Tawaf
Is tawaf on the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram valid?
Yes. Tawaf on the first floor or the roof is valid, as it is still around the Kaaba within the masjid. The circuits are much longer, so allow more time, but the crowds are often lighter.
Why it is valid
The tawaf is still made around the Kaaba and within the masjid, so it counts. Keep the Kaaba on your left and complete seven circuits as usual.
Time and crowds
Each circuit is longer, so allow more time. Most people complete Umrah in two to four hours, and the upper floors are often less crowded, especially in Ramadan or on a Friday.
Related
Read how long Umrah takes and how to perform tawaf.
More questions
Do the Hatim rules still apply upstairs?
Yes. Walk all seven circuits with the Kaaba on your left, keeping the Hatim inside your circuit.
Can I pray the two rak'ahs upstairs?
Yes. Behind Maqam Ibrahim is best, but anywhere in the masjid is valid.
Is the counter useful upstairs?
Yes. Losing count is common in the crowd, which is why our tawaf page has a counter.
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.