Tawaf is an essential pillar of both Hajj and Umrah, and it is an act of worship dedicated to Allah, demonstrating humility and the devotion of one’s heart and actions towards Him. During Tawaf, a Muslim circumambulates the Kaaba, God’s sacred house, in a specific manner as an act of worship and seeking closeness to Allah according to His commandments. For a detailed understanding of What is Tawaf, read this article.
What is Tawaf in Islam?
What is Tawaf in Islam, Tawaf is one of the most frequently asked questions, whether you are a born Muslim or a recent convert. It is crucial to understand what Tawaf is, especially if you are planning to perform Hajj or Umrah in Mecca.
The term “Tawaf” comes from the verb “Taafa,” which means “to circle something.” In the Islamic context, Tawaf refers to circling the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. It is a fundamental pillar of both Hajj and Umrah.
The pilgrim begins Tawaf from the corner where the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) is located. There is a green light in the upper levels indicating this point. The pilgrim says “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) at the start of each circuit and recites different Duas following the practice of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
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Tawaf around the kaaba
What is Tawaf around the Kaaba? tawaf around the Kaaba is one of the pillars of Hajj and Umrah, ordained by Allah Almighty. There is wisdom behind it, just as there is in many other religious practices. Many may wonder and question the significance of performing Tawaf seven times, but there are certain aspects of faith in Islam that we accept without debate, such as performing the five daily prayers and fasting for 30 days in Ramadan. Allah commands nothing without great wisdom and purpose.
The act of Muslims circling the sacred Kaaba is a divine law that pertains to all material existence. I see the movement of celestial bodies as a form of glorification of Allah Almighty,
“But you do not understand their glorification” (Quran 17:44) سورة الاسراء44) وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ
And as a submission to the Creator of the universe, whose power is glorified. Our circling the Kaaba is undoubtedly the greatest expression of our faith and submission to Allah. What makes it even more significant is that we do it willingly and faithfully, not by the dictates of laws governing us.
The history of Tawaf in Islam dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael), when they built the Kaaba at the command of Allah Almighty. After its construction, Allah instructed Ibrahim to perform Tawaf around it, and thus he began the act of Tawaf as a representation of Allah’s commands.
History of tawaf
Many newcomers to Islam are eager to learn about What is Tawaf in ancient times, people in Mecca used to worship idols and perform Tawaf around them. However, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came, idol worship was prohibited, and Tawaf around the Kaaba was established as a central ritual. Since then, Tawaf has become an essential part of Islamic rites, a cornerstone of Hajj and Umrah. From that time onwards, Tawaf has been an expression of faith, monotheism, and submission to the command of Allah, reflecting Muslims’ desire to seek closeness to Allah and His pleasure.
The worship of Tawaf is a special and great worship that is only permissible in one place in the world, and that is the Sacred Mosque around the Kaaba.
The act of circling the Kaaba is specifically mentioned three times in the Quran. Allah says: “And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer.
And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:125)
قال تعالى: {وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَنْ طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ} [البقرة: 125].
Allah also says: “And when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:26)
قال تعالي : {وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ} [الحج: 26]
Also, Allah says: “Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:29).
وقال تعالى أيضًا: {ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ} [الحج: 29]
Rules of tawaf
There are a number of conditions that must be followed during Tawaf, which are essential in Islam for the acceptance of Hajj or Umrah. Scholars have mentioned several conditions for the validity of Tawaf around the Kaaba:
1. Islam:
Tawaf is a worship and a pillar of Hajj and Umrah, and it is not permissible for non-Muslims to perform these rituals. Allah has forbidden non-Muslims from entering the sacred land of Mecca.
2. Sanity:
It is required that the Muslim performing Tawaf be sane, according to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought, although this is not a condition in the Shafi’i and Maliki schools.
3. Intention (Niyyah):
It is essential to have a clear intention for What is Tawaf, as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his saying: “Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to their intention” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
4. Covering the ‘Awrah:
It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform Tawaf while naked or without clothing, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Purity of Clothing and Body: The clothes and body must be free from impurities for Tawaf to be valid.
5. Completing Seven Full Circuits:
And some Muslims want to know What is Tawaf seven full circuits so tawaf must consist of seven complete circuits around the Kaaba. If any of the circuits is incomplete, the Tawaf is not valid.
6. Positioning the Kaaba to the Left:
The Kaaba should be positioned to the left while performing Tawaf, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said: “Take your rituals from me.”
7. Walking with the Ability:
Tawaf must be performed walking, with the ability to do so.
8. Alternating Between Circuits:
The Muslim must alternate between the circuits during Tawaf, Tawaf must be performed within the confines of the Sacred Mosque, as a Muslim must circle the Kaaba. Tawaf performed outside the Sacred Mosque is not valid. so they must know What is Tawaf.
9. Starting from the Black Stone:
What is Tawaf is essential, so Tawaf must begin from the Black Stone. If someone starts Tawaf from anywhere else, their Tawaf is incomplete.
Why is tawaf important?
Some wonder about What is Tawaf’s importance as it is a fundamental pillar of Hajj and Umrah without which they are incomplete. However, its significance goes beyond that; it is a fundamental act of worship through which the worshipper draws closer to their Lord and experiences a unique spiritual connection. They circumambulate the revered Kaaba seven times, just as the angels circle the heavens around the clock. The Kaaba represents the sacred House of God, and in performing Tawaf, we indeed emulate the angels in worshipping Allah.
Read about: Difference between Hajj and Umrah
Conclusion
What is Tawaf in Islam is a most popular queation among Muslims which involves circling the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction as an act of worship and submission to Allah It holds significant importance in both Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, symbolizing unity, devotion, and obedience to Allah’s command. The performance of seven rounds of Tawaf is based on tradition and the example set by Prophet Muhammad during his Farewell Pilgrimage. While Umrah refers to the lesser pilgrimage, Tawaf specifically denotes the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, forming a crucial ritual in the pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide.
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FAQS
What is Tawaf in Islam?
What is Tawaf in Islam, refers to the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, the sacred structure located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It involves walking around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Hajr al-Aswad (the Black Stone).
What is Tawaf’s Significance in Hajj?
What is Tawaf In Hajj is a crucial question so, Tawaf is one of the essential rituals that pilgrims perform. It symbolizes the unity of the Muslim ummah (community) as believers from diverse backgrounds come together to fulfill this act of worship. Tawaf is a demonstration of devotion and submission to Allah, marking the completion of one of the rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Why is Tawaf Performed Around the Kaaba?
Tawaf is performed around the Kaaba as an act of worship and obedience to Allah’s command. The Kaaba is considered the House of Allah and the holiest site in Islam. Circumambulating the Kaaba signifies Muslims’ acknowledgment of Allah’s oneness and their commitment to worship Him alone.
Why do we do 7 rounds of Tawaf?
The performance of seven rounds of Tawaf is based on tradition and religious significance. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad performed Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times during his Farewell Pilgrimage, setting the precedent for pilgrims to follow. Additionally, the number seven holds symbolic importance in Islamic tradition, signifying completeness and perfection.
What is the difference between Umrah and Tawaf?
Knowing What is Tawaf and Umrah is so important, umrah refers to the lesser pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to the holy city of Mecca, whereas Tawaf specifically refers to the act of circumambulating the Kaaba during Umrah or Hajj. In other words, Tawaf is one of the rites performed during Umrah, along with other rituals like Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah) and shaving or trimming the hair.
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