How to Perform Tawaf — Step by Step with Common Mistakes

How to Perform Tawaf

Tawaf is the act of circumambulating (walking around) the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. It is one of the central rituals of both Umrah and Hajj, and it is performed at various points during the pilgrimage. The word "Tawaf" comes from the Arabic root meaning "to go around," and it symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of the One God as they move together in harmony around His Sacred House.

Tawaf has been performed since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, who built the Kaaba with his son Ismail. Today, millions of pilgrims continue this ancient act of worship, and the area around the Kaaba (known as the Mataf) is rarely empty — Tawaf continues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Before You Begin

Wudu (Ablution)

Tawaf requires you to be in a state of ritual purity (wudu). If your wudu breaks during Tawaf, you must stop, renew your wudu, and resume from where you left off. You do not need to restart from the beginning.

Idtiba (Men Only)

For the Tawaf of Umrah (Tawaf al-Umrah) or the arrival Tawaf of Hajj (Tawaf al-Qudum), men should perform **Idtiba** — uncovering the right shoulder by placing the Ihram cloth under the right arm and over the left shoulder. This is done only during Tawaf and should be corrected (both shoulders covered) after completing Tawaf, especially before praying the two rakats.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Start at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad)

Position yourself so that the Black Stone is to your right. The starting line is marked by a green light on the wall of the mosque and a dark marble strip on the floor. Face the Black Stone, raise your right hand toward it, and say:

"Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

If possible and without causing harm to others, you may touch or kiss the Black Stone. However, in crowded conditions, simply pointing toward it from a distance is the Sunnah and is perfectly valid.

Step 2: Walk Anti-Clockwise

Begin walking with the Kaaba on your left side. Move in an anti-clockwise direction. There is no specific dua required for each circuit — you may recite Quran, make dhikr, or make personal dua throughout.

Step 3: Raml (Men Only, First Three Circuits)

During the first three circuits of the arrival Tawaf, men should perform **Raml** — walking briskly with short steps while slightly moving the shoulders, like a warrior's march. This is a Sunnah practice. In the last four circuits, walk at your normal pace. If the crowd is too dense to walk briskly, the obligation is waived.

Step 4: At the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani)

When you reach the Yemeni Corner (the corner before the Black Stone), touch it with your right hand if you can reach it without pushing. Do not kiss it. If you cannot reach it, simply continue walking — do not point at it from a distance (unlike the Black Stone).

Step 5: Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone

This is the one place where a specific dua is prescribed:

"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhab an-nar."

("Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.")

Step 6: Complete Seven Circuits

Each time you pass the Black Stone, that marks the completion of one circuit and the start of the next. Point toward the Black Stone and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" to begin each new circuit. Continue until you have completed all seven.

Step 7: Pray Two Rakats at Maqam Ibrahim

After completing Tawaf, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) and pray two rakats. Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rakat and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second. If the area behind Maqam Ibrahim is crowded, you may pray these two rakats anywhere in the mosque.

Common Mistakes During Tawaf

Mistake 1: Starting from the Wrong Point

Always start and end each circuit at the Black Stone. The green light and marble line on the floor mark the starting point. Some pilgrims mistakenly start from the door of the Kaaba or the Yemeni Corner.

Mistake 2: Walking in the Wrong Direction

Tawaf is always anti-clockwise (with the Kaaba on your left). Walking clockwise invalidates the circuit.

Mistake 3: Pushing Toward the Black Stone

There is no requirement to touch or kiss the Black Stone. Pointing from a distance is the Sunnah when it is crowded. The Prophet (PBUH) himself pointed from his camel during his farewell Hajj.

Mistake 4: Raising Your Voice Excessively

Some groups recite duas loudly in unison, which can disturb others. While there is nothing wrong with group recitation, be mindful of your volume and the comfort of those around you.

Mistake 5: Losing Count of Circuits

If you lose count, take the lower number you are certain of and continue from there. For example, if you are unsure whether you have completed 5 or 6 circuits, assume 5 and do two more. Using a tasbeeh counter or phone app can help you keep track.

Mistake 6: Not Covering the Right Shoulder After Tawaf

Men who perform Idtiba must cover both shoulders again after completing Tawaf and before praying the two rakats. Praying with one shoulder exposed is not the Sunnah for salah.