As you approach the gates of Masjid al-Haram, feel the trembling of your heart — you are about to step into the most sacred place on earth, a land purified by the presence of the Kaaba and the footsteps of prophets.
Following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, enter the mosque with your right foot first and recite the Masjid entrance dua:
“Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaba rahmatik.”
(In the name of Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.)
As you cross the threshold, lower your gaze in awe. Millions have longed to walk where you now walk. From Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who raised the foundations of the Kaaba, to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who purified this House of all falsehood — this ground is soaked in sacred history.
Your first sight of the Kaaba is a moment etched in the heavens. It is reported that Ibn Abbas (RA) said:
“When the Kaaba is seen for the first time, whatever du’a is made is accepted.”
(Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman – though the hadith is weak, scholars agree the moment is spiritually powerful.)
So, pause. Let tears fall if they must. Raise your hands and ask Allah for everything — your sins to be erased, your heart to be guided, your Umrah to be accepted.