Tawaf is the Islamic ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba during hajj and umrah.
Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, keeping the building on their left. The rite is performed in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, and pilgrims may begin near the Black Stone, although crowd conditions affect how closely they can approach it.
Tawaf al-qudum is an arrival circumambulation associated with some pilgrims, while tawaf al-ifadah is a major hajj circumambulation performed after the standing at Arafat. Tawaf al-wada is the farewell circumambulation for many departing pilgrims.
Tawaf is distinct from sa'i, the seven trips between the hills of Safa and Marwa. It is also distinct from prayer, even though pilgrims may pray after completing the circuits. Other forms of circumambulation can be performed voluntarily, but the required rites depend on the type of pilgrimage.