How to perform Tawaf correctly | What you need to know
If you’ve ever stood in Masjid al-Haram, you’ll never forget that first sight of the Ka’bah right there in front of you, and people moving around it in perfect harmony. It’s a living circle of devotion, and it
doesn’t stop day or night. That movement is called ‘Tawaf’ . It’s a Fard (mandatory) part of Hajj and Umrah.
In this blog, we will cover the history of Tawaf, its purpose, preparation, common mistakes, and everything you need to know about it.
Tawaf isn’t just walking around a sacred building. It has a history that spans thousands of years, a spiritual significance that connects you to the entire universe, and a set of rules and etiquette that every pilgrim should be
aware of.
The Universe in motion
Scholars often point out that Tawaf reflects the order Allah has set in creation. Everything, from galaxies to subatomic particles, moves in orbits. It’s also a reminder of life’s rhythm. Even the human heart pumps in a rhythmic
cycle.
Tawaf connects you to that universal worship, where all things move around a center, all centered on Allah. Just as the planets orbit the sun, believers circle the Ka’bah always in motion, centred around their Creator.
First house of worship
The Kaaba was raised as the first house of worship dedicated to the One God, and tawaf is a deeply personal and unforgettable act of worship. The
Qur’an tells us:
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah — blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” (Qur’an 3:96)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام and his son Isma’il عليه السلام built the Ka’bah under Allah’s command. Allah instructed them:
“...Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf, those who stand in prayer, and those who bow and prostrate.” (Qur’an 22:26)
The pure new beginning…
Even before Islam, the Quraysh knew Tawaf as part of the pilgrimage. But over the centuries, they had added practices that mixed superstition and
idol worship. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ opened Makkah, he restored Tawaf to its original, pure form:
Circling the Ka’bah in the remembrance of Allah alone, without shirk, without distortion.
The way we perform Tawaf today is exactly the way the Prophet ﷺ did it during his Farewell Hajj.
Purpose of Tawaf
No matter where you’re from, when you enter the Masjid al Haram, everyone moves in the same direction, wearing similar clothing, united in worship. Tawaf removes all the social labels, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, everyone is
the same before their Lord.
The Prophet ﷺ called the Ka’bah “the Sacred House” and reminded us that Tawaf is like a form of prayer, except that you may speak in it, but with only good words and remembrance of Allah (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
Preparation before starting Tawaf
A smooth Tawaf starts before you even step into the Mataaf (the open area around the Ka’bah). Many first-time pilgrims from Bangladesh rush in without thinking. Prepare yourself before entering the holy place:
Make wudu (ablution): Tawaf requires ritual purity, just like Salah.
Dress according to Ihram: Men: two unstitched white cloths; Women: modest, loose clothing covering the whole body except face and hands.
Travel light: Avoid carrying large bags; a small pouch for essentials is enough.
Plan your entry: Some gates, like Bab al-Salam, lead closer to the starting point at the Black Stone.
How to perform Tawaf (step-by-step)
Performing Tawaf in the Sunnah way is both simple and beautiful if you understand each part. Here is the step-by-step process of performing the Tawaf:
Face the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
Stand facing it if possible. Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”. If you can touch or kiss it without harming others, do so. If not, raise your right hand towards it and say “Allahu Akbar.” This is called Istilam.
Begin your first circuit
Move counter-clockwise, keeping the Ka’bah on your left. Men doing Tawaf al-Qudum or Tawaf al-Umrah uncover their right shoulder (Idtiba‘) and walk quickly or energetically in the first three laps (Ramal).
Pass the Rukn al-Yamani
The Rukn al-Yamani holds a special status. Touch it with your right hand if you can do so easily — but do not kiss it. If it’s too crowded, simply pass without trying to push through.
The Prophet ﷺ would touch it every time he passed. Scholars explain that its virtue comes from being directly in line with the place where the Ka’bah’s original foundation was laid by Ibrahim (عليه السلام).
Between Rukn al-Yamani and the Black Stone
The Prophet ﷺ taught the specific du’a here. Recite the Qur’anic du’a:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar” (Qur’an 2:201).
Complete seven rounds
Each time you return to the Black Stone, that completes one lap. Repeat the same actions for each round.
Pray two rak‘ahs after Tawaf
Pray near Maqam Ibrahim if possible, reciting Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak‘ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second, as per Sunnah. Drink Zamzam water.
Basic rules of Tawaf
Some basic rules you must follow to perform Tawf. The scholars agree on key rules for a valid Tawaf:
Be in a state of wudu.
Make sure the Ka’bah is on your left throughout.
Seven complete laps starting and ending at the Black Stone.
Stay outside the Hijr Isma’il area (the semi-circular wall); going inside means you’ve cut the lap short.
No unnecessary worldly talk; focus on dhikr and du’a.
Men perform Idtiba‘ and Ramal when required.
Types of Tawaf
Understanding the types of Tawaf helps you know which one you’re doing and why it matters:
Tawaf al-Qudum: Performed by those arriving in Makkah for Hajj al-Ifrad or Qiran as a greeting to the Sacred House.
Tawaf al-Ifadah: A pillar of Hajj, performed after the Day of Arafah.
Tawaf al-Wada‘: Farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah; obligatory for non-residents.
Tawaf al-Umrah: Part of the Umrah rituals.
Tawaf al-Tatawwu‘: Voluntary Tawaf you can perform anytime.
The Mustahab of Tawaf
Mustahab means recommended acts. Mustahab is not obligatory, though performing the Mustahab will make your Tawaf ibadah more beautiful. Some of the Mustahab are:
Starting with fresh wudu and clean clothing.
Beginning at the Black Stone with Istilam.
Touching the Rukn al-Yamani when possible.
Reciting Qur’an, making dhikr, or personal du’a throughout.
Praying two rak‘ahs after Tawaf near Maqam Ibrahim.
Common mistakes during Tawaf
Some common mistakes that pilgrims often make. They made the mistake due to a lack of knowledge or becoming emotional. Try to avoid these mistakes during the Tawaf:
Forcing your way to kiss the Black Stone and harming others.
Entering Hijr Isma’il during a lap that counts as an invalid lap.
Talking, capturing an image or video on a phone during the Tawaf.
Forgetting the lap counts.
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