that time fully rather than trying to recall everything in the emotion of the moment.
What is the Multazam and why is it important for dua?
The Multazam is the section of the Kaaba wall between the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and the Kaaba door — approximately two metres wide. Its name means “the place of holding on” or “the place of clinging.” It is narrated that the companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, would press their chests, faces, and hands against the Multazam and make sincere dua. Many Islamic scholars have noted it as one of the places where dua is most likely to be accepted. During Tawaf or after completing the circuits, if you are able to reach the Multazam — which may be difficult in dense crowds — press your body against it if possible, or simply face it and raise your hands. Make your most sincere personal supplication.
Note on Religious Content: The duas in this guide are drawn from authentic hadith collections including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud, and established fiqh references. Arabic text, transliterations, and translations have been presented with care. Minor variations in wording exist across different scholarly traditions — if your teacher or scholar has taught you a different version of any dua, follow their guidance. This guide is for general educational reference and does not replace personalised instruction from a qualified Islamic scholar.