What Duas to Read During Tawaf: Authentic Sunnah Guide

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.

A widespread misconception among pilgrims is that there are specific, rigid supplications designated for the first circuit, the second circuit, and so forth. Many carry booklets containing these invented supplications. However, the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicates otherwise.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ) clarified in his book Daleel al-Akhta' allati yaqa' fiha al-Haaj wa'l-Mu'tamir that restricting oneself to specific supplications for each lap is an error. There is no authentic report from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ dictating specific Adhkar (words of remembrance) for every single circuit.

Here is the correct, Sunnah-based approach to what you should read during Tawaf:

1. Starting the Tawaf at the Black Stone

When aligning with the Black Stone to begin each circuit, the pilgrim should point to it (if unable to kiss or touch it due to crowds) and say:

"Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). (Note: Uttering your intention out loud, such as saying "O Allah, I intend to do Tawaf," is an innovation and a mistake. The intention resides in the heart).

2. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone

This is the only section of Tawaf where a specific Du'a is established in the Sunnah. When walking between the Yemeni Corner (the corner right before the Black Stone) and the Black Stone, it is prescribed to recite the verse:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina 'adhab an-nar." (Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!) [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201].

3. During the Rest of the Tawaf

For the remainder of the circumambulation, the time is entirely yours to converse with your Lord. You are encouraged to:

• Make personal, heartfelt Du'a for your religious and worldly matters.

• Recite the Quran.

• Engage in general Dhikr, such as saying Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar.

• Send abundant blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Warning Against Reciting in Unison (Mutawwifs)

Another common mistake is groups walking behind a guide (Mutawwif) who shouts supplications loudly, with the group repeating after him in unison. This practice disturbs others who are trying to focus, often results in people reciting Arabic words they do not understand, and contradicts the command of Allah:

"Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors." [Surah Al-A'raf 7:55].

The best Du'a is the one that comes from your own heart, understanding what you are asking of Allah.

And Allah the Exalted knows best.