Tawaf
Circumambulation of the Holy Ka'bah, performed 7 times counterclockwise.
About Tawaf
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Holy Ka'bah in a counterclockwise direction. It consists of 7 Circuits (rounds), starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Each circuit begins at the Black Stone and ends there, with corner of the Yemeni door (Rukn al-Yamani) being a notable point in between.
Important Note
During Tawaf, the Ka'bah should always be kept on your left shoulder as you circle counterclockwise. Men should walk briskly in the first 3 rounds (running between the corners).
Location
Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque)
Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 21.3891N 39.8579E
Step-by-Step Instructions
Enter Masjid al-Haram with Right Foot
Enter the Masjid al-Haram with your right foot, reciting the recommended dua for entering the mosque.
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ وَدَخِّلْنِي فِيهَا
Transliteration
Allahumma iftabah li abwaba rahmatika wa dkhilni fiha
English Translation
O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy and enter me therein
Make Takbir at the Black Stone
Upon reaching the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), kiss it or point to it while saying Takbir.
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration
Bismillahi wallahu akbar
English Translation
In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest
Tip:
If you cannot kiss the Stone due to crowd, simply point to it with your right hand and kiss your finger while saying "Bismillahi wallahu akbar."
Walk briskly for first 3 Rounds
Begin your 7 circuits by walking briskly (for men) during the first 3 rounds. Keep the Ka'bah on your left.
Arabic
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً
Transliteration
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirah hasanatan
English Translation
Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the next world good
Ramal (Walk briskly):
Men should walk with quick, short steps, moving shoulders, during the first 3 rounds only. Women do not perform Ramal.
Kiss or Touch Yemeni Corner
When passing the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani), kiss it or touch it with your hand. Recite a special dua between the corners.
Arabic
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Transliteration
Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur-rahimeen
English Translation
Our Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of those who show mercy
Continue 7 Complete Circuits
Complete all 7 circuits, making dua in each round. The Ka'bah should remain on your left side throughout.
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ وَالْمُعَافَاةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ
Transliteration
Allahumma inni as-alukal-rafwa wal-afiata wal-mu'afaha fid-dunya wal-akhirah
English Translation
O Allah, I ask You for pardon, safety, and protection in this world and the next
Complete Final Circuit at Black Stone
After completing 7 circuits, kiss the Black Stone once more or point to it with Takbir.
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
Transliteration
Bismillahi wallahu akbar, Allahumma taqabbal minni
English Translation
In the name of Allah, Allah is Greatest, O Allah accept from me
Drink Zamzam After Tawaf
Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ
Transliteration
Allahumma inni as-alukal-rafwa wal-afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah
English Translation
O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the next
Location: Zamzam Area
Floor -1, Near the Ka'bah
The Zamzam well is located within Masjid al-Haram