Tawaf — circumambulating the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise — is the central act of Umrah and one of the pillars of Hajj. This guide covers the history of the Kaaba, the significance of each of its four corners, the step-by-step method for performing Tawaf correctly, and practical advice for pilgrims.
Tawaf (طواف) means to go around or circumambulate. In Islamic worship, it refers to the ritual of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba on your left at all times. It is performed in the Mataf — the large marble courtyard immediately surrounding the Kaaba within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
Tawaf is one of the oldest acts of worship in monotheistic tradition. The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) performed Tawaf after building the Kaaba, and Allah commanded them to purify the House for those who would circumambulate it. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ restored this practice in its correct form upon the conquest of Makkah, and the Muslims have performed it continuously ever since — making it one of the longest unbroken acts of communal worship in human history.
For a pilgrim performing Umrah, Tawaf is the first major ritual after entering Makkah and donning ihram. For Hajj, there are multiple Tawafs at different stages of the pilgrimage. In all cases, the spiritual weight is immense: you are joining countless generations of believers in honouring the same House, at the same spot, in the same direction.
The Kaaba (الكعبة) — meaning "cube" in Arabic — is the cubic structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram. Islamic tradition holds that it was first built by the Prophet Adam (AS), then rebuilt by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) on the same site. The Quran records this directly: "And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us.'"(Quran 2:127)
Before the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, the Quraysh of Makkah rebuilt the Kaaba after it was damaged by a flood. Crucially, they ran short of funds from religiously permissible sources and were forced to build the Kaaba smaller than Ibrahim's original foundations — leaving out the northern section (now enclosed by the Hateem wall) and raising the door above ground level so they could control entry. This compromise had lasting architectural consequences.
The Prophet ﷺ expressed his wish to rebuild the Kaaba on Ibrahim's original foundations but chose not to, fearing it might disturb the recently converted Muslims who had a personal attachment to its existing form. He told Aisha (RA): "Had your people not been close to the pre-Islamic period of ignorance, I would have demolished the Kaaba and rebuilt it on the foundations of Ibrahim."
After the Prophet's ﷺ death, Abdullah ibn Zubayr (RA) did rebuild the Kaaba on the original Ibrahimic foundations — extending it to include the Hijr Ismail — but it was subsequently returned to its current form by the Umayyad governor Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. The Kaaba in its current form has remained largely unchanged since then, though the covering (Kiswah) is replaced annually and the structure is continuously maintained by the Saudi government.
The Kaaba has four corners (arkan, singular rukn). Each has a name corresponding to the geographic direction it faces. Two of the four corners — the Black Stone corner and the Yemeni corner — rest on the original foundations of Ibrahim (AS) and carry special significance in Tawaf. The other two were slightly repositioned when the Quraysh rebuilt the structure.
Kaaba orientation (simplified)
Counter-clockwise → Start & end at Black Stone (SE)
الركن الأسود · The Black Stone Corner
★ On original Ibrahimic foundations — given special reverence in Tawaf
The most sacred corner of the Kaaba and the starting point of every circuit of Tawaf. The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is embedded here — a dark reddish stone, now in several pieces held together by a silver frame, believed to have descended from Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ kissed it and made Istilam here at the beginning of every circuit. It was reportedly white when it descended and turned black from the sins of humanity.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The Black Stone descended from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, then it was blackened by the sins of the sons of Adam." — Jami at-Tirmidhi
Kiss or touch the Black Stone if you can reach it safely. In most circumstances, simply raise your right hand toward it, say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar', and begin walking. Attempting to push through crowds to reach the Stone is strongly discouraged — the gesture is fully accepted.
الركن العراقي · The Iraqi Corner
Named for its geographical orientation toward Iraq (ancient Mesopotamia). This corner, along with the Syrian corner, lies along what was the shortened side of the Kaaba when the Quraysh rebuilt it before the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. The Quraysh lacked sufficient funds from religiously permissible sources, so they left out the northern section — which is now enclosed by the Hateem wall — and built the Kaaba slightly smaller than Ibrahim's (AS) original foundations.
No specific practice is prescribed at this corner. Continue walking, maintaining your focus and supplication. The Prophet ﷺ did not make any special gesture at the Iraqi and Syrian corners.
الركن الشامي · The Syrian Corner
Named for its orientation toward the Levant (historic Syria). This is the corner where, on the exterior side, the door of the Kaaba is located — the elevated golden door that pilgrims see on the northwestern wall, which can only be entered on rare occasions. The corner sits at the end of the Multazam wall and marks the transition from the shorter northwestern face to the longer southwestern face of the Kaaba.
No specific practice is prescribed at this corner. Continue walking. The key transition here is that after passing this corner you are on the south-western face — the longest side of the Kaaba — and approaching the Yemeni corner.
الركن اليماني · The Yemeni Corner
★ On original Ibrahimic foundations — given special reverence in Tawaf
Named for its orientation toward Yemen. Along with the Black Stone corner, the Yemeni corner sits on the original foundations of the Kaaba as laid by Ibrahim (AS) — unlike the Iraqi and Syrian corners which were shortened when the Quraysh rebuilt the structure. For this reason, these two southern corners are referred to as 'al-Ruknain al-Yamaniyyain' (the two Yemeni corners) and are given special reverence. The Prophet ﷺ specifically touched this corner.
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated: "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'Touching them both — the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone — is an expiation for sins.'" — Jami at-Tirmidhi
Touch the Yemeni corner with your right hand (or both hands) if you can reach it — this is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. If you cannot reach it due to crowds, simply continue walking without a gesture. Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, recite the dua: 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhab an-nar.'
Embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, approximately 1.5 metres above the ground. It is now in several fragments held together by a silver frame. The Prophet ﷺ kissed it and made Istilam at the start of each circuit of Tawaf. Touching or kissing it is a Sunnah — when possible — and making a gesture toward it when the crowds make physical contact impossible is fully accepted. It is not worshipped; the companion Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) famously said: 'I know that you are a stone and you can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet ﷺ kissing you, I would not have kissed you.'
The stretch of the Kaaba's eastern wall between the Black Stone and the door — approximately two metres of wall. The word means 'the place of holding on.' Pilgrims press their chests, faces, and hands against this section and make dua, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and the companions. Reaching the Multazam is possible after Tawaf, particularly in off-peak hours, though it is extremely crowded during busy periods. If you can reach it, spread your arms wide against the wall and supplicate with full sincerity.
The station of Ibrahim — a small golden enclosure near the Kaaba housing a stone that bears the footprints of Ibrahim (AS), impressed into the rock as he stood on it to build the upper sections of the Kaaba walls. After completing Tawaf, it is obligatory to pray two rakat at or near Maqam Ibrahim. The Quran commands: 'And take from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer.' (2:125). During busy times, these two rakat may be prayed anywhere in the Mataf.
The semicircular enclosure adjacent to the northwestern wall of the Kaaba, enclosed by a low curved wall. This area represents the section of the original Kaaba that the Quraysh left out when they rebuilt the structure. The majority of scholars hold that praying inside the Hijr Ismail is equivalent to praying inside the Kaaba itself. During Tawaf, you must walk around the outside of the Hateem wall — cutting through it invalidates that circuit.
The black cloth covering that drapes over the Kaaba. Made from black silk and cotton, it is embroidered with verses from the Quran in gold thread. A new Kiswah is produced each year in Makkah and ceremonially placed on the Kaaba on 9 Dhul Hijjah — the day of Arafat during Hajj. The old Kiswah is cut into pieces distributed to dignitaries and scholars. The Kiswah has been replaced annually for centuries, making it one of the longest continuous royal commissions in history.
The following method reflects the Tawaf performed as part of Umrah. The process for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Tawaf al-Qudum during Hajj follows the same core method with additional Sunnah acts noted below.
Stand facing the Kaaba and make the intention for Tawaf in your heart. You may say: 'O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of Your Sacred House. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.' No specific verbal formula is required — the sincere intention in the heart is what matters.
Face the Black Stone in the eastern corner. If you can reach it safely, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If not — which is usual — raise your right hand toward it, say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar', and begin walking. Do not push others to reach the Stone.
Turn right and begin walking counter-clockwise with the Kaaba on your left. Men performing Tawaf al-Qudum should perform Raml (a brisk, purposeful walk) for the first three circuits. Women walk at a normal pace.
Continue past the northern corner. No specific gesture is made here. Maintain your supplication — recite Quran, make personal dua, or use a dua book. Stay aware of the crowd and maintain a consistent pace.
The Hateem wall curves out from the northwestern face of the Kaaba. You must walk around the outside of this wall — not through the Hijr Ismail. Cutting through the enclosure invalidates the circuit. Stay on the outer path.
Continue past the western corner. No specific gesture. You are now approaching the southwestern face — the longer side of the Kaaba — and will soon reach the Yemeni corner.
If you can reach it, touch the Yemeni corner with your right hand. Then, as you walk the stretch between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, recite: '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).
Return to the Black Stone to complete the circuit. Make Istilam again — touch or gesture toward it, say 'Allahu Akbar', and begin the next circuit. Repeat for all seven circuits.
Upon completing all seven circuits, proceed to pray two rakat at or near Maqam Ibrahim, ideally facing it. Surah al-Kafirun (109) is recommended for the first rakat and Surah al-Ikhlas (112) for the second — following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
After your two rakat, drink Zamzam water. The Zamzam taps are located in the areas surrounding the Mataf. Make dua while drinking — the Prophet ﷺ said Zamzam water is 'for whatever it is drunk for.' For Umrah, proceed next to Sa'i between Safa and Marwa.
These acts are confirmed Sunnah practices of the Prophet ﷺ — important to perform where possible, but Tawaf is valid without them.
For men during Tawaf al-Qudum: place the ihram cloth under the right arm, leaving the right shoulder bare. Resume covering after Tawaf before prayer.
For men during the first three circuits of Tawaf al-Qudum: walk briskly with short steps, as if in a hurry. Not applicable to women.
Touch or gesture toward the Black Stone at the start of each of the seven circuits, saying 'Allahu Akbar' each time.
Touch the Yemeni corner with the right hand at each circuit if possible. No gesture is needed if the crowd makes it impossible.
Recite 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan...' between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone in each circuit.
After Tawaf, press against the Multazam (the wall between the Black Stone and the door) and make heartfelt dua.
Perform Tawaf in the early hours after Fajr or late at night — crowd levels are significantly lower and the experience is more focused and peaceful.
If you perform Tawaf on the upper floors (first floor or roof level), the distance per circuit is longer but the crowds are often more manageable during peak season.
Wear comfortable, non-slip sandals or shoes. The Mataf marble can be slippery. Socks are permitted.
If your wudu breaks during Tawaf, calmly exit the Mataf, perform wudu, and return. Continue from the circuit you were on — you do not restart from circuit one.
Stay focused on your Lord rather than counting circuits mechanically. Many pilgrims use a counter or track with fingers — both are perfectly acceptable.
Do not raise your voice or shout duas — the Prophet ﷺ said 'Do not raise your voices over one another in recitation.' Recite quietly.
Be patient with the crowds. Pushing or rushing other pilgrims diminishes the spiritual quality of your Tawaf and can cause injury. Move at the pace of the flow.
If you are performing Tawaf for the first time, consider doing it early in your stay so you can return and refine your experience before you leave Makkah.
| Type | When | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tawaf al-Umrah | During Umrah, upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram | Obligatory for Umrah |
| Tawaf al-Qudum | Upon first entering Makkah during Hajj (Ifrad or Qiran) | Sunnah |
| Tawaf al-Ifadah | On 10 Dhul Hijjah (Day of Eid) after returning from Mina | Obligatory pillar of Hajj |
| Tawaf al-Wida | Farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah | Obligatory (Wajib) |
| Tawaf al-Nafl | Any time — voluntary additional Tawaf for reward | Recommended (Nafl) |
Tawaf begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) in the eastern corner of the Kaaba — the Rukn al-Aswad. The starting point is marked by a green light or line on the ground of the Mataf. You face the Black Stone, make a gesture of Istilam (kissing or pointing toward it), and then walk counter-clockwise. Each circuit is complete when you return to the Black Stone.
Tawaf is performed counter-clockwise — with the Kaaba always on your left side. This means when you start at the Black Stone, you turn right and walk toward the Iraqi corner, then the Syrian corner, then the Yemeni corner, and back to the Black Stone. Walking in the wrong direction invalidates the circuit.
A complete Tawaf consists of seven circuits (ashwat) around the Kaaba. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone. After completing all seven, you offer two rakat of prayer at Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim) before proceeding with the rest of your Umrah or Hajj.
Istilam is the act of acknowledging the Black Stone at the start of each circuit. If you can reach it safely, you touch and kiss it — as the Prophet ﷺ did. If the crowds make this impossible (which is usually the case), you simply raise your right hand toward it, say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar', and this suffices. Do not push or harm other pilgrims to reach the Stone — the gesture is accepted.
Raml is a brisk, purposeful walk — almost a jog — performed during the first three circuits of Tawaf al-Qudum (the arrival Tawaf). It is a Sunnah for men only. The Prophet ﷺ instructed the companions to walk briskly to demonstrate their physical strength to the Quraysh observers at that time. Women do not perform Raml.
Idtiba is the practice of placing the ihram garment under the right arm and over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare, for the duration of Tawaf al-Qudum. It is a Sunnah for men only, performed for the complete seven circuits. After Tawaf and before praying two rakat, the right shoulder is covered again.
There are no compulsory prescribed duas for each individual circuit. The Prophet ﷺ recited the dua at the Yemeni corner — 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhab an-nar' — and made general supplication throughout. You may recite Quran, make personal dua in any language, or recite the well-known duas from books of supplication. The key is sincerity and focus.
Yes — being in a state of ritual purity (wudu) is a condition for Tawaf, according to the majority of scholars. If your wudu breaks during Tawaf, you should leave, perform wudu, and then continue from the point you left off (you do not restart from scratch, according to the Hanbali and Shafi'i schools). Women who are menstruating may not perform Tawaf until they are in a state of purity.
Tawaf can be performed on any of the floors around the Kaaba — the ground level (Mataf), the first floor, or the roof — as long as you are walking around the Kaaba. Ground level is preferred but the upper floors are valid. Wheelchair Tawaf is performed on designated routes on the ground floor.
There are several types of Tawaf: Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival Tawaf, performed on first entering Makkah during Hajj), Tawaf al-Ifadah (the main obligatory Tawaf of Hajj), Tawaf al-Wida (farewell Tawaf, performed before leaving Makkah), and Tawaf al-Umrah (the Tawaf that is part of the Umrah ritual). For Umrah, the Tawaf is followed by Sa'i between Safa and Marwa.