ISLAMABAD, April 2026: As Hajj 2026 approaches, pilgrims preparing for their journey to Makkah must understand Tawaf — one of the central rituals of both Hajj and Umrah. Performed at Kaaba within Masjid al-Haram, Tawaf involves circling the Kaaba seven times and holds deep spiritual significance as an act of devotion and submission.
Tawaf is typically the first major ritual performed upon arrival at Masjid al-Haram. It begins at the Black Stone and is completed in a counter-clockwise direction, with the Kaaba always on the left side. Each circuit starts and ends at the Black Stone.
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times as an expression of worship. One full round begins from the Black Stone and ends when the pilgrim returns to it.
Due to large crowds, pilgrims may perform Istilam (gesturing towards the Black Stone) from a distance instead of physically touching or kissing it. The words commonly recited are:
Bismillah, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
Throughout Tawaf, pilgrims engage in supplication, remembrance (dhikr) and recitation, including:
Subhan Allah walhamdulillah wa la ilaha illallah wallahu akbar wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil ‘Aliyyil ‘Azim
Key points during Tawaf
After starting from the Black Stone, pilgrims pass the corners of the Kaaba in sequence: Rukn al-‘Iraqi, Rukn ash-Shami and Rukn al-Yamani.
At Rukn al-Yamani, it is Sunnah to recite:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
The semi-circular area known as Hateem lies between Rukn ash-Shami and Rukn al-‘Iraqi. Passing through this area during Tawaf invalidates the round, so pilgrims must walk outside it.
Salah after Tawaf
After completing seven rounds, pilgrims are required to perform two rak‘ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere within Masjid al-Haram.
No voluntary prayers should be performed during Tawaf itself, as this interrupts its continuity.
Types of Tawaf
Tawaf al-Qudum:
A Sunnah Tawaf performed by pilgrims undertaking Hajj Ifrad or Qiran upon arriving in Makkah.
Tawaf al-Umrah:
An essential pillar of Umrah. Without it, the Umrah is not valid.
Tawaf al-Ifadah:
Also known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah, this is a compulsory Tawaf performed on or after the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. It is a key requirement for the validity of Hajj.
Tawaf al-Wada:
A farewell Tawaf performed before leaving Makkah. It is obligatory for pilgrims.
Nafl Tawaf:
Voluntary Tawaf that can be performed at any time for additional reward.
Important guidance for pilgrims
Pilgrims are advised to remain calm and avoid pushing in crowded conditions. Maintaining focus, sincerity and continuous remembrance is essential throughout Tawaf.
It is also important to follow the correct sequence and avoid actions that may invalidate a round, such as cutting through the Hateem or interrupting Tawaf without necessity.
Also read: Hajj Guide 2026: What is Ihram? Rules, Miqat, Niyyah and Talbiyah explained
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