Returning home after Hajj

When your own city comes into view, it is recommended to say the dua of returning, and to let your family know you are coming so they can come out and greet you, as the Prophet ﷺ did on his own journeys.

It is recommended to pray two rakats at the first mosque in your city, then to say the dua of entering your home and pray two more rakats inside it, as the Prophet ﷺ began at the mosque whenever he came back from a journey.

Reciting the dua of return as one's own city comes into view, and sending word ahead so the household can come out to welcome the returning pilgrim, is recommended; the Prophet ﷺ said the words of return at every rise on the way home and was met by the children of his household.

Praying two rakats at the first mosque reached in one's city, then reciting the dua of entry and praying two rakats of Tahiyyat al-Manzil on entering the house, is recommended; the Prophet ﷺ would begin at the mosque with two rakats whenever he returned from a journey.

Reciting the duʿā of return as one's own city comes into sight, and notifying the household in advance so that they may come out to receive the returning pilgrim, is mustaḥabb; the Prophet ﷺ said the words of return at every elevation on the road home and was met by the children of his household.

Two rakʿahs at the first mosque reached within the city, then the duʿā of entry and two rakʿahs of Taḥiyyat al-Manzil on entering one's house, are mustaḥabb; the Prophet ﷺ would begin at the mosque with two rakʿahs whenever he returned from a journey, and instructed Jābir to do the same.

A lifetime of increased goodness and piety following one's return is presented as the true and lasting sign of Ḥajj Mabrūr (an accepted Ḥajj), more telling than any act performed at the moment of arrival itself.