Tawaf, a fundamental ritual of the pilgrimage, requires one to walk around or circumambulate the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction. To complete Tawaf, one must perform seven full circuits, commencing and concluding each round at the Hajar al-Aswad or the Black Stone.
Requisites of Tawaf
Just like the ritual prayer, Tawaf has certain requirements that need to be met before it can be performed. However, it allows for more flexibility in terms of movement and conversation during its observance.
Ibn Abbas narrated that :
The Prophet said: “Tawaf around the House is similar to Salat except that you talk during it. So whoever talks in it, then let him not say but good.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 960)
Purity
In order to perform Tawaf, it is important to be in a state of Wudhu and completely free from any minor or major physical impurities. Additionally, make sure that your clothing is ritually clean and pure. However, please note that if you happen to find impurities on your clothing during Tawaf, there is no penalty. If your Wudhu is invalidated during Tawaf, simply repeat the ablution and continue from where you left off, regardless of how long the break may have been.
There are many more rules regarding the purity of both men and women during Tawaf. So it is best if you consult with a scholar to learn more about it.
Covering the Awrah
You must cover your Awrah during Tawaf. For men, this means keeping the area between the navel and the knees covered. Women, on the other hand, should cover their entire body with the exception of their hands and face.
Perform Tawaf Within Masjid al-Haram
Tawaf must be performed exclusively within the boundaries of Masjid al-Haram. However, even if you find your view of the Kaaba obstructed by walls, pillars, or if you are located on a higher or lower level where you cannot see the Kaaba at all, your Tawaf will still be valid. Please kindly bear in mind that observing Tawaf outside the mosque is not permissible.
The Kaaba on the Left
During Tawaf, the Kaaba on your left-hand side. However, if you find yourself facing the Kaaba while performing Salah or making Dua, it is recommended to take a step backwards before continuing your Tawaf as usual. And immediately reposition yourself, if by any chance you are pushed into a position where you are facing the Kaaba.
In case you have taken a few steps while facing the Kaaba, it is advisable to backtrack to the spot where those incorrect steps were originally taken and then keep going in the proper manner. If due to overcrowding it becomes impossible to do so, it would be wise to repeat the circuit. Remember, minor adjustments in direction are not of significant importance.
Outside of the Kaaba
When performing Tawaf, stay outside of the Kaaba. Keep in mind that the part of the Kaaba foundation outspreads outside the cube structure. On the north of the Kaaba the area called Hijr Ismail is located. It is about three meters away from the Kaaba’s structure. There is also a semi-circular wall known as the Al-Hateem, surrounding the Hijr Ismail area. This structure is part of the Kaaba and you must avoid it during Tawa. Keep it to your left hand side and don’t enter it. Just walk around it.
You should also not touch the protruding lower construction known as the Shadharwan. It is located at the base of the Kaaba. This architectural feature can be found on the east, west, and south walls of the Kaaba and stands at a height of approximately 3ft. The Shadharwan plays a crucial role as it holds the rings that support the cloth enveloping the Kaaba, also known as Kiswah. The Shadharwan is part of the Kaaba.
Intention
You must make an intention for Tawaf. The intention of the pilgrimage itself include the intention for the mandatory Tawaf of Umrah or Hajj. Still, it is best to express verbally or non-verbally before you start your Tawaf.
Start and Conclude at the Hajar al-Aswad
Start and conclude the Tawaf at the Hajar al-Aswad or the black stone. On the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba, there is a green light that specifies the starting point of the Kaaba. Each circuit will start and end here.
Kindly note that if the Tawaf begins from any other point, until you arrive at the Black Stone, the distance you have covered will not be taken into account.
Completion of Seven Circuits
You need to finish seven circuits to complete your Tawaf. Perform an extra circuit if you experience any doubts about how many circuits you have done during Tawaf.
How to Perform Tawaf
Performing Tawaf, regardless of the type, follows the same method. If all the necessary requirements of Tawaf are met, as detailed above, your ritual will be considered complete and valid. To assist you further, here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Tawaf, including optional actions known as Sunnah. While these actions are not obligatory, they hold great virtue as they were practiced by the Prophet ﷺ. However, if you find it challenging to perform all of these actions due to crowded conditions or other circumstances, there is no need to worry.
Beginning of Tawaf
When you arrive at Masjid al-Haram, it is important to be in a state of Wudhu before entering. Once inside, make your way to the Mataf, the designated area for Tawaf. Perform Idtiba by exposing your right shoulder if your Tawaf requires it. Lastly, remember to stop reciting the Talbiyah once you begin your Tawaf.
Starting Point
To begin your Tawaf, make your way towards the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is located. Look for a green light on the wall of the Masjid across from the Kaaba, as it serves as a guide indicating the starting point of each circuit. Stand a short distance before this starting point, ensuring that you are facing the Kaaba.
Intention
To ensure a meaningful act of worship, it is essential to set a sincere intention to perform Tawaf solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. You don’t have to verbally say your intention. However, if you want, you could make the following intention:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.
Translation: O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of the Sacred Mosque, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.
Kissing, Touching or Saluting the Black Stone or Hajar al-Aswad
Kissing: If you can get near the Hajar al-Aswad, put both of your hands upon it, then, between your two hands, place your face and say “bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. After that, lightly kiss it. According to some scholars, if you get the chance, it is better to kiss it thrice.
Touching: If you can’t get close enough to the Black Stone to kiss it because of the crowed, you can touch it with your hands and kiss your hand. This is referred to as Istilam.
Saluting: If you are unable to reach the Black Stone, which is more likely, perform a symbolic Isilam from the distance. Do this by directly facing the Black Stone and raising your hands up to the earlobes (similar to how you would do during the start of the Salah). Make sure the palms of your hands are also facing the direction of the Black Stone as if your hands and face are upon the Black Stone. Then say, “bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).”
Things to remember
Please remember to be considerate of fellow pilgrims and refrain from pushing or attempting to forcefully reach the Hajar al-Aswad. And when in Ihram, beware to not let any fragrance transfer to you as the Hajar al-Aswad, the Multazam and the Rukn al-Yamani are all scented with perfume.
Start and Finish the Tawaf
Begin your journey by walking counterclockwise around the sacred Kabbah. Remember to complete a total of seven rounds on foot in this direction. It is important to perform the Tawaf without any interruptions, so refrain from leaving until all seven rounds have been successfully accomplished. Keep performing the in the same manner until you have accomplished seven circuits.
Dua to Recite Between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]
Transliteration: Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba n-nār.
Translation: O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.
After Tawaf
Salah al-Tawaf
After the completion of seven rounds, pilgrims must pray two rakahs in Masjid Al-Haram. The preferred place to these two rakahs are behind the Makam Ibrahim. However, if the place is crowded, you can perform this two rakahs at anywhere in the Masjid.
Drinking ZamZam Water
After finishing your Salah and dua, drink ZamZam water.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.”
To maximize benefits of consuming Zamzam water, it is highly recommended to set a positive intention. when drinking ZamZam water, you can ask Allah to fulfill your wishes, grant you good health and success in this world and also protection from the punishment of the grave. You can ask Allah for any permissible thing as this is a time where dua are accepted. Here is a beautiful dua that you can make after drinking ZamZam water:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant and a cure for every illness.
Summary – How to Perform Tawaf
Regardless of what Tawaf you are performing, the rules of how to perform Tawaf are fairly similar. You must now have a good idea about performing Tawaf from this article. However, there are still many rules, regulations, violations and penalties you should know about to make your Hajj or Umrah complete. So, the best thing you can do is learn from a scholar.
And Allah knows best.