Tawaf is an Arabic word. Tawaf literally means to go around or walk around. Its technical meaning is to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. According to Sharia, Tawaf is to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times in order to please Allah Almighty. Tawaf is obligatory for those who travel to Mecca for Hajj or Umrah. Hajj or Umrah is not complete without it.
Purpose of Tawaf
Tawaf is a significant part of both the minor and major pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah).
Tawaf consists of seven circuits, each starting and ending at the Black Stone. A complete circuit of the Holy Kaaba is known as “Shawt.”.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran, “And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon. They float, each in its own orbit.” [The Holy Quran, Al-Anbiya’: 33]
The revolution is indeed a cosmic law; circling the Holy Kaaba is a symbol of the Oneness of Allah (SWT) and the submission of the believers. The Kaaba is the spiritual center for the believers, and each round is meant to strengthen one’s faith and bring them closer to Allah (SWT).
“And remember when We appointed the site of the House for Abraham, saying, ‘Associate no partners with Me in worship, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and stand up for prayer. ˺, and bow down and prostrate. Call to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from afar…” [The Holy Quran, Al-Hajj: 26-27]
Types of Tawaf
There are 5 types of Tawaf. The following are the types of Tawaf.
Tawaf al-Umrah, Tawaf al-Nafal, Tawaf al-Qudum, Tawaf al-Ziarah, Tawaf al-Wida.
Tawaf al-Umrah
This is the Tawaf performed by those performing Umrah outside the Hajj season and those who have made the intention to perform Hajj al-Tamattu. It is an obligatory act, and if it is not performed, the Umrah will be invalidated. During Tawaf al-Umrah, Ihram is worn, and Idtiba and Ramal can be performed. After that, the Sa’i of Umrah is performed.
Tawaf al-Nafal
This is a voluntary Tawaf that can be performed at any time and as many times as desired.
Tawaf al-Qudum (Circumference of Arrival)
This is the initial Tawaf after entering the Grand Mosque in Mecca by travelers who have crossed the boundaries of the Miqat for the purpose of performing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad. During Tawaf al-Qudum, Ihram is worn and Idtiba and Ramal may be performed. This Tawaf is considered Sunnah. It is called Tawaf al-Qudum (Circumference of Arrival) because it is performed upon arrival in Mecca.
It is also referred to as Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (Circumference of Greeting) because it has the same purpose as the two rak’ah prayer, known as Tahiyyah al-Masjid (Greeting of the Mosque), which is performed upon entering the mosque.
It should be performed by Hajj al-Ifrad and Hajj al-Qiran pilgrims after entering Mecca and, at the latest, before the 9th at Arafat. Umrah pilgrims do not perform this Tawaf but rather perform Tawaf al-Umrah, which is similar except for the purpose.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Circumcision of Visit),
Also known as Tawaf al-Ifadah.
All pilgrims perform it on the 10th after leaving the state of Ihram and changing into their regular clothes before returning to Mina to perform Rami al-Jamarat. Marital relations are prohibited until this Tawaf is completed.
It is known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Circumcision of Visit) because it is performed while visiting the Kaaba after leaving Mina. It is also called Tawaf al-Ifadah (Circumcision of Convoy) because the pilgrims enter Mecca from Mina. It is sometimes referred to as Tawaf al-Hajj because it is a pillar of Hajj by consensus of all the laws.
Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf),
Also known as Tawaf al-Sadr (Tawaf of Sacrifice)
Hajj pilgrims perform it just before leaving Mecca after completing Hajj. It is the final ceremony performed in Mecca before proceeding to the next destination. According to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought, its performance is obligatory, which requires a ransom as atonement if not performed, while the Maliki school of thought considers it a Sunnah, but if not performed, no expiation is required.
How to perform Tawaf?
Umrah and Tawaf are among the important rituals of Islam, and it is to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times. Let us discuss Tawaf in detail.
What to do before performing Tawaf?
There are some preparations before performing Tawaf:
Stop reciting Talbiyah as soon as you start Tawaf. And of course you must be in a state of Wudu. Also, the prior preparations,
Wearing Ihram: You need to wear Ihram (special clothes) before Tawaf. For men, it is two white pieces of clothing, and for women, a simple dress that does not reveal the shape of the body.
Making Niyyah: Before starting Tawaf, you should have the intention of Tawaf in mind. You will perform Tawaf to seek the pleasure of Allah.
If you do not know how to make Niyyah (intention) for Tawaf, here is a dua that you can recite.
*اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ*
Allahumma inni uridu tawafa baytika al-harami fayaasirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni.
Translation: O Allah, I intend to circumambulate the Sacred House, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.
Improved Confidence and Peace of Mind: Prepare yourself mentally before performing Tawaf so that you can worship with a single mind.
What to do while performing Tawaf?
Some important things to do while performing Tawaf are:
Starting Tawaf by facing the Kaaba: You will circumambulate the Kaaba seven times. When starting the Tawaf, your face should be towards the Kaaba.
Rokan Yamani and Hajarul Aswad: While performing Tawaf, touching the Hajarul Aswad (Black Stone), if possible, and paying respect to Rokan Yamani (a special place).
Also recite Dua: During Tawaf, you can make various duas to Allah, especially from the Quran, or recite general Islamic duas. While reciting duas, remember that duas at any time can be accepted by Allah.
When you greet, kiss, or touch the Black Stone for the first time, recite the following supplication:
*سْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيْمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعًا مِحْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعًا مِحْدَكُةً لِسَبَةً*
Bismillahi waallahu akbar, Allahumma imanan bika wa tasdiqan bikitabika, wa wafa’an bi ahdika wa itiba’an lih sunnati nabiyyika Muhammadin (S.A.W.).
In the name of Allah, and Allah is the greatest, O Allah, I believe in You and confirm Your Book and fulfill Your covenant and follow You closely and follow You closely and follow You closely.
In the name of Allah, and Allah is the greatest, O Allah, I believe in You and confirm Your Book and fulfill Your covenant and follow You closely, O Allah, because of your faith in You, your firm belief in Your Book, your fulfillment of Your promise, and your imitating the Sunnah of Your Prophet. [Al-Tabarani]
But if you cannot remember this supplication, remember that Imam Ibn Hibban (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “No supplication will take away the specified moment, because, with the specified supplications, one will only repeat the words, whereas this occasion is for any supplication and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.”
Walk slowly: During Tawaf, you should keep your walking pace slow so that you can perform Tawaf attentively.
What to do after performing Tawaf?
After completing Tawaf, there are some important things you need to do:
Performing Salatul Tawaf: It is obligatory to perform 2 rak’ahs of Salat (Nafl Prayer) after completing Tawaf. This prayer is usually performed near Maqam Ibrahim next to the Kaaba.
Dua E Tawaf: After the prayer, you can make a special dua to Allah and ask Allah to forgive and pardon all your sins.
Peace and Gratitude: After completing the Tawaf, you can feel a sense of peace by expressing gratitude to Allah.
If possible, do not forget to ask Allah for help with sorrows, sins, or problems in your life while performing Tawaf. Concentration and sincerity are very important during Tawaf.
In this way, you can perform important acts of worship in Islam through Tawaf.
Idtiba and Ramal
Idtiba and Ramal are performed during specific Tawafs.
If you perform Tawaf al-Umrah outside the Hajj season or as part of Hajj al-Tamattu, or Tawaf al-Qudum as part of Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad, it is Sunnah to perform Idtiba and Ramal during Tawaf. Sa’i, Idtiba, and Ramal should be performed after the Tawaf you are performing. This practice applies only to male pilgrims.
Idtiba
Idtiba refers to the practice of keeping the right shoulder uncovered during Tawaf. To do this, pass the upper garment of your Ihram (rida) under your right armpit, letting it hang from your left shoulder. Your right shoulder will remain uncovered during Tawaf. Ya’la ibn Umayya first narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) performed Idtiba during Hajj al-Wida’:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) circumambulated the House (the Ka’bah) wearing a green Yemeni garment over his left shoulder and under his right armpit.
Ramal
Ramal refers to the practice of walking briskly (not running or jogging), with the legs raised and shoulders held out to the outside of the chest while moving, in order to imitate a warrior. It is Sunnah to do this for the first three rounds before returning to a normal walking pace for the last four rounds. The practice began in the seventh year of the Hijri when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions arrived in Mecca to perform Umrah. Abdullah ibn Abbas first narrated:
When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions arrived in Mecca, the pagans spread the news that a group of people was approaching them and that they were weak from the fever of Yathrib (Madinah). So the Prophet ordered his companions to perform Ramal in the first three rounds of Tawaf and to walk around the two corners (Hajar al-Aswad and Rukn al-Yamani). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not order the circumambulation of the Kaaba to be performed in all its circuits out of compassion for them.
Performing the circumambulation may be difficult due to crowding. If this is the case, walk as quickly as possible while walking in the manner described above, or stop and find a gap to perform the circumambulation properly.
How to Perform the Tawaf (Shortly)
Whether you are performing the Tawaf for Hajj, Umrah, or a voluntary pilgrimage, the rules for performing the Tawaf are somewhat the same in all cases. Tawaaf refers to circling the Holy Kaaba in honor of Allah (swt).
The significance of the Tawaaf is understood to be that it connects you to Allah (swt), as each circumambulation represents each of the circumambulating elements of the universe. Tawaaf is a symbol of equality and unity, as men and women from all over the world, regardless of their status, come together to worship the greatness of Allah (swt).
