For many pilgrims, one of the most important questions is: “When are my duas most likely to be accepted?” Knowing the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah helps you plan your worship and make the most of every moment in Makkah and Madinah.
Dua is powerful at all times, but there are special moments, places and conditions when duas are especially honoured. During Hajj and Umrah, you will experience many of these blessed opportunities in a very short period of time.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah
- Specific places where dua is highly recommended
- Examples of simple duas in Arabic, with transliteration and meaning
- Practical tips to help you prepare your own dua list before you travel
- Where to find a dedicated Umrah dua guide online
Where possible, always verify religious rulings with a qualified scholar or imam, especially for detailed fiqh questions.
Table of Contents
Why Focus on the Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah?
You may only go for Hajj or Umrah once or a few times in your life. Making a little effort to understand the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah means:
- You don’t waste precious moments on distractions
- You remember to ask Allah for what truly matters to you
- You can return home feeling that you gave your heart and soul to the journey
Dua is not only for when you feel desperate or in difficulty. It is a sign of your relationship with Allah, your trust in Him, and your hope for His mercy. Hajj and Umrah are ideal times to rebuild and strengthen that connection.
If you’re putting together a personal dua list before you travel, it’s worth reading 10 Powerful Duas for Umrah Every Pilgrim Should Know so you have authentic, concise duas ready for these special moments.
Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah: A Quick Overview
Some of the most important times and places to focus on include:
- The Day of Arafah during Hajj
- During tawaf (especially between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone)
- After tawaf, behind or near Maqam Ibrahim if possible
- During sa’i between Safa and Marwah
- In sajdah (prostration) during any prayer
- In the last third of the night
- Between the adhan and iqamah
- On Fridays (Yawm al‑Jumu’ah)
- At Muzdalifah, after leaving Arafah during Hajj
- In Masjid al‑Haram and Masjid an‑Nabawi in general
We’ll look at each of these in more detail.
Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj: The Day of Arafah
If we talk about the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah, the Day of Arafah stands at the top for Hajj.
The Blessing of Arafah
On the 9th of Dhul‑Hijjah, pilgrims stand at Arafah – this is the heart of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said (meaning):
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah…”
(Tirmidhi)
This makes Arafah one of the most important times in your life to make dua.
How to Spend the Day of Arafah
- From after Dhuhr until Maghrib, dedicate as much time as you can to dua.
- Stand, sit or raise your hands facing the Qiblah, as comfortable.
- Alternate between:
- Praising Allah
- Sending salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Making heartfelt personal duas
A very famous dua for Arafah is:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul‑mulku wa lahul‑ḥamd, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.
“There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He is over all things competent.”
Keep this dhikr on your tongue frequently during the day, while also making your own personal duas in your own language.
Best Times to Make Dua During Umrah and Hajj: During Tawaf
Another of the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah is while you are performing tawaf around the Ka’bah.
Dua During Tawaf
- You can make dua in any language during tawaf.
- There is no fixed dua for each round (shawt), despite common printed leaflets – you can say what is in your heart.
- Avoid reading long booklets if they distract you from real conversation with Allah.
The only specific dhikr that is authentically reported during tawaf is between the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al‑Yamani) and the Black Stone (Hajar al‑Aswad):
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana ātinā fi d‑dunyā ḥasanah, wa fi l‑ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ‘adhāb an‑nār.
“Our Lord, grant us in this world good and in the Hereafter good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Qur’an 2:201)
After Finishing Tawaf
Once you’ve completed your seven rounds:
- Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows, or anywhere in the Haram.
- After these two rak’ahs, it is a beautiful and quiet time to raise your hands and make dua.
Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Walking between Safa and Marwah is another major opportunity for dua.
On Safa and Marwah
When you climb Safa and face the Ka’bah, you can recite the famous verse:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna ṣ‑ṣafā wal‑marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh… (Qur’an 2:158)
Then raise your hands, praise Allah and say:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ…
You can repeat this dhikr, and between the repetitions, make your personal duas. Do the same when you reach Marwah.
Between Safa and Marwah
During the walking itself:
- Fill your heart with dua for guidance, steadfastness and forgiveness.
- Remember the story of Hajar (AS) and her trust in Allah.
- Ask Allah for the same level of tawakkul and patience in your own life.
Best Times to Make Dua in the Haramain: In Sajdah and After Salah
Whether you are in Makkah or Madinah, certain moments in the daily prayers are among the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah.
In Sajdah (Prostration)
The Prophet ﷺ said (meaning):
“The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplications therein.”
(Muslim)
During sajdah:
- Say the required tasbih (Subḥāna Rabbiyal‑A‘lā).
- After that, especially in nafl (voluntary) prayers, spend a few extra moments making dua.
- Many scholars allow dua in your own language in nafl salah; if you are unsure, ask a local imam before travelling.
This is a powerful, private moment between you and Allah – use it well, whether you are in Masjid al‑Haram or Masjid an‑Nabawi.
After Fard Salah
After completing fard salah:
- Recite the recommended adhkār (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar).
- Then, without rushing away, sit and make short, sincere duas.
Because you are in the most blessed masajid on earth, this is an ideal time to ask Allah to accept your Hajj or Umrah and forgive your sins.
Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah: The Last Third of the Night
Even at home in the UK, the last third of the night is a very special time for dua. In Hajj and Umrah, when you’re in Makkah or Madinah, this time is even more valuable.
A hadith mentions (meaning):
Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night, when the last third of the night remains, and says: “Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Practical tips:
- Use a local prayer timetable and work out roughly when the last third begins.
- If possible, wake up early for Tahajjud in your hotel room.
- After praying, sit quietly and make dua, even if only for a few minutes.
These peaceful moments can become among the most memorable parts of your journey.
Other Important Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah
Beyond the major moments already mentioned, there are other best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah you shouldn’t overlook:
Between Adhan and Iqamah
The time between the call to prayer and the iqamah is known as a moment when dua is answered.
- Repeat the words of the adhan.
- Send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Make your personal dua before the iqamah begins.
On Fridays (Yawm al‑Jumu’ah)
Friday is special wherever you are, but being in Makkah or Madinah on a Friday adds even more blessing. Many scholars mention a special hour on Friday, especially close to Asr until Maghrib, when duas are answered.
Use Fridays to:
- Read Qur’an.
- Make abundant salawat.
- Focus on sincere duas before Maghrib.
At Muzdalifah (Hajj)
After leaving Arafah, pilgrims gather at Muzdalifah.
- After praying Maghrib and Isha combined, you can rest, collect pebbles for the Jamarat, and also make dua under the open sky.
- Remember that you are part of a huge gathering asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
Simple Dua Ideas for Hajj and Umrah
You don’t have to know long Arabic duas to benefit from the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah. Allah understands every language and every sincere heart.
You might prepare a list that includes:
- Dua for forgiveness of all past sins.
- Dua for steadfast iman and a good ending.
- Dua for your parents, spouse, children and family.
- Dua for halal rizq, relief from debts and financial ease.
- Dua for protection from fitnah, diseases and hardships.
- Dua for the Ummah, for oppressed Muslims and for guidance of humanity.
A very comprehensive and simple dua is:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana ātinā fi d‑dunyā ḥasanah, wa fi l‑ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ‘adhāb an‑nār.
“Our Lord, grant us in this world good and in the Hereafter good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Qur’an 2:201)
For more specific duas you can use throughout your trip – not only in tawaf and sa’i, but also in your hotel room, on the plane and in the masjid – it’s helpful to save 10 Powerful Duas for Umrah Every Pilgrim Should Know on your device.
If you want to explore a wider collection of authentic duas beyond Umrah‑specific ones, many English‑speaking pilgrims also benefit from the classic booklet Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim), which is available from a number of reputable publishers and Islamic websites.
Practical Tips to Benefit from the Best Times to Make Dua During Hajj and Umrah
To make sure you really benefit from the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah, consider these practical tips:
- Prepare a Dua List Before You Travel
- Write categories: iman, dunya, akhirah, family, health, rizq, Ummah, etc.
- Add names of people you promised to make dua for.
- Learn a Few Short Arabic Duas
- Memorise some concise Qur’anic and Prophetic duas.
- Use transliteration if you struggle with Arabic, but keep practising.
- Use Your Own Language Too
- Speak to Allah from your heart, in the language that comes naturally.
- Don’t feel shy or restricted; Allah hears and understands you completely.
- Balance Between General and Specific Duas
- Ask for general goodness (like the Rabbana ātinā dua).
- Also ask for very specific things you need: guidance in a decision, healing for someone, ease in a situation.
- Combine Times and Places
- For example, make dua in sajdah inside Masjid al‑Haram in the last third of the night – you are combining multiple blessed factors.
Checking Authentic Guidance and Travel Updates
For religious rulings, always ask people of knowledge you trust, such as qualified imams and scholars.
For travel, health and safety guidance, UK pilgrims should keep an eye on the official UK Government page for Saudi Arabia:
This site is updated regularly with information on visas, health requirements and local conditions.
Final Thoughts
Learning about the best times to make dua during Hajj and Umrah is not about limiting your dua – you can and should call upon Allah at any moment. Rather, it’s about recognising moments of extra mercy, so you give them special attention.
Whether you are:
- Standing at Arafah in tears
- Circling the Ka’bah in tawaf
- Walking between Safa and Marwah
- Bowing your head in sajdah in the Haramain
- Or waking in the last third of the night in your hotel room
remember that Allah is near, hearing and responding in the way that is best for you.
With a prepared heart, a thoughtful dua list and awareness of these special moments, may your journey be accepted, your sins forgiven and your duas answered with goodness in this world and the next. Āmīn.
