Someone you know is leaving for Hajj, or has just come home. A card is a lovely gesture — here's how to get the words right.
What does Hajj Mabroor mean?
The full phrase is Hajj Mabroor wa dhanbun maghfoor wa sa'yun mashkoor: may your pilgrimage be accepted, your sins forgiven, and your efforts appreciated.
"Mabroor" carries the sense of a Hajj that has been accepted by Allah — performed sincerely and correctly. It is the standard thing to say to someone returning, and it is a wish rather than an assessment.
Before they leave
Hajj is physically demanding and emotionally enormous, and pilgrims often appreciate being sent off properly. Appropriate sentiments:
- May Allah make your journey easy and your Hajj accepted. Please keep us in your du'a.
- Safe travels. Thinking of you every step of the way.
Asking to be remembered in their du'a is customary, not presumptuous — pilgrims are frequently asked and generally glad to be.
On their return
This is when the Hajj card is most commonly given, often alongside a visit:
- Hajj Mabroor. May Allah accept your pilgrimage and reward your efforts.
- Welcome home. So happy you were able to go — may it be accepted.
- Hajj Mabroor wa dhanbun maghfoor. What a blessing.
Returning pilgrims are sometimes visited for weeks afterwards, so there's no narrow window to hit.
What about Umrah?
Umrah is the shorter pilgrimage, which can be performed at any time of year. The greeting is "Umrah Mubarak," and it follows the same pattern — given on departure or, more often, on return.
Choosing the card
A Hajj card marks something a person may do once in their life. It tends to be kept alongside the photographs.
Our Hajj collection includes a hand-painted Kaaba design with gold foil detailing and a Kiswah-inspired card in deep black textured stock. For the shorter pilgrimage, see our Umrah Mubarak card.
Designed, made and packed in Sydney, Australia.