Standing before the Kaaba for the first time, many pilgrims freeze. They have heard there are special words for every moment and they are terrified of getting them wrong. Here is the freeing truth: Umrah has only a few set phrases, and the rest of the time you are simply invited to talk to Allah in your own words. This guide walks you through exactly what to say, and when.
A note first: this is a practical guide, not a fatwa, and scholars phrase some details differently. For the source texts, the verses are on Quran.com and the prophetic supplications are on Sunnah.com. If you want certainty on a detail, ask a trusted scholar.
1. In ihram: the talbiyah
From the moment you enter ihram at the miqat until you begin tawaf, you repeat the talbiyah, raising your voice if you are a man:
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. All praise, grace and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”
This is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Say it often on the journey, in the taxi, in the hotel, as you walk toward the Haram.
2. First sight of the Kaaba
When your eyes first fall on the Kaaba, it is a moment when du’a is especially hoped to be accepted. There is no fixed text here. Raise your hands and ask for what matters most to you, for this world and the next.
3. Tawaf: circling the Kaaba
Starting each circuit: face the Black Stone, point to it, and say Bismillah, Allahu akbar. You begin from that line and circle the Kaaba seven times with it on your left.
During the circuits: here is the key point that removes all the pressure. There is no authentic, fixed dua for each round. You are free to make any du’a, recite Qur’an, send salawat on the Prophet, peace be upon him, or do dhikr. Use the language you think in.
Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone: the one widely reported supplication, from the Qur’an, is:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina adhab an-nar.
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:201)
After tawaf: pray two short rak’ahs, ideally near the Station of Ibrahim, then drink Zamzam.
4. Sa’i: between Safa and Marwah
As you approach Safa for the first time, recite:
Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah.
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:158)
On Safa, and again on Marwah, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, say Allahu akbar three times, and recite the authentic words reported in Sahih Muslim:
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. His is the dominion and the praise, and He has power over all things.”
Then make your own du’a. Repeat this on each of the seven lengths. In between, again, say whatever du’a and dhikr you wish.
5. Finishing
After sa’i, the men shave or trim their hair and women trim a fingertip’s length. With that, your Umrah is complete and you leave the state of ihram.
The real secret
Memorising phrases is good, but it is not the point. The point is that you are a guest of Allah, standing where millions have stood, at a time when du’a is answered. Bring a written list of everything you want to ask for, for yourself and for the people you love, and do not leave until you have asked for all of it.
To see how these duas fit into the full rite, read how to perform Umrah step by step. For the reward you are seeking, see does Umrah forgive your sins. When you are ready to go, see our Umrah packages or request a quote.
