Dua is a direct connection between a person and Allah SWT. Often, people think that Dua is about some specific words, mostly in the Arabic language, but that’s not the case at all. Rather, it’s the name of expressing the condition of one’s heart before the creator (God). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last Messenger of Allah SWT, said:
“There is nothing more noble to Allah than supplication.” – Sunan Ibn Majah: 3829
Anyhow, a Muslim always prays to Allah SWT. When it comes to pilgrimage, the practice of Dua increases even more. Muslims try to pray as much as they can during Hajj or Umrah. Often, when people reach Makkah after finalizing travel package from an Umrah agency, their biggest wish is to see that sacred moment when their fell on the Holy Kaaba first time. After that, the moment comes during pilgrimage when the Holy Kaaba is seen for the first time inside the Grand Mosque.
Seeing the Holy Kaaba for the first time is a feeling that is difficult to express in words. This is a very emotional and spiritual moment, which is different but memorable for everyone. Keeping this in mind, here we will see what Duas you should pray when seeing the Kaaba for the first time.
Keep in mind that when you look at the Holy Kaaba for the first time during pilgrimage, you can recite any Dua and ask Allah SWT for whatever you wish. There is no specific worded Duas proven from Hadiths, so don’t consider any particular prayer as mandatory Sunnah (until specified).
Note: There is no specific time for the acceptance of prayers because Allah SWT is listening to His supplicants at all times. But there are some moments in which the hours of acceptance increase.
Takbeer and Tehleel
Some prayers we do not pray for ourselves, but rather express the greatness of Allah SWT. Similarly, Takbeer and Tehleel represent the greatness and oneness of Allah SWT. Takbeer means to signify superiority, which is: “Allah is the Greatest”. By saying this, you are confessing that Allah SWT is greater than everything. Its purpose is to show that you are worshipping only one God, and He is the one who listens to Duas.
When you see the Kaaba for the first time, saying Takbeer and Tehleel are the best expressions of a Muslim’s love for the greatness of God. It’s recommended to offer both three times. Often, pilgrims combine Tasbeeh (Glory be to Allah) and Tahmeed (All praise is for Allah) with Takbeer and Tehleel.
Dua for the Greatness of the Holy Kaaba
You can recite this Dua for the greatness of the Holy Kaaba when seeing it for the first time:
“O Allah! Increase this House (the Kaaba) in honour, grandeur, dignity, and love. And increase in honour, dignity, greatness, and righteousness those who honour it, whether they perform Hajj or Umrah.”
Note: These words can be found in some narrations (Sunan al-Bayhaqi and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah) of Hadith, but are not proven by authentic evidence. The scholars said that the source is weak; therefore, it’s not correct to call it a Sunnah or a prescribed supplication. However, you can read it because Dua is permissible, but it’s better to ask for whatever you wish.
Dua of Caliph Umar (R.A)
When Caliph Umar Farooq (R.A) entered Makkah, and his eyes fell on the Holy Kaaba, he would stop and say some special words. These words are:
“O Allah! You are Peace, or from You comes peace. So, O our Lord, grant us life with peace.”
You can find these words in Sunan al-Kubra Hadith book written by Imam al-Bayhaqi, in which the actions of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are well described.
This Dua is very significant because it invokes one of Allah’s SWT attributes, “the One Who Bestows Peace”. When you see the Holy Kaaba for the first time, you will be struck with awe. So, praying for peace at that time is a sign that you are asking Allah SWT for blessings for His House and peace for yourself. Hence, these words by Caliph Umar (R.A) show that Muslims shouldn’t just wander around the cube-shaped building, but rather they should praise Allah SWT.
Narration of Ibn Abbas (R.A) – Dua
Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A) was the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a great scholar and interpreter of the Holy Quran. When he saw the Holy Kaaba, he used to say these words or Dua:
“O Allah, increase this House in the honour, greatness, dignity, or awe.”
His aim was to acknowledge the greatness and nobility of the Holy Kaaba, which Allah SWT has given to this house. This Dua by Ibn Abbas (R.A) is available in the famous Hadith book “Al-Musannaf” written by Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah. Technically, this Dua is a Mauquf narration, but in some books it has also been described as Mursaalan.
Remember, this is not an obligatory Dua without which one cannot perform Umrah, but it’s a recommended practice to recite. When you see the Holy Kaaba on the first attempt, read this Dua and enhance your faith.
Salutations Upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
In simple words, salutations (Darood Shareef) are sending peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah SWT said in Holy Quran:
“Surely Allah or His angles send the blessings upon Prophet. O believers, you too should send blessings and abundant peace upon Him.” Al-Ahzab: 56
Although there are many words for salutations, the best and most complete is the one that Muslims recite during the five prayers of a day, also called Durood-e-Ibrahimi. However, there is also a short version of salutation, which is:
“May Allah’s peace or blessings be upon Him.”
When you see the Holy Kaaba for the first time during Umrah from UK, recite the salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This improves the honour of your prayers and makes them more readily accepted by Allah SWT.
Make Supplications for Your Needs and Wishes
The moment of first sighting the Holy Kaaba is the time of acceptance of prayers. Allah SWT doesn’t reject prayers at that time. So you can pray for your needs and wishes, such as good health, prosperity, children, forgiveness of sins, ask for Jannah, refuge from hell, or relief from any difficulty.
When standing in front of or near the Holy Kaaba, pray for peace of mind, strength of faith, and guidance. If you can’t remember the long prayers at that time, which often happens, then recite short Duas. It’s better to make a list of personal needs and then recite Duas.
However, you can read these:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world or good in Hereafter, and protect us from punishment of the Fire.”
“O Allah, I ask You for Paradise.”
“O Allah, forgive my sins or make me one Your righteous servants.”
May Allah SWT accept all your Duas in front of the Holy Kaaba!
