Tawaf — The Complete Guide for UK Muslims Performing Umrah in 2026

There is a moment during every Umrah that UK pilgrims describe as unlike anything else they have ever experienced.

It is not the first sight of the Kaaba — though that too is overwhelming.

It is the moment they join Tawaf.

Suddenly they are part of something vast. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from every country on earth, speaking every language, wearing the same white Ihram — circling the same point, in the same direction, for the same reason.

Tawaf is the most central ritual of Umrah. It is the heart of the pilgrimage. And performing it correctly — with the right intention, the right method, and the right duas — is how it becomes the spiritual experience it is meant to be.

This is the complete guide.

What Is Tawaf?

Tawaf is the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba — circling it seven times in an anticlockwise direction as an act of worship.

The word Tawaf comes from the Arabic root meaning to go around or to circumambulate.

Tawaf is an obligatory pillar of Umrah. Without it, Umrah is not valid.

Allah commands Tawaf in the Quran:

"And We charged Ibrahim and Ismail: Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying in it for worship and those who bow and prostrate."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)

The Significance of Tawaf

Tawaf is described by the Prophet ﷺ as equivalent to Salah in its sanctity:

"Tawaf of the House is a prayer, except that Allah has permitted speech during it. So whoever speaks during Tawaf, let him speak only good."

(Tirmidhi)

When you perform Tawaf, you are joining a circle of worship that — according to Islamic belief — has never stopped since Ibrahim (عليه السلام) first built the Kaaba. The angels perform Tawaf of the Bayt Al-Ma'mur — the celestial counterpart of the Kaaba — in the heavens above. Pilgrims have circled the Kaaba below for millennia.

You are joining this.

When Is Tawaf Performed in Umrah?

In Umrah, Tawaf is the first ritual performed after entering Masjid Al Haram.

The order of Umrah rituals:

1. Enter Ihram at the Miqat
2. Enter Masjid Al Haram
3. Perform Tawaf — 7 circuits of the Kaaba
4. Pray 2 rakats at Maqam Ibrahim
5. Drink Zamzam water
6. Perform Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa)
7. Halq (shave head — men) or Taqsir (cut hair)
8. Exit Ihram — Umrah complete

How to Perform Tawaf — Step by Step

Step 1 — Ensure You Are in a State of Wud

Tawaf requires wudu (ritual purity).

If your wudu breaks during Tawaf — leave the Tawaf area, renew your wudu, and return to continue from where you left off. You do not need to restart from the beginning.

Step 2 — Uncover Your Right Shoulder (Men Only)

Men performing Tawaf of Umrah uncover their right shoulder — placing the upper Ihram sheet (rida) under the right armpit with the left shoulder covered. This is called Idhtiba.

This is Sunnah for Tawaf only — not for Sa'i or other rituals. Women do not do this.

Step 3 — Approach the Black Stone

The Black Stone — Hajar Al Aswad — is set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba. It is the starting and ending point of every circuit.

On approaching the Black Stone:

If you can reach it — touch it with your right hand and kiss it. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

If you cannot reach it due to crowds — face the Black Stone, raise your right hand toward it, and say:

Arabic: بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ

Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.

"In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest."

Do not push or hurt others to reach the Black Stone. The intention and the gesture are sufficient when touching it is not possible. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"O Umar, you are a strong man. Do not compete with the weak for the Black Stone. If you find a gap, touch it. Otherwise, face it and say Allahu Akbar."

(Ahmad)

Step 4 — Begin Tawaf — Walk Anticlockwise

With the Kaaba to your left — begin walking anticlockwise around it.

Seven circuits = one complete Tawaf.

Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone. When you pass the Black Stone at the end of each circuit — raise your hand toward it or touch it if possible and say Allahu Akbar.

Step 5 — Raml in the First Three Circuits (Men Only)

In the first three circuits of Tawaf, men walk with a brisk pace and slight swagger — this is called Raml. It was established by the Prophet ﷺ to demonstrate the physical strength and readiness of the Muslims.

In the final four circuits — men walk at a normal pace.

Women walk at their normal pace throughout.

Step 6 — Pass the Yemeni Corner

The Kaaba has four corners. The corner before the Black Stone corner — on the South side — is the Yemeni Corner (Al-Rukn Al-Yamani).

Touch the Yemeni Corner with your right hand if you can reach it without causing difficulty to others. Do not kiss it — only touch. If you cannot reach it, walk past without pointing to it (unlike the Black Stone).

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone — read this dua:

Arabic: رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.

"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)

The Prophet ﷺ read this dua between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone. It is the most consistently recommended dua for this specific section of Tawaf.

Step 7 — Complete Seven Circuits

After seven complete circuits — ending at the Black Stone — Tawaf is complete.

Step 8 — Pray Two Rakats at Maqam Ibrahim

After Tawaf, pray two rakats of Nafl prayer at or near Maqam Ibrahim — the stone bearing the footprint of Ibrahim (عليه السلام).

In the first rakat recite Surah Al-Kafirun after Al-Fatihah. In the second rakat recite Surah Al-Ikhlas.

Duas During Tawaf

There is no single prescribed dua for each circuit of Tawaf. Many books contain circuit- specific duas — but these are not authenticated from the Prophet ﷺ. Scholars recommend:

• Personal dua in your own language
• Dhikr: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah
• Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
• Recitation of Quran
• The dua between Yemeni Corner and Black Stone

The Tawaf is your time with Allah. Ask for what you need. Speak to Him in whatever language you know best. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Make dua to Allah while you are certain of being answered."

(Tirmidhi)

Common Tawaf Mistakes UK Pilgrims Make

Mistake 1 — Starting Tawaf Before the Black Stone Line

Each circuit must begin exactly at the Black Stone (or the green line on the floor marking its position). Starting your Tawaf before this line means that circuit does not count.

Always begin each circuit at the Black Stone or the green floor line.

Mistake 2 — Walking Clockwise

Tawaf is performed anticlockwise only — with the Kaaba on your left. Walking clockwise is invalid.

Mistake 3 — Losing Count

Seven circuits exactly. Many pilgrims lose count, especially on their first Umrah when the experience is overwhelming.

Use a small counter. Count on your fingers. Or keep a clear mental note — every time you pass the Black Stone is the end of one circuit.

Mistake 4 — Performing Tawaf Without Wudu

Tawaf requires ritual purity. If wudu breaks during Tawaf — leave, renew wudu, and continue from the circuit you were on.

Mistake 5 — Pushing at the Black Stone

The Prophet ﷺ specifically warned against harming others for the Black Stone. Pointing toward it and saying Allahu Akbar is fully valid. The spiritual value is not diminished.

Book Umrah Packages UK 2026

Every Hajj and Umrah Experts package includes a complete pre-departure Umrah guide — covering Tawaf, Sa'i, and every ritual in detail.

Verify ATOL: atol.org.uk — licence 11375

Silver 3-star: 10-15 min from Haram 
Gold 4-star: 5-7 min ⭐ Most popular 
Platinum 5-star: 2-3 min — Swissotel, Pullman

October: 28-34C, best value

February: 18-22C, families

Ramadan: Book now — fills months ahead

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford. Beat Any Quote. Call 0203 475 4003.

May Allah accept every Tawaf made by UK pilgrims in 2026. Ameen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times do you circle the Kaaba in Tawaf?

Seven times anticlockwise — with the Kaaba on your left. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajar Al Aswad) or the green line on the floor marking its position. Seven complete circuits = one Tawaf.

What is the dua for Tawaf?

There is no single prescribed dua for each circuit. The most authenticated dua is between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone: "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar." Otherwise make personal dua, dhikr, and recite Quran throughout.

Do you need wudu for Tawaf?

Yes. Tawaf requires ritual purity (wudu). If wudu breaks during Tawaf — leave the area, renew wudu, and return to continue from where you stopped. You do not restart from the beginning.

What do you say at the Black Stone?

"Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" — "In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest." Touch or kiss the Black Stone if you can reach it. If not — face it, raise your right hand toward it and say Allahu Akbar. Both are valid Sunnah.

What is Raml in Tawaf?

Raml is the brisk pace with a slight swagger that men maintain in the first three circuits of Tawaf. It was established by the Prophet ﷺ to demonstrate physical strength. Women walk at their normal pace throughout all seven circuits.

Which Umrah package gives best Tawaf access?

Platinum 5-star (2-3 minutes from Haram) gives the most immediate Haram access. Gold 4-star (5-7 minutes) is our most popular choice for UK families — close enough for multiple daily Tawaf visits without the full Platinum premium. ATOL 11375. Call 0203 475 4003.