Yes. You can make personal dua in English, Urdu or another language you understand during Tawaf and Sa’i. You do not need to memorise a different Arabic dua for every round of Tawaf or every journey between Safa and Marwah.
There are certain authentic Arabic phrases connected with particular parts of the rituals, but outside those, you can sincerely ask Allah for whatever you need in your own language. Current Umrah guidance also confirms there is no compulsory round-by-round dua for Tawaf or Sa’i.
Do I Need to Know Arabic to Perform Umrah?
No.
Not knowing Arabic does not prevent you from performing Umrah correctly.
There are certain words and remembrances worth learning, such as the Talbiyah, but your personal dua does not need to become a memorization test.
If you understand English better, you can ask Allah in English for:
- forgiveness
- guidance
- your parents
- your children
- marriage
- health
- halal provision
- relief from difficulties
- acceptance of your Umrah
- Jannah
Speaking sincerely and knowing what you are asking for is better than becoming distracted trying to read pages of words you do not understand.
Is There a Different Dua for Each Tawaf Round?
No authentic Sunnah requires a separate dua for rounds one through seven.
This is an important point because many pilgrims arrive with booklets containing a different long dua for every circuit.
You may recite Qur’an, make dhikr, send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ or make personal supplication throughout Tawaf.
Our step-by-step Umrah guide explains how the seven circuits are performed.
What Should I Say at the Black Stone?
When reaching or aligning with the Black Stone, Allahu Akbar is authentically established.
If you cannot safely reach the Stone, there is no need to push through the crowd. You can point towards it and continue your Tawaf.
That short Sunnah remembrance is different from your general personal dua.
What Dua Can I Read Between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone?
One well-known Qur’anic dua reported for this section of Tawaf is:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
Meaning:
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
This does not mean you cannot make other duas during Tawaf.
Can I Make Dua in English During Sa’i?
Yes.
There is also no compulsory different dua for each of the seven lengths of Sa’i.
There are authentic remembrances connected with Safa and Marwah, but while walking between them you can remember Allah and make personal dua in a language you understand.
Our Safa Marwa dua guide explains what is authentically recited at Safa and Marwah and how the seven journeys are counted.
Can I Read Dua From My Phone During Tawaf?
You may use your phone as a reminder, but try not to spend the entire Tawaf staring at your screen.
Prepare a short list before going to the Haram if that helps.
For example, divide your personal duas into:
Faith — family — health — forgiveness — future — Hereafter.
Then speak naturally to Allah rather than trying to read a very long script while navigating a busy crowd.
What If I Forget All the Duas I Prepared?
Nothing happens to your Tawaf or Sa’i.
There is no compulsory personal dua whose omission makes a circuit invalid.
You can simply say:
SubhanAllah
Alhamdulillah
Allahu Akbar
Astaghfirullah
or speak to Allah in your own words.
Your Umrah does not become invalid because you forgot an Arabic dua.
Is English Dua the Same as Reciting Quran in English?
No.
There is a distinction between Qur’an recitation and personal dua.
When quoting or reciting Qur’anic verses as Qur’an, the Arabic text is the Qur’an itself. An English version is a translation of its meaning.
But when making your own personal supplication during Tawaf or Sa’i, you may ask Allah in your own language.
Planning Your First Umrah?
Many first-time pilgrims worry unnecessarily about memorizing dozens of duas before travelling.
Learn the essential rituals first, understand a few authentic remembrances and prepare personal duas that actually mean something to you.
For help planning your journey from the UK, contact Hajj Umrah Travels.
