Your first look at the Kaaba is a memory that stays with you forever. For many pilgrims, that first glance brings a wave of emotion that’s hard to put into words.
Eyes well up, the heart beats faster, and time seems to pause.
If you’re planning to perform umrah or hajj, whether it’s your first time or third, make sure you prepare well to make the most of your moment.
In this guide, you’ll find practical steps, authentic duas, and helpful insights to prepare you for that powerful encounter.
What Is the Kaaba?
Let’s begin with the Kaaba, the sacred heart of this entire journey. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the most sacred mosque in Islam. It serves as the qibla, the direction toward which all Muslims pray worldwide.
Pilgrims from all corners of the globe converge here during hajj and umrah, symbolising unity of faith.
Built originally by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ishmael, the Kaaba embodies centuries of devotion.
This structure is draped in the black kiswah, which is embroidered with Quranic verses in gold. As the spiritual heart of Islam, the Kaaba represents closeness to Allah (ﷻ).
Hadiths Regarding the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram
The Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram holds a special place in the heart of every Muslim, and its importance is deeply rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Several authentic hadiths highlight its sanctity, significance, and the respect it commands.
In one powerful narration, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr shared what he heard as the Prophet ﷺ was performing tawaf around the Kaaba.
“How good you are and how good your fragrance; how great you are and how great your sanctity. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad ﷺ, the sanctity of a believer is greater before Allah than your sanctity, in his blood and his wealth, and to think anything but good of him.” (source: Sunnah.com)
This powerful expression beautifully captures the Prophet’s deep reverence for the Kaaba while making a profound point that the dignity of a believing person holds even greater value in the sight of Allah (ﷻ) than the sanctity of Islam’s most sacred structure.
Another narration concerning Masjid al-Haram comes from Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 1406), where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except the Sacred Mosque, and one prayer in the Sacred Mosque is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” (Source: Sunnah.com)
This hadith beautifully highlights the extraordinary spiritual significance of performing even a single prayer in Masjid al-Haram (the mosque of the Kaaba).
Dua to Recite When First Seeing the Kaaba
When spotting the Kaaba for the first time, pilgrims are encouraged to recite a heartfelt supplication and ask for acceptance of their pilgrimage.
This supplication mentioned below combines gratitude, humility, and reverence before Allah (ﷻ).
Arabic
الَّلهُمَّ زِدْ هّذَا البَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَن شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَو اعتَمَرَهُ تَشرِيفاً وَتَكرِيماً وَتَعظِيماً وَبِرّاً
English Transliteration
Allahumma zid hādhā al-bayta tashrīfan wa taʿẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābatan, wa zid man sharrafa-hu wa karrama-hu mimman ḥajjahu awiʿtamara-hu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa taʿẓīman wa birra
English Translation
O Allah (ﷻ), increase this House in honour, greatness, nobility, and awe. And increase those who honour it and revere it, whether performing Hajj or Umrah, in honour, nobility, greatness, and righteousness.
This kaaba dua focuses on bringing spiritual increase and barakah to the sacred structure, and by extension, to the pilgrim who stands in its presence.
This treasured dua reflects deep connection and respect for this holy site.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was known to say:
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلاَلِ وَالإِكْرَام
English Transliteration
Allahumma anta as-salaam wa minka as-salaam, tabaarakta yaa dhal-jalaali wal-ikraam
English Translation
O Allah (ﷻ), You are peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honour.
Standing before the Kaaba can be so overwhelming, so awe-inspiring, that you can forget the duas in the moment.
If you can’t recall the specific duas when first seeing the Kaaba, there’s no need to worry.
You can say “Allahu Akbar” three times, followed by “Laa ilaha illallah” three times.
Raise your hands humbly, send salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and then speak directly to Allah (ﷻ) from your heart.
Many scholars have mentioned that this moment, when your eyes first meet the Kaaba, is one of those rare times when duas are readily accepted.
So, don’t rush it. Speak with sincerity, ask for what matters most, and let your heart pour out before your Lord.
How Does it Feel to See the Kaaba for the First Time?
Pilgrims often describe experiencing a mix of emotions when asked about how it feels to see the Kaaba for the first time.
The thoughts of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and centuries of worship envelop them. And for many pilgrims, it’s a spiritual awakening, proof that their hajj and umrah journey truly begins here.
The feeling stays long after the journey ends. It often shifts life’s priorities and deepens one’s devotion to Allah (ﷻ).
What Is Inside the Kaaba?
Inside the Kaaba is a small and empty interior. The lower walls are lined with rose-coloured marble up to about four metres high.
Above that, a green cloth reaches the ceiling. It is beautifully adorned with Quranic verses in silver script.
The roof is supported by three wooden pillars, and between them hang antique lanterns and incense burners made from copper, silver, and glass, dating back to the Ottoman era.
Near the Multazam, there's a deeply honoured spot marking where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stood with his chest and cheek pressed against the wall of the Kaaba, hands raised in sincere dua, and tears flowing from his eyes.
Though the interior is simple in design, it carries tremendous spiritual significance. Due to its sacredness, entry inside the Kaaba is strictly timed and reserved for selected individuals.
Naturally, this brings up a common question, and the answer is just below.
Who Is Allowed to Enter the Kaaba?
Only certain officials and religious personnel, such as the custodians of the Kaaba (Al-Shaibi family), senior members of the Saudi royal family, and high-ranking Islamic scholars or dignitaries, may enter the Kaaba for tasks such as maintenance or cleaning.
The access of the Kaaba is infrequent and highly regulated. Hence, ordinary pilgrims can only experience the sacredness from the outside, during tawaf.
What Is Tawaf?
Tawaf is the ritual of strolling anti-clockwise around the Kaaba seven times, starting from the Black Stone.
Each round signifies devotion to Allah (ﷻ) and brings immense spiritual reward.
If you want step-by-step instructions, read our comprehensive guide: How to Perform Tawaf.
It breaks down everything clearly, including the different types of tawaf, like Tawaf al-Umrah, Tawaf al-Nafl, Tawaf al-Qudum, and Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
Who Was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in Islam?
Prophet Ibrahim (AS), also known as the Friend of Allah (Khalīl-Allah), holds a pivotal place in Islamic history.
According to Islamic tradition, the original structure of the Kaaba was first built by Prophet Adam (AS) but was lost or damaged with time.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS), along with his son Isma’il (AS), rebuilt the Kaaba by the command of Allah (ﷻ) and restored it as a place of pure monotheistic worship.
His life story anchors the pilgrim’s own journey: perseverance, sacrifice, and submission to divine will.
Muslims invoke his legacy to connect with deeper meaning during Hajj and Umrah.
Dua for Entering the City of Makkah
Before stepping into the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims recite the following duas.
It’s a way to make your intention clear and invite peace into your heart. Choose the supplication that matches your purpose.
Supplications for Entering Makkah for Umrah
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Transliteration:
Allahumma Innee Ureedul-‘Umrata fa-Yassirhaa lee wa Taqabbal-haa Minnee
Translation:
O Allah (ﷻ), I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Talbiyah for Entering Makkah for Hajj
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa sharīka laka labbayk, inna al-ḥamda wa an-ni‘mata laka wa al-mulk, laa sharīka lak
Translation:
Here I am, O Allah (ﷻ), here I am. Here I am. You have no partner; here I am. Truly, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
These duas express dependence on divine grace as one approaches Masjid al-Haram, whether for Umrah or Hajj.
Dua When Entering Masjid al-Haram
As you step into Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims recite a specific dua to seek humility and closeness to Allah (ﷻ).
It’s a simple but powerful way to centre your heart before beginning your acts of worship.
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
English Transliteration
Bismillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Rabbi’ghfir lī dhunūbī wa’ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
English Translation
In the name of Allah (ﷻ), and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
O my Lord, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.
When reciting this dua, follow the Sunnah by stepping in with your right foot first, saying Bismillah, and offering Tahiyyatul Masjid (the two rakʿahs greeting prayer for entering the mosque).
Dua to Recite When at the Black Stone
When you reach the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) during tawaf, it’s Sunnah to touch it with your hands and kiss it if possible (an action referred to as istilam).
However, with large crowds, that’s often not realistic or safe. In that case, it’s perfectly fine to simply raise your right hand and point toward it while saying the duaa below.
After all, what matters most is maintaining respect for others around you and avoiding any harm or pushing. The goal is spiritual sincerity, not physical closeness.
Arabic
بسم الله والله أكبر
English Transliteration
Bismi -llāhi wa-Allāhu akbar
English Translation
In the name of Allah (ﷻ), and Allah (ﷻ) is the Greatest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kaaba walk?
The physical act of tawaf, encircling the Kaaba, usually takes around 15–30 minutes, depending on crowd density. The spiritual impression, however, can feel timeless and last for years.
Why do we go around the Tawaf seven times?
Completing seven circuits symbolises completeness and perfection in Islamic rituals. The number seven recurs through sacred texts and practices.
What to do if you get periods during Umrah?
Women who menstruate during umrah may continue tawaf but should refrain from entering the Masjid al-Haram’s inner precincts known as the Rawdah or performing sa’i. Once purity resumes, they can complete missed rituals.
What to recite in Rawdah?
When entering the area called Rawdah (between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit), consistent salah and quiet dua are recommended. While no specific dua is mandated, pilgrims often recite the Quranic verse: "رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً..." (Q5:97) for blessings and righteousness.
Seeing Kaaba in a Dream
Dreaming of the Kaaba is considered a positive portent. Dream interpreters link such visions to divine mercy, purity of intention, and hope for hajj or umrah.
Summary - Dua When first seeing the Kaaba
To conclude, the first glimpse of the Kaaba changes everything for a pilgrim. It marks the beginning of a journey that touches the deepest corners of the heart and soul.
With carefully chosen duas, grounded in Quran and Hadith, pilgrims step into a sacred space of longing and grace before Allah (ﷻ). May your journey be blessed, your supplications heartfelt, and your connection with Allah (ﷻ) ever stronger.
May you always remain mindful of the deep history and spiritual significance that surrounds the Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, tawaf, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and the very core of Islam.
