Tawaf
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is one of the pillars of both Hajj and ‘Umrah, and an act of worship in its own right.
Types of Tawaf
Section titled “Types of Tawaf”- Tawaf al-Qudum – Arrival Tawaf (optional for non-Makkans)
- Tawaf al-‘Umrah – Part of ‘Umrah
- Tawaf al-Ifadah – Rukn (pillar) of Hajj, done after standing at Arafah
- Tawaf al-Wada’ – Farewell Tawaf (wājib on everyone except menstruating women)
- Tawaf al-Tatawwu’ – Voluntary
Virtue of Tawaf
Section titled “Virtue of Tawaf”The Prophet ﷺ said:
One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for al-Masjid al-Haram. And one prayer in al-Masjid al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.
Preconditions for Tawaf
Section titled “Preconditions for Tawaf”- Niyyah (intention).
- Wudu is required: Tawaf is invalid without purity.
- Covering private parts.
- Being free of menstruation/nifas for women.
How to Perform Tawaf (Step-by-Step)
Section titled “How to Perform Tawaf (Step-by-Step)”-
Start at the Black Stone (Ḥajar al-Aswad):
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Face it and say:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَر
Bismillāhi wallāhu akbar -
Raise your hands as in salah, and if possible, kiss or touch the stone.
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If crowded, just point to it from afar.
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Begin walking counter-clockwise:
- Walk briskly for the first 3 rounds (men only – called raml).
- Walk normally for the last 4.
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Make dhikr and du‘a throughout**:
- No fixed du‘a is required. Say any Qur’an or supplication.
Common phrase:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana ātinā fī al-dunyā ḥasanah wa fī al-ākhirah ḥasanah wa qinā ʿadhāba al-nār -
Repeat for seven rounds:
- Each circuit starts and ends at the Black Stone.
- Ending after seven rounds completes the Tawaf.
After Tawaf
Section titled “After Tawaf”-
Pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim:
- Recite Surah Al-Kāfirūn and Al-Ikhlās if possible.
- If it’s crowded, pray anywhere in the Haram.
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Drink Zamzam water:
- Make du‘a while drinking. The Prophet ﷺ said:
The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.
Rules for Women
Section titled “Rules for Women”- Same as men, except:
- No running (raml)
- No shoulder uncovering
- During menstruation: Tawaf is not allowed
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”- Starting from the wrong spot (must begin at Black Stone).
- Not completing full circuits.
- Engaging in photography/social media.
- Breaking wudu during Tawaf (it invalidates it).
Expiation (if invalidated)
Section titled “Expiation (if invalidated)”If Tawaf is invalid or incomplete and not repeated:
- The Hajj or Umrah may be nullified, depending on which Tawaf was missed.
- Consult a scholar if unsure.