Tawaf: Step by Step
How to perform the seven circuits around the Ka‘bah correctly, and the supplication recited along the way.
Please note: This guide follows the well-known, mainstream method of Tawaf. Please confirm details with a qualified scholar.
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf is the act of circling the Ka‘bah seven times, beginning and ending at the Black Stone, keeping the Ka‘bah on your left. Allah says: “…and circumambulate the Ancient House.” — Surah Al-Hajj 22:29.
Before you begin
- Be in a state of wudu (recommended and required by most scholars for Tawaf).
- Men may uncover the right shoulder (idtiba‘) during Tawaf of Umrah — a recommended act.
- Approach the Black Stone corner to begin.
The seven circuits
- Line up with the Black Stone, face it, and say: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar — Sahih al-Bukhari 1613.
- Move anticlockwise, keeping the Ka‘bah on your left.
- Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, recite: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan…” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201.
- Complete seven full circuits, returning to the Black Stone each time. Between the corners you may make any dhikr or dua, in any language.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
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.”
Source: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201
After Tawaf
- Pray two rak‘ah, ideally near Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, otherwise anywhere in the Masjid. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak‘ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
- Drink Zamzam water.
- Proceed to Sa‘i — see the Sa‘i guide.
Tips for a calmer Tawaf
- Avoid the busiest times if you can; the upper floors are usually less crowded.
- Keep your group’s meeting point in mind.
- Focus on presence of heart rather than rushing the circuits.