What dua do I say when I see the Kaaba?

What's authentic and what isn't

You'll often see a dua like "O Allah, increase this House in honour and greatness..." printed in Hajj guides. It's reported from the early generations, but hadith scholars consider its chains to the Prophet ﷺ weak. Many scholars still say it's fine to say it as a general praise, without believing it's a confirmed sunnah.

The same goes for the popular idea that "the first dua you make when you see the Kaaba is always answered." There's no authentic hadith that promises this. That said, you're in the most sacred place on earth, often while travelling and in a state of worship, so it's a wonderful moment to ask Allah sincerely.

What you can say

• Takbir and praise: "Allahu Akbar," "La ilaha illallah," "Alhamdulillah." The Prophet ﷺ said "Allahu Akbar" each time he passed the Black Stone corner during tawaf (Sahih al-Bukhari 1613).
• Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
• Your own dua in any language: forgiveness, guidance, your family, your future spouse, the Ummah. See Can I make dua in my own words?

The sunnah dua during tawaf

Once you start tawaf, there is one dua the Prophet ﷺ said between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone (Sunan Abi Dawud 1892, graded hasan):

For the rest of tawaf, there are no set duas for each lap. The little booklets with "dua for the third circuit" are a later invention; feel free to use your own words, recite Quran or do dhikr. If you're preparing for your first trip, see What is Umrah?

A note for new Muslims

Seeing the Kaaba is emotional for many converts. Some cry, some feel calm, some feel surprisingly little at first. All of that is normal. And remember: Muslims don't worship the Kaaba; it's the direction of prayer and the House built for the worship of Allah alone. See Do Muslims worship the Kaaba?