Tawaf


Tawaf is one of the Islamic rituals of pilgrimage. During the Hajj and Umrah, muslims are to circumambulate the Ka'bah (the holiest building in Mecca) seven times, in a counter-clockwise direction. This symbolises the seven times that Muhammad circled the Kaaba hundreds of years ago. The circling is believed to demonstrate the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony together around their central shrine, each reciting an individual verse of the Qur'an.

Ritual details

The circle begins from the Black Stone on the corner of the Ka-bah. 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 at the Stone on each circuit. They are also to make Takbeer (Allahu 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 rak'ahs.

Muslims are generally advised to "Make Tawaf" at least twice -- once as part of the Hajj, and again as their final activity before leaving Mecca.[1]

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Types of Tawaf

There are several types of tawaf that can be performed and they are distinguished thus:

Tawaf al-nisa is a second tawaf that is performed during Umrah. This type of tawaf is only recognised by Shia scholars.

Tawaf Qudoom (The 'Welcome tawaf')

Tawaf Tahiyah is the tawaf performed after entering the Masjid al-Haram and is mustahab

Tawaf Umrah refers to the tawaf performed specifically for Umrah.

Tawaf Widaa (The 'Farewell tawaf') is the tawaf performed before leaving Mecca.

Tawaf Ziyaarah/Ifadah (Tawaf al-Hajj)

References

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