Practical Hajj Guide

Entering Makkah

Whoever enters Makkah with the intention of Hajj or ‘Umrah, then they must do two things before the tawaaf:

1. They must be in ihraam from the prescribed place (i.e. meeqaat).

2. They must be in a state of complete tahaarah (both major and minor ritual purity). ‘Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her said: “The first thing he did upon arrival was to take wudhu, then circumambulate around the k’abah.” (al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

As for what is recommended for entering Makkah:

1. Taking a bath. When Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them) approached the haram, he stopped saying the talbiyah and spent the night at Thu Tuwaa. He then prayed Fajr there, took a bath and said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to do so. (Agreed upon)

2. Entering the Masjid from the gate of Bani Shaybah (if possible).

3. While entering the Sacred Mosque, enter with the right foot and say: Bismillaah, Allaahumma Salli ‘alaa Muhammad, Allaahumma-f-tah Lee abwaaba Rahmatik (In the Name of Allaah, O Allaah send salaah upon Muhammad, O Allaah open for me the doors of Your Mercy) or another authentic du’aa reported for entry into a masjid.

4. When you see the k’abah, raise your hands and supplicate for what you wish; there is no specific du’aa for this.