Note: This is a study explanation to help you understand the meaning of the rites. During the actual rites, recite from the original Arabic / Lisan ud-Dawat text and follow your Musaid and the FAIZ guidance.
What is Tawaf?
Seven circuits (fehra) make one Tawaf. Each circuit begins at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad. Throughout Tawaf one must be in wudhu — if wudhu breaks, resume from the circuit in which it broke.
The Ka’bah has four corners (rukn):
- Hajar al-Aswad — the Black Stone (start/end of every circuit)
- Rukn al-Iraqi — the Iraqi corner
- Rukn al-Shami — the Syrian corner
- Rukn al-Yamani — the Yemeni corner
Tahiyya vs. Tatawwu’
On entering Baitullah, the first Tawaf you perform is the Tawaf al-Tahiyya (the welcoming Tawaf), made on your own behalf or on behalf of the Du’at Mutlaqeen / hudud fuzala. After the Tahiyya, every further Tawaf is Tatawwu’ (voluntary) — and a Tatawwu’ Tawaf may be offered on behalf of anyone: the Du’at, hudud, family, or any mumin. One Tawaf is for one person only.
After completing the seven circuits, pray two rak’ats of Tawaf — at the time of namaz, behind Maqam Ibrahim (AS) where possible. Praying these two rak’ats is required for the Tawaf to count.
The stations and their duas
Each circuit carries duas recited at specific points:
- Hajar al-Aswad — kiss it, or if the crowd prevents it, perform istilam (gesture toward it); recite the dua of trust and covenant each circuit.
- The Door (Bab) & Multazam — the area between the Black Stone and the Door is the Multazam, a place where dua is answered; press the body and hands to the wall and supplicate.
- Rukn al-Iraqi, Mizzab (the golden waterspout, directly beneath the Arsh), Rukn al-Shami, Rukn al-Yamani — each has its own dua per circuit.
- Mustajar — on the 7th circuit, at the wall where Maulana Ali (AS) was born (just before the Yemeni corner), press the chest, stomach and cheek to the Ka’bah and supplicate.
Reward
A namaz prayed inside Baitullah al-Haram carries the reward of one lakh (100,000) prayers. Each day, perform at least one Tawaf on behalf of Aqa Maula TUS, with dua for his long life (tulul umr) and complete shifa.
The full corner-by-corner Arabic duas are available in the Duas section under “Umrah → Tawaf”.