How to Perform Tawaf
Tawaf Guide
Seven circuits of the Ka'bah done right — conditions, the correct starting point, and the Sunnahs of Tawaf.
Circling the Ka'bah
What Tawaf Is
Tawaf is circling the Ka'bah seven times, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), with the Ka'bah on your left. The Tawaf of Umrah is followed by two rak'ah near Maqam Ibrahim.
Be in Wudu
Tawaf requires ritual purity and covering the awrah, as it is treated like prayer.
Ka'bah on the Left
Start at the Black Stone, keep the Ka'bah on your left, and complete all seven circuits.
Istilam
Face the Black Stone at the start of each circuit; touch or kiss it if easy, otherwise point and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.” Never push or harm others to reach it.
Sunnahs of Tawaf
Idtiba', Raml & Du'a
For the Tawaf of Umrah, men perform idtiba' (passing the rida under the right arm to bare the right shoulder) throughout, and raml (brisk, short-stepped walking) in the first three circuits only, walking normally in the last four.
Between the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) and the Black Stone, recite: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhab an-nar. There is no fixed du'a for each circuit — make any supplication or dhikr you wish.
After seven circuits, cover both shoulders and pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim if space allows (reciting Surah al-Kafirun then al-Ikhlas is Sunnah), then drink Zamzam.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Build on the smaller number you are certain of and complete seven. Using a tally counter or your group leader's count helps avoid doubt.
No. Kissing it is Sunnah when easy and safe. In crowds, simply point towards it from a distance and say the takbir. Harming others to reach it is not allowed.
Yes, Tawaf is valid on any level of the Masjid as long as you circle the Ka'bah seven times. Upper floors and the mataf extensions are less crowded at peak times.
Related Umrah planning: For better planning, compare Umrah packing list, review first-time Umrah guide, check Umrah packages from Pakistan, and read current Umrah costs in Pakistan before confirming your booking.
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