Tawaf
How do I perform tawaf for Umrah?
وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
al-Hajj 22:29
Tawaf is seven circuits around the Kaaba, beginning and ending at the Black Stone, with the House on your left the whole way. It is the pillar of Umrah. Be in wudu, make the intention at the Black Stone line and begin.
Starting at the Black Stone
A green light on the wall of the masjid marks the line of the Black Stone. Stand facing it on that line and make the intention for the tawaf of Umrah. Raise your hands to your ears as at the start of salah and say Bismillah, Allahu akbar. If you can reach the Black Stone without pushing anyone, kiss it. Otherwise point your palms towards it and kiss them. This is called istilam. Then turn so the Kaaba is on your left and begin.
The seven circuits
Keep the Hatim on your left as well, because it is part of the House, and walking through it spoils that circuit. At the Yamani corner touch it with both hands or the right hand if you can. Between the Yamani corner and the Black Stone recite Rabbana atina. Each time you return to the Black Stone line, say Bismillah, Allahu akbar and make istilam, and that completes a circuit.
Brothers walk with raml in the first three circuits. See raml and idtiba.
After the seventh circuit
Pray two rak'ahs of tawaf, drink Zamzam, then go to Safa for Sa'i. See the two rak'ahs after tawaf, the Multazam and Zamzam and how to perform Sa'i.
More questions
How many circuits is tawaf?
Seven, beginning and ending at the Black Stone line.
Do I need wudu for tawaf?
Yes. Wudu is necessary for tawaf in the Hanafi school.
Is there a tawaf counter?
Yes. Our tawaf page has a seven circuit counter that keeps your place.
Read the full guide
Perform your Umrah with confidence
Follow every rite in order, with counters and duas in Arabic, in our step by step Umrah guide. To study the Hanafi rulings behind it with qualified teachers, see our courses, or explore our apps. Ihya us Sunnah is sustained by its community, so please consider supporting our work.
This guide follows the Hanafi method and is based on Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal's Umrah book, Essential Islam. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.