In this section we will learn about:
What is Tawaf?
Entering Masjid Al-Haram
The Ka'bah
Step by Step Tawaf guide
Zam Zam water
Embedded Files
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf is a compulsory part of Umrah. It is to walk around the Ka'bah, seven times, anti-clockwise.
It is Wajib (necessary) to have Wudhu when performing Tawaf.
A woman would need to be in the state of purity to perform Tawaf.
To begin Tawaf, one should proceed to the corner of the Ka'bah where the Hajar al Aswad (Black Stone) is.
The recitation of Talbiyah ends with the commencing of Tawaf.
Entering Masjid Al-Haram
Enter the Masjid with your right foot
Read the Du'a:
The Ka'bah
Approach the Ka'bah, lowering your gaze.
Make Du'a when you see the Ka'bah.
Make it heartfelt, with humility, conviction and sincerity.
Hajar al-Aswad
Rukn al-Yamani
Maqam Ibrahim
Door of the Ka'bah
Let's begin
Step in line with the Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) with the body facing it.
Men should keep the right shoulder uncovered for the duration of the Tawaf; prepare this before joining the crowd. This is called Idhtibaa.
Each Tawaf is 7 rounds.
Istiqbaal:
Raise both hands, facing the Black Stone, and say:
الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله
Allāhu akbar, lā ilāha illā Allāh
Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah.
Then lower your hands. This is done at the start of every Tawaf.
Istilaam:
Make contact with the Black Stone directly or indirectly:
If possible, touch it with both hands and kiss it silently.
If not, touch or gesture toward it, then kiss your hands.
You will now begin Tawaf of the Ka'bah, going anti-clockwise.
A male will walk briskly in the first three rounds; this is called Raml.
If it is not possible to walk briskly due to the crowds, or because one is having to look after family, you may walk at a normal pace.
A female will not do Raml.
Raml will only be performed in the first three rounds.
Recite Qur'an, Dhikr and make Du'a as you walk.
Each time you pass the black stone, recite:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
The Tawaf is completed upon making Istilaam of Hajr al Aswad at the end of the 7th round.
Pray 2 Rak’ah salah after Tawaf. Ths is Wajib.
It is preferable to perform these 2 Rak’ah behind Maqam al Ibrahim. However, one may perform these two Rak’ah anywhere else.
It is a sunnah to recite the following Du’a between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:
TawafTawaf Du'a audio by Shaykh Abu Ammar Muhammad Al-Ansari (Hafizahullah), teacher at Masjid An-Nabawi ﷺ
At the start of each round of Tawaf, gesture towards the black stone and recite:
Save image
If Salah is about to start, or the individual feels the need to take a break (to use the bathroom or to hydrate), then it is permissible to continue from the point where they have paused.
Raml and Idhtibaa’: Only for Tawaf followed by Sa’ee. Not done in Nafl Tawaf.
2 Rak’ah prayer after Tawaf; avoid during Makruh (disliked) times:
After Fajr until after Sunrise, for up to 15 minutes thereafter
At zenith (midday), 10 minutes before Dhuhr start time
After Asr until after sunset
Start on the outer circle of the Mataf, avoiding crowded areas.
Avoid talking, though permissible.
Focus on the Tawaf and control your gaze.
Do not recite aloud in a way that disturbs others.
Eating is disliked; drinking Zamzam is allowed if thirsty.
Avoid copying random groups or people.
Rukn al-Yamani (Yemeni Corner): It is Mustahab to touch it if possible; do not gesture towards it if the crowd prevents access.
Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): Avoid kissing it if it may cause pushing or difficulty for yourself or others.
Keep a counter or use a phone/watch stopwatch to keep track of Tawaf rounds.
Spiritual Dimensions of Tawaf
Tawaf, or circling the Kaʿbah, is a way of washing the heart. Just as water cleanses clothes, each circuit around the Kaʿbah purifies a believer from sins and renews the soul. The counterclockwise direction keeps the heart nearest to the Kaʿbah, reminding us to keep our love and attention focused on Allah at all times.
Zam Zam
It is recommended to drink Zam Zam water after you complete your Tawaf.
Find a water dispenser or water fountain that contains Zam Zam and drink as much as you need. It is recommended to read the following Du'a:
ZamzamZamzam Du'a audio by Shaykh Abu Ammar Muhammad Al-Ansari (Hafizahullah), teacher at Masjid An-Nabawi ﷺ
Hajj Naseeha is not responsible for the content of external videos; they are shared as general guidance and may not reflect our views, advice, or jurisprudential stance.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse