If you follow the Hanafi school, you should normally delay the two rak’ahs of Tawaf after Asr until the disliked prayer time has ended. You may still perform Tawaf after Asr, and you can continue to Sa’i while waiting to pray the two rak’ahs later.
There is scholarly disagreement on this issue, so pilgrims following another school may receive different guidance.
Can I Perform Tawaf After Asr?
Yes.
Hanafi scholars distinguish between performing Tawaf and performing the two rak’ahs after Tawaf.
UK Hanafi guidance states that Tawaf itself is permissible after Asr, but the two rak’ahs should be delayed until after sunset.
So you do not need to stop yourself from performing Umrah simply because it is after Asr.
When Should a Hanafi Pray the Two Rak’ahs?
If you finish Tawaf after Asr, wait until the prohibited period has ended.
Hanafi guidance from Islamic Portal UK recommends performing the two Tawaf rak’ahs after the Fard prayer of Maghrib and before the Sunnah of Maghrib.
This gives a simple practical sequence:
Finish Tawaf → continue your Umrah → pray Maghrib Fard → pray the two Tawaf rak’ahs → pray Maghrib Sunnah.
Can I Start Sa’i Before Praying Them?
Yes, according to Hanafi guidance.
A published Hanafi ruling specifically states that if Tawaf is completed after Asr, the pilgrim can postpone the two rak’ahs and continue with Sa’i.
So you do not need to stand around waiting for Maghrib before beginning Safa and Marwah.
Our Safa Marwa Dua guide explains what to do during Sa’i.
Do All Scholars Say the Two Rak’ahs Must Wait?
No.
There is genuine scholarly disagreement.
Some scholars allow the two rak’ahs of Tawaf even during times when ordinary voluntary prayer is normally restricted. They rely on the hadith instructing Banu Abd Manaf not to prevent people from performing Tawaf or praying at the Sacred House at any time of day or night.
Other jurists, including the Hanafi position described above and reports within the Maliki tradition, delay the prayer until after sunset.
For a UK audience with many Hanafi pilgrims, it is important not to present one position as though no other recognized view exists.
Must I Pray Directly Behind Maqam Ibrahim?
No.
Praying behind Maqam Ibrahim is desirable when possible, but you should not push through crowds or block other pilgrims.
Hanafi guidance from Darul Ifta Birmingham states that if there is no space behind Maqam Ibrahim, the two rak’ahs can be offered elsewhere in the Haram.
Your safety and the safety of other pilgrims matter.
What If I Already Prayed Them After Asr?
Do not panic or assume your Umrah is invalid.
Published Hanafi rulings differ on whether a prayer already performed during this period should be repeated, although they agree that performing it then is disliked under the Hanafi approach.
If this has already happened, ask a trusted Hanafi scholar about your specific case rather than repeating your Umrah.
Your Tawaf and Umrah do not automatically become invalid because of this issue.
What If I Finish Tawaf Just Before Maghrib?
If only a short time remains before sunset, there is no need to rush the prayer.
Wait until the permitted time and then perform the two rak’ahs.
You can continue your Umrah according to the ruling you follow.
For the complete Tawaf process, read our Tawaf Umrah Guide.
Planning Your First Umrah?
Prayer times can overlap with Tawaf more often than first-time pilgrims expect.
Learning these small practical rulings before travelling can prevent unnecessary anxiety inside Masjid al-Haram.
For further travel planning, contact Hajj Umrah Travels.
