Enhance Hajj and Umrah Prayers with QIAS :  A Sacred Journey of Supplication and Reverence

Hajj and Umrah, the two sacred pilgrimages enshrined in Islam, constitute profound spiritual journeys that allow Muslims to attain unparalleled proximity to Allah (SWT). While Hajj is an obligatory pillar for those who possess the requisite physical and financial means, Umrah, though voluntary, carries immense spiritual significance and rewards. Both pilgrimages, rich in ritual acts of devotion and supplication, serve as deeply transformative experiences, embodying submission, repentance, and divine remembrance.For non-native Muslim  speakers in America, Britain, and Canada, engaging with the prayers of Hajj and Umrah can be challenging due to linguistic barriers. Yet, QIAS (Qortoba Institution for Arabic Studies )is the alpha , par excellence ,to overcome these linguistic challenges.

Prayers ( duas ) are the lifeblood of these sacred journeys, elevating the pilgrim’s acts from mere physical observance to deeply spiritual engagements. These invocations, woven into every stage of Hajj and Umrah, encapsulate themes of humility, gratitude, and hope. Through heartfelt supplications, pilgrims align their hearts and souls with the divine purpose of these rites, seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

• The Centrality of Supplication in Hajj and Umrah

Supplication is inextricably linked with the essence of pilgrimage, serving as a bridge between the finite human and the infinite Creator. The Quran highlights the importance of remembering and supplicating to Allah during the pilgrimage:

“فَإِذَا أَفَضۡتُم مِّنۡ عَرَفَاتٖ فَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلۡمَشۡعَرِ ٱلۡحَرَامِۖ وَٱذۡكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمۡ”

( “Then when you flow down from Arafat, remember Allah at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, and remember Him as He has guided you” ; Quran 2:198).

This divine exhortation underscores the transformative power of supplication in elevating the pilgrimage from a physical journey to an act of profound spiritual devotion. Through duas , pilgrims seek to purify their hearts, renew their faith, and establish an intimate connection with Allah (SWT).

• Supplications During the Rituals of Hajj and Umrah

Each stage of Hajj and Umrah is imbued with specific prayers that guide the pilgrim’s spiritual experience. These invocations, derived from Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions, foster a deeper engagement with the sacred rites.

1. Talbiyah: Declaring Submission and Devotion

The Talbiyah is the quintessential invocation recited upon entering the state of Ihram (sacred consecration). It encapsulates the pilgrim’s unequivocal submission to Allah’s command:

“لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ”

( “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.” )  This fervent declaration signifies the pilgrim’s readiness to dedicate their journey to Allah, acknowledging His Oneness and sovereignty.

2. Tawaf: Prayers During the Circumambulation of the Kaaba

Tawaf , the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, symbolizes the eternal relationship between the Creator and the creation. Pilgrims are encouraged to engage in heartfelt duas and glorifications, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.

A frequently recited supplication during Tawaf is:

“رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ”

( “Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire” ; Quran 2:201).  At the point of the Black Stone ( Hajr al-Aswad ), many pilgrims recite:

“بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ أَكۡبَرُ”

( “In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest” ). The circumambulation, enriched with these invocations, fosters the pilgrim’s consciousness of Allah and their reliance upon His grace.Another dua recited upon reaching the Black Stone is:

“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ حَجًّا مَبْرُورًا وَذَنْبًا مَغْفُورًا وَسَعْيًا مَشْكُورًا”

( “O Allah, make this Hajj accepted, this sin forgiven, and this effort rewarded” ).  Pilgrims also glorify Allah by repeatedly reciting:

“سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ، وَٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ، وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ، وَٱللَّهُ أَكۡبَرُ”

( “Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no deity except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest” ).

3. Sa’i: Prayers of Perseverance at Safa and Marwah

The ritual of Sa’i , which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorates the unwavering faith and perseverance of Hajar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Pilgrims often reflect on their own reliance upon Allah while reciting:

“إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلۡمَرۡوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ”

( “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah” ; Quran 2:158). Personal supplications during Sa’i frequently focus on gratitude, patience, and the hope for Allah’s mercy.

4. Arafat: The Pinnacle of Supplication

The Day of Arafat, regarded as the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, is a time of unparalleled devotion and prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“خَيْرُ ٱلدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ”

( “The best of supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafat” ; Tirmidhi).  An example of a fervently recited dua during Arafat is:

“اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي”

  ( “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” )  On this day, the pilgrim seeks divine forgiveness and renewal, standing in absolute submission before Allah (SWT).An example of a widely recited dua is:

“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ”

( “O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none forgives sins except You. So, forgive me with forgiveness from You and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful” ).

5. Rami al-Jamarat: Prayers for Protection and Steadfastness

The ritual of stoning the Jamarat represents the symbolic rejection of evil and the reaffirmation of faith. As pilgrims cast the pebbles, they often recite prayers such as:

“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنْ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَبْرَءُواْ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَانِ”

 ( “O Allah, make me among those who have renounced Satan and his whispers.” )  This act reinforces the pilgrim’s resolve to lead a righteous and God-conscious life.

“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَمِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ”

( “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from Satan and all evil” ).

• No linguistic Barriers with QIAS

For non-native Muslim speakers in America, Britain, and Canada, understanding the profound prayers of Hajj and Umrah can often pose linguistic and contextual challenges. QIAS (Qortoba Institution for Arabic Studies ) plays a vital role in teaching the meanings, significance, and pronunciation of these prayers. Through professionally tailored  QIAS  courses such as :

• Arabic language : as of the Arabic Alphabet for beginners to highly advanced conversation for advanced levels

• Quraan Learning : reciting Quraan and Quraanic Arabic

• Immersive learning program in Al-Madinah

• Edutainment Summer Program in Egypt

QIAS empowers non-native Muslim speakers in America, Britain, and Canada to engage with the invocations in a spiritually enriching manner.As an illustration, Many learners at QIAS gain proficiency in reciting prayers in Arabic such as the Talbiyah and the supplications of Arafat, enabling them to perform the rites with greater understanding and devotion.Further , it is Sunna to say these prayers in Arabic .

In conclusion , The sacred prayers and invocations of Hajj and Umrah are a testament to the deeply spiritual nature of these journeys, transforming the pilgrim’s actions into profound acts of worship. From the Talbiyah to the heartfelt duas of Arafat, each supplication reflects themes of submission, gratitude, and hope, drawing the pilgrim closer to Allah (SWT). For Muslims across the globe, including non-native Muslim speakers in America, Britain, and Canada, QIAS  provides invaluable support, enabling a deeper engagement with the spiritual language of these rites. Ultimately, the prayers of Hajj and Umrah serve as a timeless reminder of the human soul’s yearning for divine mercy, forgiveness, and connection.