Which duas in Umrah should I read at tawaf?
Which duas in Umrah should I read at tawaf?
Many first-time pilgrims open small booklets that assign one set phrase to every circuit of tawaf and feel obliged to memorise them. In reality the Sunnah gives wide freedom. There is no fixed supplication for each round, so you may recite Qur’an, repeat short words of remembrance, or speak to Allah in any language you understand. What follows gathers the few points that scholars agree on and offers a simple structure you can keep in mind. For a handy list while travelling you can open our Duas guide on your phone.
Confirmed words and moments
- At the Black Stone, the start of every circle
- If you can reach it without harming anyone, touch the Hajar al-Aswad and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”. If you are farther away, raise your right hand toward it and say “Allahu Akbar”.
- Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone
- Recite the Qur’anic prayer: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina adhaban-nar”. The meaning is: “Our Lord, grant us good in this world, good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the Fire.”
- While walking the rest of each circuit
- Fill your tongue with Qur’an, dhikr such as “Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah”, and heartfelt requests for forgiveness and guidance.
- After completing seven circuits
- Pray two units near Maqam Ibrahim if space allows. Then drink Zamzam, intending healing and benefit, and ask Allah for whatever weighs on your heart. If you are able to stand at the Multazam, the space between the door of the Kaaba and the Black Stone, pause there for personal prayer.
These four practices appear in most trustworthy guides and leave plenty of room for your own words. Nothing else is mandatory.
Personal duas to carry with you
Sincerity matters more than memorisation, so speak as you naturally would. If you prefer wording from Qur’an and Sunnah, the following short themes fit easily between the corners:
- Forgiveness and mercy: “Our Lord, forgive us and have mercy on us.”
- Guidance and acceptance: “Our Lord, accept this from us.”
- Ease and confidence: “My Lord, open my chest and make my task easy.”
- Family and future: “Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and children comfort to our eyes and make us leaders for the righteous.”
- Provision and well-being: repeat the prayer mentioned above for good in this world and the next.
Travelling with parents? Ask for their health and patience. Walking as a couple? Request tranquillity and harmony. Burdened by work? Seek lawful provision and a balanced heart. The Sunnah leaves space for every concern. If you want to check wording for your intention before starting the rites, read our note on Niyyah.
A gentle rhythm for seven rounds
Many pilgrims find calm in a repeating pattern:
- Face the Black Stone, say “Allahu Akbar”, and begin walking with humility.
- Recite whatever Qur’an or dhikr you know and mention the needs of your life.
- From the Yemeni Corner to the Black Stone repeat the prayer for good in both worlds.
- Use the same rhythm in every circuit; there is no rule that words must change each round.
If the mataf becomes crowded, move to a quieter area to regain focus. Try to keep wudu; if you lose it, renew and continue from where you stopped. Avoid pushing or loud group chanting, because both disturb other worshippers. When you later move on to Sa’i between Safa and Marwa you may follow the same mix of Qur’anic phrases and personal requests.
Quick answers to common worries
I do not speak Arabic.
Duas are accepted in any language. Understanding your own words strengthens concentration.
I forgot what to say at the start.
Simply say “Allahu Akbar” and continue. Tawaf does not require perfection.
I cannot reach the Black Stone.
Point from where you stand and say “Allahu Akbar”. Crowding to touch the Stone is not required.
I need a checklist on my phone.
Download our step-by-step Guide for a clear route through each rite, including suggestions on when to pause, where to pray, and how to stay considerate of others.
