Tawaf al-Umrah – Step-by-Step Ritual, Meaning, and Importance (2025 Guide)
Tawaf al-Umrah begins the moment your eyes lock onto the Kaaba. The heart races. The lips whisper Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, and with every step, your soul sheds the dust of this world.
You’re not just circling a structure, you’re walking through a thousand years of worship, mercy, and divine connection. This is where your Umrah truly begins.
🟧 TL;DR – Tawaf al-Umrah
Tawaf al-Umrah is the first major ritual of Umrah, performed by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction while in a state of Ihram. It is a fard (obligatory) act of worship and must be done with purity, focus, and proper intention. After Tawaf, two rak’ahs of Salah near Maqam Ibrahim are prayed, followed by Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. Pilgrims must remain ritually pure and respectful throughout. This act symbolizes closeness to Allah and is mandatory in every valid Umrah.
🌙 What is Tawaf al-Umrah?
Tawaf al-Umrah refers to the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba that forms the first act of Umrah after entering Masjid al-Haram. The word tawaf (طواف) comes from the root “taafa,” which means to walk around something.
In this case, it means walking seven times around the Holy Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction.
It represents both submission and unity. Every pilgrim, regardless of race or language, walks the same path as a reminder that before Allah, all are equal.
🕌 Significance of Tawaf al-Umrah in Islam
Tawaf is deeply symbolic in Islam.
While Salah is the spiritual pinnacle in daily life, Tawaf is the spiritual centre of pilgrimage. Allah mentions the Kaaba as a place of return and sanctity:
وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ
“And purify My House for those who perform Tawaf…”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)
This highlights that Tawaf was prescribed from the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and remains a central element of Hajj and Umrah. It physically represents obedience, humility, and love for Allah.
🧎♂️ How to Perform Tawaf al-Umrah: Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of Tawaf al-Umrah for every pilgrim:
- Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot and say the dua of entry.
- Ensure you are in a state of Wudu (ablution).
- Wear Ihram and make the niyyah (intention) for Umrah before reaching the Haram boundary.
- Begin Tawaf from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).
- Perform 7 anti-clockwise circuits, ensuring you:
- Touch or point to the Black Stone each time
- Read supplications or Quran (no fixed du’a required)
- Avoid pushing or causing harm to others
- After 7 circuits, go behind Maqam Ibrahim, and pray 2 rak’ahs of Tawaf.
- Drink Zamzam water and proceed to Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
📜 Hadiths on the Importance of Tawaf
✅ Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The Tawaf around the Kaaba is like Salah, except that you may talk during it; but whoever talks should say nothing but good.”
(Reported by Al-Tirmidhi)
✅ Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:
“The Prophet ﷺ made Tawaf while riding on his camel, so that the people could see him and learn from him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
These traditions highlight how Tawaf is not just physical but spiritually elevating. It demands focus, presence, and good conduct throughout.
☝️ One Essential List – Sunnahs to Follow During Tawaf al-Umrah
Here’s what’s recommended during your Tawaf al-Umrah:
- Idtiba’: Uncover the right shoulder (for men only)
- Ramal: Brisk walk in the first three circuits (for men)
- Avoid talking unless necessary
- Recite du’as or Qur’an silently
- Face the Kaaba during Istilam
- Say Takbeer while pointing at the Hajr al-Aswad
Types of Tawaf Compared: Key Differences in Rituals, Rulings & Timing
| Tawaf Type | Obligatory? | When Performed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tawaf al-Umrah | Yes (Fard) | During Umrah | Main act of Umrah |
| Tawaf al-Ifadah | Yes (Fard) | 10th Dhul Hijjah | Completes Hajj rituals |
| Tawaf al-Wida | Yes (Wajib) | Before leaving Makkah | Farewell Tawaf |
| Tawaf al-Qudum | No (Sunnah) | Upon arrival | Greeting the Kaaba |
🤔 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Tawaf
- Missing a full round and assuming it’s complete
- Entering the Hatim area, which invalidates the circuit
- Talking loudly or pushing others
- Forgetting Wudu
- Incorrect Niyyah
These can affect the validity of Tawaf. Always double-check your count, intention, and state of cleanliness.
💬 Tawaf FAQs: Answers About Types, Duas, Rules, and Umrah Guidelines
What is Tawaf al-Umrah in Islam?
Tawaf al-Umrah is the ritual of circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction as part of the Umrah pilgrimage.
It is mandatory and performed in a state of Ihram.
How do you perform Tawaf al-Umrah step by step?
Start at the Black Stone, circle the Kaaba seven times, perform two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, drink Zamzam water, and proceed to Sa’i. Always begin with the right intention and be in Wudu.
Is Tawaf al-Umrah obligatory?
Yes, it is fard (obligatory). Without it, Umrah is invalid.
Do you need to perform Sa’i after Tawaf al-Umrah?
Yes, Sa’i is performed after completing Tawaf, and both are essential for a valid Umrah.
Can you talk during Tawaf al-Umrah?
Talking is allowed but discouraged. It is better to remain focused, silent, and engaged in dhikr or du’a.
What is the dua for Tawaf al-Umrah?
There’s no fixed dua. You can recite Quran, du’as from the Sunnah, or speak from the heart in any language.
Is Tawaf al-Umrah allowed without Ihram?
No. You must be in a valid state of Ihram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah.
Can you do Tawaf al-Umrah during Hajj?
Tawaf al-Umrah is specific to Umrah. During Hajj, you perform different types of Tawaf such as Ifadah and Wida.
What happens if I skip a round in Tawaf?
The entire Tawaf becomes invalid. You must complete all seven circuits without missing any.
Can I perform Tawaf on behalf of someone else?
Yes, but you must intend it clearly from the beginning and meet all conditions on their behalf.
Where are the 7 Miqat for Umrah?
The 7 Miqat for Umrah are specific boundary points from where pilgrims intending to perform Umrah or Hajj must enter into Ihram.
These include: Dhul Hulayfah (for people from Madinah), Al-Juhfah (for people from the Levant), Qarn al-Manazil (for Najd), Yalamlam (for Yemen), Dhat Irq (for Iraq), a point for residents of Jeddah and travellers from the West, and the area of the Haram for those living within Makkah.
Pilgrims must assume Ihram before crossing these points.
What is the Tawaf for Umrah?
Tawaf al-Umrah is the essential act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is a fundamental part of Umrah and must be performed after entering the state of Ihram.
The Tawaf starts and ends at the Black Stone and is followed by two Rakats near Maqam Ibrahim. This ritual signifies devotion and spiritual renewal.
What is the 7 Tawaf around the Kaaba?
The 7 rounds around the Kaaba during Tawaf represent the pilgrim’s obedience to Allah. Each round symbolises a deeper spiritual level and is performed counterclockwise.
This act of circling the Kaaba seven times is derived from the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and continued by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The number seven reflects completeness and spiritual symbolism in Islam.
Can you do more than 7 Tawafs in Umrah?
While seven rounds are required for one complete Tawaf, a pilgrim is allowed to perform additional voluntary (Nafl) Tawafs during their stay in Makkah.
However, only one Tawaf al-Umrah is required to fulfil the obligation of Umrah. Repeating Tawaf for extra spiritual reward is permissible and encouraged.
Can you perform Tawaf without doing Umrah?
Yes, it is permissible to perform voluntary (Nafl) Tawaf even if you are not performing Umrah. This can be done at any time when inside Masjid al-Haram and in a state of Wudu. There is no need for Ihram for non-Umrah Tawaf. Many local residents and visitors perform Nafl Tawaf for spiritual reward.
What do we recite during the 7 rounds of Tawaf?
There is no fixed dua for each round of Tawaf. However, common supplications include “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil aakhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban naar” and dhikr such as “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar.” You can make personal duas from your heart or recite from a trusted Tawaf dua book or PDF if needed.
What is the farewell Tawaf for Umrah?
Farewell Tawaf for Umrah, also referred to as Tawaf al-Wida, is not mandatory according to the majority of scholars, especially in the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools. However, it is recommended as a Sunnah act of love and respect before leaving Makkah. Pilgrims may perform a final Tawaf voluntarily to say goodbye to the Kaaba.
Why is Tawaf done 7 times?
The number seven in Islam holds symbolic spiritual meaning, representing completeness, obedience, and repetition of devotion.
Tawaf, being seven rounds, is a practice established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and traced back to the practice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Each circuit reinforces submission to Allah and reflects the unity of all Muslims.
What to recite during Tawaf in Umrah?
Pilgrims may recite a variety of duas, Quranic verses, or personal prayers during Tawaf. Some recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Ayat al-Kursi, or the Rabbana du’as.
There is no fixed script; what matters is sincerity. Many prefer using pocket-sized dua books or PDFs that contain recommended supplications for each round.
How many Tawafs are in Umrah?
There is one required Tawaf in Umrah: Tawaf al-Umrah. This consists of seven complete rounds around the Kaaba.
However, pilgrims may also perform additional voluntary Tawafs during their time in Makkah for extra spiritual rewards.
✅ Conclusion
Tawaf al-Umrah is not just walking around a building. It is your soul circling the mercy of Allah. It is your heart bowing in front of eternal truth.
From the first glimpse of the Kaaba to the final sajdah after Tawaf, every moment is a return to your faith, your purpose, and your Creator. Whether this is your first Umrah or your tenth, the Tawaf will always feel like the very first call home.
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.
