What is Tawaf And Its 7 Types

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.).