Tawaf (طواف) 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 Ka'bah 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, while supplicating to God "Labbaik Allahoma Labbaik".

The Tawaf of the Ka'bah is a depiction of the Tawaf that runs above the Jannat al Firdaws in the seventh heaven where the Arsh (Allah's throne) is situated. Angels do Tawaf continuously around the Arsh. The Tawaf of the Kaabah should make it easy for humans to understand the reality of Tawaf around the Arsh.

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 the Takbeer prayer (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, and then try if possible to drink water from the sacred Well of Zamzam, before proceeding to the next ritual of the Hajj, the Sa'y.

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.

Types of Tawaf

There are several types of tawaf that can be performed:

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

Tawaf Qudoom (The 'Welcome tawaf') is the tawaf performed by those not residing in Mecca once reaching the Holy city.

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)

Notes

References

• Shariati, Ali (2005). HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals. Islamic Publications International. ISBN 1889999385.
• Mohamed, Mamdouh N. (1996). Hajj to Umrah: From A to Z. Mamdouh Mohamed. ISB 0-915957-54-x.
• Hajj Leaflet
• The Hajj according to the Five Schools
• Hajj: The Pilgrimage