Hajj is not just a physical act of moving from one sacred site to another; it is a deep spiritual calling that requires reflection, intention, and remembrance. For millions of Muslims, the Hajj is a time to cleanse the heart and strengthen their connection with Allah through prayer and devotion. The act of reciting Hadith and Quranic ayat serves as a means to align one’s inner state with the sacredness of the journey. Knowing what to recite during Hajj can profoundly shape your experience, keeping the soul focused and the heart soft.
This guide covers the essential words of remembrance that pilgrims carry with them throughout the sacred rites.
Spiritual Preparation for Hajj: The Power of Words
Before setting foot on the journey of a lifetime, preparing spiritually is as important as preparing physically. Mental readiness, sincerity of intention (niyyah), and awareness of divine presence begin with the remembrance of Allah and the Prophet’s SAW guidance.
Reciting the Quran and reading Hadith related to Hajj helps the pilgrim:
- Understand the deeper meaning of each ritual
- Develop humility and patience
- Maintain focus on pleasing Allah alone
A key aspect of spiritual preparation for Hajj involves familiarizing oneself with supplications recommended by the Prophet SAW, especially those tied to the rites of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and standing in Arafat.
What to Recite During Hajj: Step-by-Step Guidance?
While Entering the State of Ihram
Dua of Intention (Niyyah):
“Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan” (Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj).
This powerful phrase sets the tone for your entire journey. Some pilgrims extend it as:
“Allahumma inni urīdu al-hajja fa yassirhu lī wataqabbalhu minnī”
(“O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”)
Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal hamda wanni’mata laka wal mulk. Laa shareeka lak.”
(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 recited from the moment of Ihram until the beginning of Tawaf.
During Tawaf
Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) is one of the most spiritually intense moments. Although there’s no fixed dua for each round, many pilgrims recite Quranic verses and personal prayers.
Commonly recited Ayah:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.)
This verse is among the most recommended Quranic verses for hajj pilgrims and can be repeated throughout the Tawaf.
At the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone
Between the Yemeni Corner and Hajr al-Aswad, the Prophet SAW used to recite:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
Pilgrims should not raise their hands at the Yemeni Corner but should try to touch it if possible. Touching or pointing to the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) is accompanied by saying:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.)
During Sa’i (Safa and Marwah)
When reaching the hill of Safa, recite:
“Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah…”
(Safa and Marwah are from the signs of Allah…)
Then begin personal supplications, as the Prophet SAW did. He raised his hands and made dua three times at each hill.
Common dua during Sa’i:
“Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta al-‘azzu al-akram.”
(My Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Most Mighty and Most Generous.)
At Arafat: The Pinnacle of Duas and Ayat for Hajj
The day of Arafat is the most critical part of the Hajj. It is said that the best dua is made on this day.
Prophetic Hadith:
“The best supplication is the one made on the day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is:
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.”
(There is no deity but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs all the dominion and all praise, and He has power over everything.)
This dhikr reflects the spiritual preparation for Hajj and ultimate surrender to the will of Allah.
Quranic Verses for Hajj Pilgrims: Connecting with Revelation
Many verses in the Quran speak directly about Hajj, the significance of the rituals, and the required character of a pilgrim.
a) Quran 22:27-28:
“And proclaim the Hajj to the people… that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days…”
This verse explains the command of Hajj and the spiritual rewards that come from it.
b) Quran 2:196:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…”
This emphasizes completing the rites properly, for Allah’s sake alone.
c) Quran 2:125:
“…Take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of prayer…”
Highlights the sacred station of Ibrahim AS and its importance during Tawaf.
d) Quran 5:3:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you…”
Revealed during the Prophet’s SAW Farewell Pilgrimage, this verse holds special meaning for those at Arafat.
These Quranic verses for Hajj pilgrims help deepen one’s connection to the rituals and their origins.
Most Recited Hadith During Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad SAW left behind numerous Hadith that guide us during Hajj:
Hadith on Hajj Being a Renewal:
“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari & Muslim).
This Hadith motivates pilgrims to seek complete purification.
Hadith on Reward:
“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari).
It captures the ultimate goal of every pilgrim.
Hadith on Arafat:
“Hajj is Arafah.” (Tirmidhi).
Without standing in Arafat, the Hajj is invalid. This emphasizes the importance of this moment.
Hadith on Pilgrim’s Status:
“The pilgrims and those performing Umrah are the guests of Allah. If they call upon Him, He answers them.” (Ibn Majah).
This Hadith reminds pilgrims of their honored position in Allah’s sight.
Duas and Ayat for Hajj: From Start to Finish
Here’s a summarized list of recitations covering all phases:
Occasion: Ihram Intention
What to Recite: “Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan”
Purpose: Declaring your intention to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah.
Occasion: Talbiyah
What to Recite: “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal hamda wanni’mata laka wal mulk. Laa shareeka lak.”
Purpose: Continuous recitation expressing devotion and response to Allah’s call.
Occasion: Tawaf Supplication
What to Recite: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.” (Quran 2:201)
Purpose: Asking for good in this life, the Hereafter, and protection from Hellfire.
Occasion: Sa’i at Safa & Marwah
What to Recite: “Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah…” (Quran 2:158)
Purpose: Acknowledging Safa and Marwah as sacred symbols and making a personal dua.
Occasion: Day of Arafat
What to Recite: “Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.” (Hadith)
Purpose: The best dhikr for Arafat, affirming Allah’s Oneness and Power.
Occasion: Muzdalifah and Mina
What to Recite: General dhikr (e.g., SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and Salawat on the Prophet SAW.
Purpose: Continuous remembrance during the nights of Muzdalifah and days in Mina.
Occasion: Stoning at Jamarat
What to Recite: “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (at each stone throw)
Purpose: Remembrance while casting stones at the pillars, symbolizing rejection of Shaytan.
Occasion: Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)
What to Recite: Repeat “Rabbana atina…” and other personal duas
Purpose: Offering prayers for a safe return and acceptance of Hajj.
Practical Tips: Memorizing and Applying the Recitations
- Start learning early: Part of spiritual preparation for Hajj is familiarizing yourself with these verses months in advance.
- Use a pocket Dua book or app: These help with quick referencing during the journey.
- Repeat with intention: Even if you don’t understand every word, say it with sincerity.
- Ask scholars or group leaders: They can clarify meanings and guide you on when and how to recite. Reliable agencies offering Hajj and Umrah services from Dubai will offer valuable support and direction to all Hajjis and Hajjahs.
- Practice mindfulness: The aim isn’t to complete a script but to connect deeply with every word.
Summing It Up
Hajj is the time to cleanse the soul and reconnect with the divine. What you say, whisper, or cry out during these sacred days has lasting value. The duas and ayat for Hajj passed down from the Prophet SAW and the Quran are more than just phrases; they are divine guidance in their purest form.
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