Ultimate Guide to Tawaf
Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj and Umrah. These sacred pilgrimages contain numerous beautiful religious rituals and ceremonies. Every practice has a tremendous spiritual significance and historical background. Similarly, Tawaf also has a great place in the hearts of millions of Muslims throughout the whole world. This fantastic ritual is the circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Also, this religious ceremony is the best way to represent your love and dedication to Allah (SWT). Consider this article’s complete description if you want to learn “The Ultimate Guide to Tawaf: Types, Rules, and Guides.”
Types of Tawaf
There are
five different types of the circumambulation of the Kaaba. These types include
the following:
1.
Tawaf al-Qudoom
Pilgrims who are arriving in Mecca for the annual pilgrimage perform this
type of Tawaf. They complete this circumambulation after entering the state of
Ihram. According to Islamic Sharia, it is mandatory to accomplish this
circumambulation before the beginning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
2.
Tawaf al-Ifadah
Tawaf al-Ifadah is an essential ritual of the Hajj. Pilgrims complete
this religious ritual on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah after returning
from Mina to Mecca. This circumambulation is commonly known as Tawaf
al-Ziyarah. They should complete this circumambulation before getting out of
their Ihram garments.
3.
Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
Farewell Tawaf is the last ritual of the Hajj. Travellers accomplish this
circumambulation after completing all the practices of the major pilgrimage. The
residents of Mecca are exempt from performing this ritual. This
circumambulation is mandatory for those travellers who travel to Mecca from
outside the boundaries of the Miqat. Pilgrims should complete this fantastic
form of worship before leaving Mecca.
4.
Tawaf al-Umrah
Pilgrims who are performing the Umrah accomplish this type of Tawaf. They
perform it after entering the state of Ihram and before completing the Sa'i
(running between the hills of Safa and Marwa).
5.
Nafl Tawaf
Pilgrims can perform this voluntary circumambulation at any time. Also, Muslims
can complete this type of Tawaf without entering into the state of Ihram.
Rules and Guidelines for Tawaf
Pilgrims must
follow different rules and guidelines when they circumambulate the Kaaba. These
include:
· Pilgrims must encircle the Kaaba in a
counter-clockwise direction.
· Tawaf must be started and ended at
the Black Stone.
· Each time you pass the Black Stone,
you should kiss it or touch it with your hand and then point to it with your
hand.
· If you are unable to kiss or touch
the Black Stone, you can point to it with your hand.
· Pilgrims should make Dua
(supplication) as they walk between the Black Stone and the Yemeni corner of
the Kaaba.
· Pilgrims should also make pray as
they walk between the Yemeni corner of the Kaaba and the Iraqi corner of the
Kaaba.
· It would be best if you recited the
Talbiyah as you walked between the Iraqi corner of the Kaaba and the Black
Stone.
· If you are performing Tawaf al-Umrah,
you should pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Abraham) after
completing the Tawaf.
Note: If you are going to travel with family, accepting the recommendation of an Umrah guide in offering Family Umrah Packages by any agent may be the best choice.
Tawaf for Women
Women
perform circumambulation in the same way as men, but there are a few things to
keep in mind:
· Women should wear modest clothing
that covers their entire body except for their face and hands.
· Women should try to avoid performing
Tawaf during their menstrual or Postpartum hemorrhage period.
· If a woman is menstruating or
experiencing post-partum bleeding, she may encircle the Kaaba after she has
purified herself.
Tawaf is a
sacred ritual performed by millions of Muslims worldwide each year. It is the best way to show your love and devotion to Allah and to
connect with the other pilgrims who are performing the Hajj and Umrah journeys.
If you are planning to perform Tawaf, be sure to familiarize yourself with the
rules and guidelines. You should also wear comfortable clothing and shoes and
drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
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