Ritual Details
The circle begins from the Black Stone (al-Ḥajar al-'Aswad) on the corner of the Kaaba. If possible, Muslims are to kiss or touch it, but this is often not possible because of the large crowds, so it is acceptable for them to simply point or hold up their hand to the Stone on each circuit. They are also to make the Takbir prayer (Allāhu Akbar) each time they approach.
For men, it is recommended to make the first three circuits at a hurried pace, followed by four times, more closely, at a leisurely pace.
At the end of the circling, Muslims go to the Station of Ibrahim to pray two nafl prayer rak'ahs, and then drink water from the sacred Well of Zamzam, before proceeding to the next ritual of the Hajj, the S'ay.
Muslims are generally advised to "make ṭawāf" at least twice – once as part of the Hajj, and again as their final activity before leaving Mecca.
Read more about this topic: Tawaf
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