How to Perform Tawaf Correctly: A Practical Guide

Author : Andrew Cameron | Published On : 14 Nov 2026

Tawaf, the act of circling the Kaaba, is the heart of Umrah. For many first-time pilgrims, the crowds and the unfamiliar steps can feel overwhelming. This practical guide walks you through the basics so you can perform Tawaf with confidence. If you booked one of our 3 star Umrah packages and your hotel is within walking distance of the Haram, you will have the chance to perform extra Tawaf during your stay too, so it helps to learn it well from the start.

Note: Small details can differ between schools of thought. If you have specific questions, ask a knowledgeable scholar or your group guide.

Before you begin

Be in a state of wudu (ritual purity). Most scholars consider this required for Tawaf, so make wudu before entering the Haram.
Be in Ihram. For Umrah, you enter Ihram at the Miqat with your intention.
Cover appropriately. Men wear the two unstitched Ihram sheets. Women wear modest clothing that covers everything except the face and hands.
Choose your level. The ground floor is closest to the Kaaba but most crowded. Upper floors and the roof take longer to walk but are often calmer.

Step 1: Start at the Black Stone line

The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is in the corner of the Kaaba. A green light on the wall and a marker on the floor show where each circuit begins and ends. Stand in line with it, face the Kaaba and make your intention for Tawaf.

If you can safely reach the Black Stone to kiss or touch it, that is a Sunnah. If you cannot, which is the case for most people in the crowds, simply face it and point toward it with your right hand, saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar." Never push or hurt others to reach it.

Step 2: Walk anticlockwise

Keep the Kaaba on your left side and walk anticlockwise. One complete circle back to the Black Stone line counts as one circuit. You need to complete seven circuits.

Stay close to your group or family, but keep moving at a steady pace. Many pilgrims hold hands or form a chain to avoid being separated.

Step 3: Men: Idtiba and Raml

This applies to men only, during the Tawaf of Umrah:

Idtiba: Place the middle of your upper Ihram sheet under your right arm so your right shoulder is uncovered. This is kept throughout the Tawaf and is returned to normal before the prayer.
Raml: Walk briskly with short steps during the first three circuits if you are able. This is not required if the crowd makes it difficult or if you are elderly or unwell.

Step 4: Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone

As you pass the Yemeni Corner (the corner before the Black Stone), you may touch it if it is easy to do so, but do not kiss it and do not point to it. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 2:201)

The rest of your Tawaf is free for dhikr, Quran and personal duas in any language. You do not need to memorise a specific supplication for each circuit.

Step 5: Counting your circuits

Keep track carefully. Many pilgrims use a finger counter or a small tally ring, or ask a family member to count with them. If you are unsure whether you completed six or seven, most scholars advise going with the lower number you are certain about.

Step 6: Two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim

After the seventh circuit, return your garment to normal if you are a man, then move toward Maqam Ibrahim. Pray two short rak'ahs. If the area is too crowded, you can pray anywhere in the Haram.

It is Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak'ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.

Step 7: Drink Zamzam

Drink Zamzam water and make a dua. Zamzam taps and coolers are available throughout the Haram.

After this, you continue to the Sa'i between Safa and Marwa, which is the next stage of Umrah.

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting the circuit before reaching the Black Stone line
Pushing or shoving to reach the Kaaba or the Black Stone
Entering the Hijr Ismail area (the semicircular wall) during Tawaf, since it is part of the Kaaba and must be circled around, not walked through
Losing count of circuits
Breaking wudu and continuing without renewing it

Tips for a smoother Tawaf

Visit at quieter times, such as the middle of the night or mid-morning, when possible.
Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to carry, since you will need to remove it before entering the Haram.
Keep your valuables minimal and secure.
Be patient, gentle and kind. Tawaf is an act of worship, and the way you treat others is part of it.

Final thoughts

Tawaf is simple once you know the steps. Learn them before you Alkareem Travel, practise the duas, and remember that sincerity matters more than perfection. With a well-planned trip, even 3 star Umrah packages with a hotel close to the Haram let you make the most of your time near the Kaaba.