Tawaf Explained: How to Circle the Kaaba Step by Step

Tawaf is the first rite you perform on reaching Masjid al-Haram for Umrah: seven circuits around the Kaaba, counter-clockwise, starting and ending in line with the Black Stone. Allah says, “and let them circle the Ancient House” (22:29). For many pilgrims it is the moment they have waited years for, and knowing the steps in advance lets you give it your full attention. For where Tawaf fits in the whole sequence, see How to perform Umrah.

Before you start

• Wudu: the majority of scholars treat purity from minor and major impurity as a condition of Tawaf, partly on the narration that Tawaf is like prayer except that speaking is permitted (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 960). Hanafi scholars hold it obligatory but not a condition of validity.
• Intention: intend Tawaf for your Umrah in your heart. No spoken formula is required.
• Idtiba (men): wear the upper sheet under the right arm and over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare, for this Tawaf only.
• Shoes: carry them in a bag; shoe racks fill and gates are easy to confuse.
• Talbiyah: stop reciting it as you begin Tawaf.

How to perform Tawaf, step by step

1. Find the start line. The Black Stone is set in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. Its line is marked by green lights on the surrounding walls and galleries.
2. Greet the Black Stone (istilam). Face it, raise your right hand toward it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”. ‘Umar kissed it while affirming that it is a stone that neither harms nor benefits, and that he kissed it only because he saw the Prophet ﷺ do so (Sahih al-Bukhari 1597). Touching or kissing it is a sunnah only if you can reach it without pushing anyone; the Prophet ﷺ also gestured to the corner from a distance (Sahih al-Bukhari 1612).
3. Walk counter-clockwise with the Kaaba on your left. Stay outside the low semicircular wall of the Hijr (Hatim), because the majority view is that it is part of the Kaaba and a circuit through it does not count.
4. Ramal (men). In the first three circuits, men walk briskly with short steps if the crowd allows (Sahih al-Bukhari 1602), then walk normally for the last four. Women walk normally throughout.
5. Make dua and remember Allah in any language. No fixed words are narrated for each circuit, so printed booklets are optional.
6. At the Yemeni Corner, the corner before the Black Stone, touch it with the right hand if you can easily reach it. Many scholars say not to gesture toward it if you cannot.
7. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1892).
8. Complete the circuit at the Black Stone line, greet it again and begin the next. After the seventh, stop and cover your right shoulder.

The path of one circuit

Two units of prayer and Zamzam

After Tawaf, pray two short units behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can do so without difficulty: “take the Station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer” (2:125). In crowds, pray anywhere in the mosque; stewards often keep the area behind the Maqam moving. Jabir’s account mentions Surah al-Kafirun and Surah al-Ikhlas (Sahih Muslim 1218). Then drink Zamzam and make dua before heading to Safa for Sa’i.

Choosing a level

Access to each level changes with crowds and construction, so follow signs and stewards on the day.

Tawaf in a wheelchair or electric cart

Pilgrims who cannot walk the circuits may perform Tawaf carried or seated. The Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf mounted (Sahih al-Bukhari 1612) and told Umm Salamah, who was unwell, to perform it riding behind the people (Sahih al-Bukhari 1619). According to the Pilgrim Experience Program, manual carts are deployed across the mosque and electric carts can be booked electronically at peak times. Availability is not guaranteed, so plan ahead with our accessibility guide.

Keeping count and other common questions

If you lose count

Build on the number you are sure of, which in practice means the lower number. Counter rings or a phone tally help, and families can agree that one person keeps count.

If your wudu breaks

Scholars differ. Many say to leave, renew wudu and restart; others allow you to continue from where you stopped. Ask a scholar or your guide, and plan to use the restrooms before you start.

If the prayer begins

Join the prayer where you are, then continue from the point where you stopped.

Women and menstruation

In mainstream practice a woman who is menstruating does not perform Tawaf until she is pure (Sahih al-Bukhari 305). Scholars discuss what to do when travel dates leave no time to wait; please consult a scholar. See our guide for women.

This guide describes mainstream practice with references to the Qur’an, hadith collections and official Saudi guidance. Details differ between schools of thought, and it is not a religious ruling. For questions about your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar you trust.

A hotel within an easy walk makes it possible to rest and return for a calmer Tawaf. Compare options in our Makkah and Madinah hotels, then get your personalized quote. Families can start with family packages.