Last year, I travelled
with my family to Saudi Arab for Umrah. During the second ritual of umrah, we
circumambulated seven times around Kaaba in the anti-clockwise direction to
complete the Tawaaf. Kaaba is located in the Al-Haram Mosque. We did it in the
holy month of Ramadan. In those days, there was a crowd of pilgrims in this
Mosque.
It was a beautiful
moment for my family and me as we were walking around Kebab. This moment is
directly related to the spirit of the Muslims. Here, I should warn you that if
you are going this year, you should get the Umrah Package and make a proper
plan for Umrah. So you don't have to face any problems there.
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf means walking
around the Kabba seven times. The moving process begins in the opposite
direction of the clock. Each circuit begins
and ends at the Hajre Aswad. Every person has a desire to keep himself/herself
closer to stone (Hajre Aswad) for touching and kissing. Sometimes it is not
possible to touch and kiss. Then the individual can point the stone with
his/her right hand.
Virtues of Tawaf
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA)
Reports:
The Prophet (PBUH)
said: '120 mercies descend daily upon the House of Allah, 60 of which are for
those who are performing Tawaf, 40 for those who are performing Salah, and 20
for those who gaze at the House of Allah.'
Significance of Tawaf
The Tawaf is an act of
devotion intended to bring the Muslim closer to Lord (Allah) spiritually. It is
the only principal rite of Hajj and Umrah not associated directly with acts of
worship performed by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in ancient times.
Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur
One such argument is
that when pilgrims perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, they are doing so in tandem
with the angels that circumambulate al-Bayt al-Ma'mur (the Frequented House) in
the celestial realm. Allah says:
History of Tawaf
In ancient days,
People performed Tawaf but in the state of naked, whereas women also followed
such a method to do it. Allah says about such people "to take
adornment". This act is not acceptable until that time until it is not
performed by wearing proper clothes.
7 Types of Tawaf
- Tawaf-ul-Qudom
- Tawaf al-Ziyarah
- Tawaf al-Wida
- Tawaf al-Umrah
- Tawaf al-Nafl
- Tawaf-ul-Nazr
- Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah
Tawaf-ul-Qudoom
It is performed on
arrival the Makkah whether for Umrah, Hajj, Business or a visit. It is also
known as “Welcome Tawaf”.
The performing of this
Tawaf is a Sunnah for non-residents of Makkah.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah
It’s performed upon
returning to Makkah on the dawn of 10th Zil Hajj to 12th Zil Hajj. It’s often
called Tawaf-ul-Ziarah as it’s performed upon the visit (ziyara) to Kaaba after
leaving Mina, and it’s also called Tawaf-ul-Hajj as it’s a part (pillar) of
Hajj. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as Tawaf-ul-Ifadah, as the pilgrims
‘pour forth’ from Mina.
Tawaf al-Wida
Hajj pilgrims perform
this just before leaving Makkah after completing the Hajj. It is the final rite
that is shown in Makkah before moving on to the next destination.
Tawaf al-Umrah
It's a fundamental
piece of the custom of Umrah; thus, this Tawaf takes a compulsory status for
the individuals who come to Makkah for the aim of performing Umrah.
Tawaf al-Nafl
It is a voluntary
Tawaf that may be performed anytime and as often as desired.
Tawaf-ul-Nazr
This Tawaf is
associated with the pledge made before God. If an individual promise (oath)
that he’ll perform Tawaf if God fulfills his desire, then he’s obliged to come
through and complete the ritual.
Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah
It is performed by the
individual who enters Haram—the sacred boundary of Makkah. After the completion
of this ritual, the individual has to offer two prayers behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
We need to perform
Tawaf, whether it is done during any moment (Hajj and Umrah, arrival and
departure, etc.).
