اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حَجًّا مَبْرُورًا وَسَعْيًا مَشْكُورًا وَذَنْبًا مَغْفُورًا
O Allah, make it a pilgrimage that is accepted (Mabrur), and a striving that is appreciated (Mashkur), and a sin that is forgiven (Maghfur).
Allahumma'jal hajjan mabruran wa sa'yan mashkurran wa dhanban maghfurran
When to Read
This is a beautiful and comprehensive dua that can be recited at various points during your Hajj or Umrah journey. You can say it as you embark on your pilgrimage, upon entering the state of Ihram, before making Tawaf, while performing Sa'i, or at any moment you wish to seek Allah's acceptance of your worship. It's particularly poignant to recite it after completing the rituals, asking Allah to bless your efforts.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and deep contemplation of its meaning. Understand that Hajj and Umrah are immense acts of worship, and their true value lies in Allah's acceptance. Raise your hands as you would for other supplications, facing the Qiblah if possible, and pour your heart out to Allah. Remember that the essence of Hajj and Umrah is not just the physical rituals, but the internal transformation and connection with Allah.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the ultimate goals of performing Hajj or Umrah: seeking Allah's pleasure and acceptance. A 'Hajj Mabrur' (accepted pilgrimage) is one that is performed purely for Allah's sake, free from any showing off or wrongdoings, and for which the pilgrim returns with their sins forgiven, purified and ready to start anew. The reward for such a pilgrimage, as mentioned in another hadith, is nothing less than Paradise. This dua is a direct plea for that elevated status.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering a sermon. He said, 'O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you, so perform Hajj.' Then a man asked, 'Must we perform it every year, O Allah's Messenger?' He remained silent and did not answer. The man asked him again (thrice). Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, 'If I said 'Yes' it would have become obligatory, and you would not have been able to fulfill it. The permission to ask about it is: ' Allah has not made it obligatory but once, and whoever attempts to do it more than once, it is a voluntary act (from himself).' Then I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations and does not do evil or sin, he will return (free from sin) as if he were born on that day when his mother bore him.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773) Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever performs Hajj to this House (Ka'bah) without committing sexual misconduct or wickedness, will return (after Hajj) as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.' (Sahih Muslim 134)