Tawaf is one of the most essential and spiritually meaningful worship in Islam, particularly for those performing Hajj or Umrah.
It involves walking around the Kaaba exactly 7 times in a specific way, beginning from the Black Stone and then walking counterclockwise.
This act isn’t simply a ritual movement, as it is a demonstration of a Muslim’s complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and a moment to renew faith, beg forgiveness, and draw spiritually closer to the Creator.
Each step during Tawaf is filled with meaning. From the moment a pilgrim enters Masjid al-Haram and sets eyes on the Kaaba, the heart overflows with reverence, longing, and awe.
The Kaaba is found at the centre of Makkah and also at the heart of the Muslim ummah, i.e, the qiblah to which Muslims across the world turn in prayer.
Walking around it in worship is a reminder that the believer’s life must also revolve around Allah’s commands and remembrance.
For you to properly understand how to perform Tawaf, both physically and spiritually, you make sure that your pilgrimage is valid and accepted.
It also helps the pilgrim stay focused and gain the maximum spiritual reward from this blessed act.
What Is Tawaf?
Tawaf (Arabic: طواف) is the ritual of circumambulating around the holy Kaaba, the sacred structure in the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The word "Tawaf" comes from the Arabic root "ṭ-w-f," which means to walk around or to encircle something.
In Islamic worship, it means to walk around the Kaaba 7 times, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), in a counterclockwise direction.
This act is not done randomly or without guidance. Every single round has a beginning, a clear path, and recommended supplications.
Muslims perform Tawaf as a core part of both Hajj and Umrah, and many choose to perform it as a voluntary act when visiting Makkah outside of the pilgrimage season.
Tawaf symbolises devotion and unity.
No matter one’s language, nationality, or background, all Muslims walk together around the same House, wearing clothes similar to each other and reciting praises of the same Lord.
The Kaaba becomes a centre of harmony as well as spiritual longing, where every believer feels equally humble before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
What is the Purpose of Tawaf?
The purpose of Tawaf is both physical and spiritual. At its heart, Tawaf is an act of devotion that signifies a believer's love, reverence, and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
Here are some of the reasons and explanation behind this sacred rite:
- Obedience to Allah’s command: Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructed Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to call people to pilgrimage, and the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) showed us how to perform it. Walking around the Kaaba in this specific way is obedience to the divine guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
- Reflection of the angels' worship: The angels make tawaf around the Kaaba in the heavens, known as Bayt al-Ma'mur. Muslims imitate this form of worship on earth, showing their connection to heavenly acts.
- Unity of the ummah: Every Muslim, regardless of status, skin color, or language, walks the same route in the same direction. It shows the way that the Ummah comes together for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
- Renewal of sincerity: Just as the Kaaba is at the centre of Tawaf, the act reminds us to centre our lives around Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), to purify our intentions, and to return to Him in humility.
- Seeking forgiveness: Tawaf is a time for incredibly personal prayer. Many Muslims use each round to ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for forgiveness, guidance, as well as blessings. It is a moment of resetting your heart spiritually.
By performing Tawaf with sincerity and knowledge, one fulfils an important act of worship that holds great weight in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earns immense reward.
Benefits of Tawaf
Other than being a religious obligation, Tawaf is also an extremely transformative experience. It brings you physical, emotional, as well as spiritual benefits.
When a pilgrim walks around the Kaaba, every step is meaningful as well as full of rewards. Below are several main benefits of performing Tawaf with sincerity:
- Brings the heart closer to Allah: When a pilgrim circles around the Kaaba, they remember that their entire life revolves around the worship as well as obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The act helps in removing unnecessary distractions and brings the heart back to its true purpose.
- Unity with the Muslim ummah: Performing Tawaf with Muslims from around the world reinforces the global bond of Islam. No matter where you come from, all believers share this sacred act in unity.
- Physical movement that has a spiritual meaning: The act of walking and repeating dhikr is an active worship. It engages the body and soul together in remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
- A chance for dua as well as reflection: Tawaf provides a quiet yet powerful moment to pour your heart out to Allah. Pilgrims use this time to make heartfelt duas for themselves, their families, and the entire ummah.
- Multiplied rewards: Good deeds performed in the Haram, the Sacred Mosque, are greatly multiplied. Tawaf done with pure intention in Makkah is one of the most rewarded acts.
- Fulfils a sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم): The Prophet performed many Tawafs during his lifetime. Following in his footsteps is a means of attaining closeness to him and to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
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Forgiveness of sins: The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said,
- “One Tawaf around the Kaaba is equal to freeing a slave.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 959]
All the steps that you take while your heart is focused on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is a step away from past sins
Why is Tawaf Important in Islam?
Tawaf is a deeply rooted act of worship that is central to the rites of Hajj and Umrah.
Islam teaches that all acts of worship are based on sincerity and submission. Tawaf perfectly reflects this: a person forgets their concerns, focuses their body and heart entirely toward Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and walks in remembrance of Him.
Unlike other forms of worship, which might be private or silent, Tawaf is often done in large groups, yet each person is involved in their own state of worship, showing both individual and collective devotion.
Furthermore, the Kaaba is the first house of worship ever built on earth.
Circling it is a testimony that we are part of the same tradition of monotheism that began with Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and was perfected by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Tawaf
Performing Tawaf properly is important to make sure that your Hajj or Umrah is valid and accepted.
Below is a simple but complete guide which can help you in understanding every aspect of Tawaf clearly.
Preparation/Before
Before performing Tawaf, certain conditions should be followed properly to make sure that the act is valid and done with proper spiritual etiquette, including having the right intention, maintaining physical purity, and being in the proper state of Ihram.
Niyyah
In Islam, every act of worship begins with intention (niyyah). Before starting Tawaf, one must make a conscious and sincere intention in the heart that they are performing Tawaf for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as part of Umrah, Hajj, or as a voluntary act.
Unlike verbal declarations in other faiths, niyyah in Islam is not required to be spoken aloud. What matters is that you are aware of what you are about to do, and why.
A simple intention might be: "I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).”
Having this mindset helps bring focus, humility, as well as spiritual alertness before you begin.
Wudu/Purity
One of the conditions for Tawaf to be valid is that the person must be in a state of wudu (ritual ablution).
Just like in prayer, cleanliness is a requirement. This is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم):
“Tawaf around the House is like prayer, except that Allah has made talking in it permissible. So whoever speaks, let him not speak except good.”
[Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 960, Graded Hasan]
If a person loses wudu during Tawaf, they must leave, renew it, and then resume from where they left off if the interruption was brief.
Ihram
If you are performing Tawaf as part of Hajj or Umrah, being in a state of Ihram is a requirement, including wearing the prescribed garments (two white unstitched cloths for men; modest clothing for women), and making the intention for Hajj or Umrah from a designated Miqat.
Entering the Ihram includes:
- Making the intention for Umrah or Hajj.
- Reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk...”
- Observing the rules of Ihram (e.g., avoiding perfumes, cutting nails, or engaging in marital relations).
However, for Tawaf al-Nafl (voluntary tawaf), you do not need to be in Ihram.
Before Starting Tawaf
Once the pilgrim is prepared with intention, wudu, and Ihram (if required), the next step is positioning oneself to begin the actual circumambulation around the Kaaba.
This phase is sacred and must be done precisely.
Where to Start the Tawaf?
Tawaf starts at a very specific point, i.e., the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is located.
This spot is marked by a green light on the wall of Masjid al-Haram for easier identification. This light directly aligns with the Black Stone and helps pilgrims line up properly for the start of each circuit.
It’s very important to begin every round precisely at this point. Starting before or after it can render that circuit invalid.
Hajar Al-Aswad (Locate Green Light)
The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is mounted on the eastern corner of the Kaaba.
It is a black, oval-shaped stone set into a silver frame, and has an incredible historical and spiritual significance.
Pilgrims strive to kiss it, touch it, or gesture toward it, imitating the Sunnah of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
Because some might find the crowd overwhelming, the mosque has placed a green light above the opposite wall to help pilgrims identify when they are in line with the Black Stone.
When you reach that alignment, your Tawaf circuit begins.
Istilam
Istilam means acknowledging the Black Stone at the beginning and end of every round.
There are three ways to perform Istilam:
- Touch and kiss the stone (if accessible).
- Touch it with your hand, then kiss your hand.
- Raise your right hand toward it from afar and say: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed Istilam and encouraged others to do so.
However, it is not obligatory to kiss or touch the stone; gesturing is perfectly acceptable, especially when the crowd is dense.
Begin Walking Counterclockwise
Once Istilam is completed, begin your Tawaf by walking around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction.
The Kaaba should remain on your left side throughout the process of Tawaf. This direction was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and has been maintained as the correct orientation in all authentic traditions.
- If space allows, men performing Hajj or Umrah are encouraged to do ramal, i.e., a brisk walk, during the first three rounds.
- Women should walk at a normal pace throughout all seven rounds.
Maintain calm and dignity. Avoid pushing others or rushing.
Keep your mind focused on the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the significance of what you're doing.
During Tawaf
7 Circuits
Tawaf consists of seven full circuits around the Kaaba, all performed in a counterclockwise direction. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
It's very important that the pilgrim completes the full round all seven times while maintaining the proper sequence, because otherwise, the Tawaf will be invalid.
- If possible, men performing Tawaf during Hajj or Umrah should walk briskly (ramal) during the first three circuits.
- Women and elderly people may walk at their normal pace for all rounds.
Duas & Dhikr
There are no fixed or obligatory duas to recite during every single round, so you are free to make personal supplications or repeat dhikr.
However, many pilgrims use collections of recommended duas passed down from Islamic scholars.
Some general dhikr phrases to repeat include:
- SubhanAllah (Allah is perfect/Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)
- La ilaha illa Allah (There is no deity except Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)
You can also make heartfelt personal duas in your own language. This is your time to speak directly to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), for guidance, health, forgiveness, family, or anything else you need.
Recite Powerful Duas
At important points, you can recite the following:
Duas to read at the start of the Tawaf:
At the Black Stone:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”
Meaning: In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest
Duas to read at the Rukn al-Yamani:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar”
(Our Lord, give us the best in this world and in the Hereafter and protect us from the torment of the Fire.)
This is recommended between Rukn al-Yamani and the Black Stone, the last part of each round.
Duas Between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad:
Stick with the same dua above or make your own. This segment is an excellent place to ask for personal needs, as it's one of the most spiritually powerful areas.
Hateem
The Hateem is a semi-circular area next to the Kaaba. It was originally part of the Kaaba structure but was not rebuilt during Quraysh's reconstruction.
Since it is considered part of the Kaaba, you must walk around it and not through it during Tawaf. Walking through it would invalidate the circuit.
Wrapping Up Tawaf
After completing the seven rounds of Tawaf, there are important steps to complete the ritual properly.
2 Rakats
After finishing the seventh circuit, you should offer two rakats of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (if space allows). In these rakats, it's recommended to recite:
- Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rakah after Surah Al-Fatihah.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rakah.
If it's too crowded, you may pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram. The prayer should be done extremely respectfully as well as with your complete focus, thanking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessing of completing Tawaf.
Maqam Ibrahim
Maqam Ibrahim is a glass enclosure near the Kaaba that houses the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) stood while building the Kaaba.
Standing behind this sacred spot is a Sunnah act when praying the two rakats after Tawaf.
You’ve Now Completed Your Tawaf
After the two rakats, proceed to drink Zamzam water, which is another Sunnah act. Drink it while you face the holy Kaaba, make duas, and rub some water over your face and body.
This marks the end of Tawaf.
Different Types of Tawaf
There are several types of Tawaf, each having a specific purpose and ruling:
Tawaf al-Umrah
This Tawaf is performed as part of the Umrah rites after entering the Ihram and reaching Makkah.
How to Perform Tawaf al-Umrah
Follow the same steps for standard Tawaf, but make the intention that this is Tawaf al-Umrah.
Tawaf al-Nafl
A voluntary Tawaf for extra blessings during other visits to the Haram.
How to Perform Tawaf al-Nafl
No need to be in Ihram. Perform niyyah for nafl tawaf, followed by seven circuits as described.
Tawaf al-Qudum
The Tawaf is done upon arrival in Makkah.
How to Perform Tawaf al-Qudum
You perform it soon after entering Masjid al-Haram, before proceeding with Umrah or Hajj rites.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah
The “visitation Tawaf” is performed during Hajj around the Kaaba on the day of Arafah or after returning from Mina.
Make niyyah for Tawaf al-Ziyarah, then walk seven circuits, reciting duas and dhikr.
How to Perform Tawaf for Someone Else
Tawaf can be done on behalf of a deceased or incapacitated Muslim.
One must first perform their own Umrah or Hajj, then make the intention to do the act on behalf of another person.
Tawaf Rules and Regulations
Main points to make sure that you have a valid Tawaf:
- Be in a state of purity (wudu)
- Face the Kaaba
- Walk seven circuits continuously
- Make niyyah before starting
- No sitting or stopping in the path
- Men should keep their shoulders bare (half ihram)
- No break of Ihram obligations in the Haram
- Do not cut a path inside the Masjid
- Say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" before starting or touching Hajar al-Aswad
- Maintain respect, modesty, and focus
Why Do We Perform Tawaf 7 Times?
Seven rounds symbolise completeness as well as divine blessing.
The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), his companions, and pilgrims for centuries have followed this Sunnah.
Seven is also spiritually significant in Islam, matching Tawaf with Sa’i between the Safa and Marwah.
Can I Perform Tawaf for Someone Else?
Yes. Performing Tawaf on behalf of another person is permitted if you make a clear niyyah, which is usually done for someone who is deceased or physically unable.
The acts should be voluntary and sincere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do tawaf without Umrah?
Yes, Tawaf al-Nafl is permissible outside of Hajj or Umrah as a voluntary act of worship.
Where is the tawaf starting point?
The starting point is the Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba (marked by green light inside). You begin from there and complete your circuits.
What to do if you get periods during Umrah?
If a woman begins her menstrual cycle after completing Tawaf, she does not repeat it. If she begins before Tawaf, she cannot perform it until ritually pure. Her Umrah remains valid.
What makes tawaf invalid?
Invalidators include breaking Ihram rules, stopping or skipping circuits, not facing the Kaaba, quitting before the 7 circuits, or performing Tawaf without intention or purification.
Do you need wudu for Tawaf?
Yes. You must be in wudu. If your wudu is broken (e.g., by minor impurity), make sure to perform wudu again before continuing.
Can I take a break in Tawaf?
No. Stopping or sitting during the circuits without an excuse invalidates the Tawaf. Small pauses might be permissible if forced, but best avoided.
Can you do Tawaf without Ihram?
Only for Tawaf al-Nafl. All Hajj/Umrah Tawaf types require Ihram first.
Summary - How to Perform Tawaf
Tawaf is an incredible act of worship in Islam, reflecting both physical devotion as well spiritual reflection.
Begin with intention, stay in wudu, and walk seven times around the Kaaba with focus and sincerity.
Recite dhikr and duas during each round, and complete your Tawaf with two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim.
Whether you are performing Umrah, Hajj, or visiting Makkah for extra worship, knowing the way to perform Tawaf properly makes sure that your efforts are valid and rewarded.
It is an intimate moment with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a reminder of life’s true center, i.e., worship and obedience.
