Tawaf al-Qudum in Hajj – Rituals, Timing, and Rulings Explained (2026 Guide)
🟧 TL;DR – Tawaf al-Qudum in Hajj
Tawaf al-Qudum is the arrival circumambulation performed by pilgrims upon entering Makkah for Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran. It is a Sunnah act for non-resident Muslims and signifies greeting the Kaaba upon arrival. This Tawaf is done before Wuquf at Arafat, typically on or before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. It involves circling the Kaaba seven times starting at the Black Stone, while observing Idtiba and Ramal (for men). After completing the rounds, pilgrims pray two rakahs near Maqam Ibrahim, then proceed with the remaining rituals of Hajj.
Tawaf al-Qudum is not mandatory for Umrah pilgrims or those performing Hajj al-Tamattu. According to all four schools of thought, it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning highly recommended but not obligatory. However, if performed, it allows pilgrims to complete Sa’i earlier and helps spiritually prepare for the major rites of Hajj. Tawaf al-Qudum cannot be done after Arafah day. Those arriving late skip it without penalty. It is part of the broader classification of Tawaf types in Islam, which also include Tawaf al-Ifadah, Tawaf al-Wida, Tawaf al-Umrah, and Nafl Tawaf.
What is Tawaf al-Qudum?
Tawaf al-Qudum (Arabic: طواف القدوم) means the Tawaf of Arrival. It is a Sunnah circumambulation around the Kaaba performed by pilgrims who come from outside Makkah intending to do Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran.
The act symbolises the greeting of the House of Allah, and it sets the tone for the pilgrim’s upcoming spiritual journey.
This Tawaf is done after entering Makkah while the pilgrim is still in a state of Ihram, and before they go to Arafat for the standing ritual.
It is not performed by those doing Umrah only or Hajj al-Tamattu, as their Umrah includes a separate Tawaf that replaces this.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Tawaf al-Qudum during his Farewell Hajj, and his companions observed it too.
Its importance lies in how it opens your pilgrimage with humility, reflection, and spiritual presence.
Who Should Perform Tawaf al-Qudum?
Tawaf al-Qudum is meant for:
- Non-resident pilgrims (those coming from outside Makkah)
- Those performing Hajj al-Ifrad
- Those performing Hajj al-Qiran
It is not done by:
- Local residents of Makkah
- Pilgrims doing Hajj al-Tamattu
- Pilgrims arriving after Wuquf at Arafah
If someone enters Makkah late, and the day of Arafah has already passed, then this Tawaf is missed and there is no sin or penalty.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Tawaf al-Qudum
Here is how to perform Tawaf al-Qudum correctly:
- Be in Ihram and enter Makkah through one of the Miqat points.
- Head straight to Masjid al-Haram and enter with your right foot, saying the dua for entering a mosque.
- Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and make your intention for Tawaf al-Qudum.
- For men, observe Idtiba by uncovering the right shoulder throughout the seven rounds.
- Walk anti-clockwise around the Kaaba seven times, starting and ending at the Black Stone.
- Men should perform Ramal (brisk walking) in the first three rounds.
- After completing the seven circles, pray two rakahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
- Make dua and recite Quran during the Tawaf, including the famous supplication:
اللهم ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار
Allahumma Rabbana Atina Fi al-Dunya Hasanah wa Fi al-Akhirati Hasanah wa Qina ‘Adhab al-Nar
Translation: O Allah, grant us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
What Happens After Tawaf al-Qudum?
If you are performing Hajj al-Qiran, your Sa’i may be done after this Tawaf and will count for Hajj. I
f you are doing Hajj al-Ifrad, you may choose to delay Sa’i until after Tawaf al-Ifadah. There is no shaving or trimming of hair after Tawaf al-Qudum.
Rulings from the Four Madhabs
Here is what each school of thought says about the obligation status of Tawaf al-Qudum:
| School | Ruling | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hanafi | Sunnah | Highly recommended for non-residents. Skipping it has no penalty. |
| Maliki | Sunnah Mu’akkadah | Recommended for those performing Ifrad or Qiran. |
| Shafi’i | Sunnah | Can be skipped without damm. Should be done before 9th Dhul Hijjah. |
| Hanbali | Sunnah | Not required, but doing it is rewarded. |
🔍 Comparing Tawaf al-Qudum with Other Types of Tawaf
In Islam, not all Tawafs are the same. Each one has its own purpose, ruling, and time of performance.
Tawaf al-Qudum is performed as an act of arrival, while others like Tawaf al-Wida and Tawaf al-Ifadah are tied to exit and core Hajj obligations.
Knowing these differences helps avoid confusion during the pilgrimage.
| Tawaf Type | Obligatory? | When Performed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tawaf al-Qudum | No (Sunnah) | After arrival in Makkah for Hajj | Greeting the Kaaba |
| Tawaf al-Ifadah | Yes (Fard) | After stoning and sacrifice | Completes Hajj obligations |
| Tawaf al-Wida | Yes (Wajib) | Before leaving Makkah | Farewell Tawaf |
| Tawaf al-Umrah | Yes (Fard) | During Umrah | Main Umrah rite |
| Nafl Tawaf | No (Voluntary) | Anytime | Earn extra reward |
📋 When Should You Skip Tawaf al-Qudum?
You should not perform Tawaf al-Qudum if:
- You’re performing Hajj al-Tamattu
- You’re already doing Umrah with Hajj later
- You arrive in Makkah after the 9th of Dhul Hijjah
- You live within Makkah or its boundaries
There is no penalty for skipping it in these cases.
If you’re unsure of your Hajj type, consult your group leader or a scholar before entering Makkah.
✅ Key Benefits of Performing Tawaf al-Qudum
Performing Tawaf al-Qudum offers both spiritual and practical benefits. It helps you:
- Enter the pilgrimage mentally and spiritually prepared
- Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
- Combine it with Sa’i (if doing Hajj al-Qiran)
- Reduce your pressure during the Hajj days
- Earn a reward for honouring the House of Allah
🟨 List: Common Mistakes to Avoid During Tawaf al-Qudum
- Entering Makkah and delaying Tawaf unnecessarily
- Forgetting to observe Idtiba or Ramal (for men)
- Not performing it in the state of Ihram
- Assuming it is required for Hajj al-Tamattu
- Rushing through the rounds without focus or dua
FAQs about Tawaf al-Qudum
What is Tawaf al-Qudum in Hajj?
Tawaf al-Qudum is the arrival circumambulation performed upon entering Makkah for Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran.
It is a Sunnah act that greets the Kaaba and sets your spiritual tone for the pilgrimage.
Is Tawaf al-Qudum mandatory for every pilgrim?
No, it is not mandatory. Tawaf al-Qudum is Sunnah for non-residents of Makkah performing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran.
It is not required for those doing Hajj al-Tamattu.
Can I skip Tawaf al-Qudum if I arrive late?
Yes. If you arrive after Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah or are late due to valid reasons, you may skip it without any penalty.
It does not invalidate your Hajj.
Can I do Sa’i right after Tawaf al-Qudum?
Yes, if you’re doing Hajj al-Qiran, the Sa’i following Tawaf al-Qudum counts for Hajj. You don’t have to repeat it later unless you delay it without excuse.
What should men observe during Tawaf al-Qudum?
Men should observe Idtiba by uncovering the right shoulder and perform Ramal by walking briskly in the first three rounds of Tawaf.
These Sunnah acts symbolise strength and obedience.
What duas should I recite during Tawaf al-Qudum?
There are no fixed duas. You may recite any dhikr or supplication.
The Prophet ﷺ recited general duas like “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah” and sought forgiveness.
Is Tawaf al-Qudum allowed in a wheelchair?
Yes. If you’re sick, elderly, or unable to walk, you may use a wheelchair.
Islam permits assistance to ease hardship while fulfilling acts of worship.
Can women delay Tawaf al-Qudum due to menstruation?
Yes. A woman in her menstrual state must wait until she is purified before performing Tawaf.
There is no sin or penalty for this delay.
Can I combine Tawaf al-Qudum and Tawaf al-Wida?
No. Tawaf al-Qudum is done upon arrival, and Tawaf al-Wida is performed at the end of your Hajj before leaving Makkah. They are two distinct rituals and cannot be merged.
What happens if I do Tawaf al-Qudum with the wrong intention?
If your intention was for Umrah but you were supposed to do Hajj, your act may still be valid, depending on the type of Ihram. It’s best to consult a scholar in such a case.
What does Tawaf al-Qudum mean in Islam?
Tawaf al-Qudum means the “Tawaf of Arrival.”
It is the Sunnah act of circumambulating the Kaaba upon entering Makkah, primarily performed by pilgrims doing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad.
What is the meaning of Ifadah in English?
Ifadah comes from the Arabic word for “pouring forth.”
In Hajj, it refers to the Tawaf performed after stoning and sacrifice, symbolising the pilgrim’s complete surrender and purification.
What is the difference between Tawaf al-Qudum and Tawaf al-Ifadah?
Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah Tawaf done upon arrival. Tawaf al-Ifadah is a Fard act that must be performed after Rami and sacrifice.
Skipping Ifadah invalidates Hajj, while skipping Qudum does not.
What are the types of Tawaf in Islam?
There are five types: Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival), Tawaf al-Ifadah (obligatory), Tawaf al-Wida (farewell), Tawaf al-Umrah (for Umrah), and Nafl Tawaf (voluntary). Each has different rulings and timings.
Is Farewell Tawaf required for Umrah?
No. Tawaf al-Wida is required only for Hajj, not for Umrah.
Pilgrims performing only Umrah do not need to do a farewell circumambulation before leaving Makkah.
How to perform Tawaf e Qudum step by step?
To perform Tawaf e Qudum, make the intention for this specific Tawaf upon entering Masjid al-Haram. Start at the Black Stone and circle the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Men should observe Idtiba by uncovering the right shoulder and perform Ramal in the first three rounds. After the Tawaf, pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible and drink Zamzam water.
What are the 7 types of Tawaf in Islam?
The seven known types of Tawaf are: Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival), Tawaf al-Ifadah (main Hajj), Tawaf al-Wida (farewell), Tawaf al-Umrah (for Umrah), Nafl Tawaf (voluntary), Tawaf al-Nazr (vow), and Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (greeting the mosque). Each has a different purpose and ruling depending on the type of journey.
Is Tawaf al-Qudum compulsory in Hajj?
Tawaf al-Qudum is not compulsory. It is a Sunnah act recommended for non-resident pilgrims doing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran.
If missed, there is no penalty and your Hajj remains valid.
What is Tawaf al-Ifadah, and when is it done?
Tawaf al-Ifadah is a mandatory ritual of Hajj performed after Rami and sacrifice on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It is also called Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
This Tawaf completes the main physical requirements of Hajj and lifts most Ihram restrictions.
What is Tawaf al-Wida in Hajj?
Tawaf al-Wida is the farewell circumambulation performed by Hajj pilgrims before leaving Makkah.
It is wajib for those not living in Makkah. Skipping it without a valid excuse requires offering a damm (penalty).
What is Tawaf e Qudum called in Urdu?
In Urdu, Tawaf e Qudum is called “Tawaf-e-Qudoom” or “آنے کا طواف”. It refers to the circumambulation done upon entering Makkah for Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran.
What is Tawaf al-Umrah?
Tawaf al-Umrah is the essential Tawaf performed during an Umrah trip.
Pilgrims must complete seven rounds around the Kaaba after entering Ihram, followed by two rakats and Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. It is a fard part of the Umrah ritual.
What is Tawaf e Ziyarat, and when should it?
Tawaf e Ziyarat, also called Tawaf al-Ifadah, is the most important Tawaf in Hajj. It is done after stoning at Mina and is a fard ritual.
Missing it invalidates the Hajj. Ideally, it should be performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, but it is allowed until the 13th with valid reasons.
What is the rule for uncovering the shoulder during Tawaf?
Uncovering the right shoulder, called Idtiba, is Sunnah for men during Tawaf al-Qudum and Tawaf al-Umrah when in Ihram.
It symbolises humility and strength, and is done for all seven rounds of that specific Tawaf only.
How to do Tawaf e Ziyarat step by step?
To perform Tawaf e Ziyarat, make the intention and begin at the Black Stone. Complete seven anti-clockwise rounds of the Kaaba in a state of purity.
After finishing, pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim, drink Zamzam, and if needed, perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. This Tawaf is a fard act of Hajj.
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
