Tawaf Guide

What is Tawaf?

Tawaf is one of the most important rituals of Umrah and Hajj. It consists of walking around the Kaaba seven times, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad).

وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

Translation: "And purify My House for those who perform Tawaf, stand in prayer, bow and prostrate." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)

1. Tawaf al-Umrah

What this Tawaf means

This is the main Tawaf of Umrah. Without this, a person has not completed Umrah. It is performed immediately after entering Masjid al-Haram while in Ihram.

When it is done

Right after entering Masjid al-Haram for Umrah. Before performing Sai between Safa and Marwah.

How to perform it (simple step-by-step)

Make intention in your heart: “I am performing Tawaf of Umrah for the sake of Allah.”

Start at the Black Stone (also where the green lights are).

Raise your hand and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar — point towards the Black Stone.

Walk counterclockwise around the Kaaba 7 circles.

Keep Kaaba on your left side always.

Men do raml (fast walk) in the first 3 rounds if possible.

After the 7th round, move behind Maqam Ibrahim and pray 2 rak’ah.

Drink Zamzam.

Continue your Umrah by doing Sa’i.

Qur'an Ayat

وطهر بيتي للطائفين والقائمين والركع السجود

Translation: “And purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and stand for prayer.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)

Hadith

«الطَّوَافُ بِالْبَيْتِ صَلَاةٌ إِلَّا أَنَّ اللَّهَ أَحَلَّ فِيهِ الْكَلَام

Translation: “Tawaf around the Kaaba is like prayer, except that Allah has allowed speaking in it.” (Tirmidhi)

Rules of Tawaf

These rules ensure your Tawaf is valid and accepted.

Fard (Mandatory) Rules

1. Intention (Niyyah)

You must intend the specific Tawaf you are performing.

2. Seven Complete Circuits

Every round must start and end at the Black Stone.

3. Kaaba on Your Left

You must walk counter-clockwise.

4. Purity (Wudu)

You must have wudu throughout Tawaf.

Sunnah Actions

Idtiba

Men uncover their right shoulder during Tawaf.

Ramal

Men walk briskly in the first three rounds.

Kissing / Touching the Black Stone

If possible without harming others.

How to Perform Tawaf

Before Starting Tawaf

Step 1: Make Wudu

Tawaf requires a state of cleanliness.

Step 2: Go to Hajr-e-Aswad

Stand facing the Black Stone with the Kaaba on your left.

The 7 Circuits

Step 3: Make Intention

“O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf for Your sake.”

Step 4: Start from the Black Stone

Raise your hands and say:

Bismillah, Allahu Akbar

Step 5: Walk counter-clockwise

Complete seven full circuits.

Step 6 (Men Only): Ramal in first 3 rounds

Walk fast with short steps.

Step 7: Perform Idtiba

Right shoulder exposed throughout Tawaf (men).

Step 8: End at Black Stone

Complete your 7th round by reaching Hajr-e-Aswad again.

After Tawaf

Step 9: Pray 2 Rakats at Maqam Ibrahim

Or anywhere inside the Masjid if crowded.

Step 10: Drink Zamzam

Make dua—your duas are accepted here.

Duas During Tawaf

There is no fixed dua for each round. You may recite Quran, dhikr, or any supplication from your heart.

Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil akhirati hasanah wa qina adhaban-naar.

Dua at Maqam Ibrahim

Surah Al-Kafirun (1st rakah)

Surah Al-Ikhlas (2nd rakah)

What Invalidates Tawaf?

1. Losing Wudu

You must renew it and continue from where you stopped.

2. Missing a Round

You must complete all 7 circuits fully.

3. Walking Clockwise

This makes the circuit invalid.

4. Skipping part of the Kaaba by taking shortcuts

Your round becomes incomplete.