Meaning of Tawaf
Tawaf is the very first practice that Muslims perform when they enter the Haram. Tawaf means “circumambulating around the Ka’bah seven times in an anticlockwise manner”. This act of circulating starts from Hajr-e-Aswad and each round completes upon returning back to Hajr-e-Aswad. It is preferred to approach the stone with the intent of kissing or touching, but if not possible due to crow then a person may point to the stone with their right hand. Without Tawaf Hajj or Umrah is incomplete.
Purpose of Performing Tawaf
The purpose of performing Tawaf is to demonstrate the solidarity of the adherents and servants of Allah from all over the world. They all come and worship Allah Almighty with unity in peace and harmony. They walk together step by step and show their faith towards Allah (SWT). There is no discrimination in His House, everyone is equal except piety and they equally execute all the rituals. It is a misconception that Muslims worship Kaaba rather Muslims are there to worship Allah Almighty in unity and tranquility and it’s the true purpose of performing it.
Virtues of Tawaf
In a Hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A):
I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘Whoever circles the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf) and prays two Rak’ahs will have a reward as if he has freed a slave. A man does not raise his foot and bring it back down except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees. (Musnad Aḥmad 27862)
Ibn Abbas narrated that:
Whomsoever makes 50 Tawafs of the Kaaba (i.e. fifty by seven rounds), will be free of all his sins, just as the day his mother gave birth to him. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 866)
It expresses the significance of Tawaf and the blessings of Allah for the people who perform it. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), and an act of love and devotion that brings people nearest to their creator. Tawaf is a virtuous rite and there are some verses or Duas that you can recite while walking.
Types of Tawaf
There are seven types of Tawaf that are commonly performed by Muslims under the categories of Optional, Mustahab, Sunnah, Wajib, and fardh.
• Tawaf-ul-Qudoom
It is also known as a “Welcome Tawaf” performed by the person on the arrival at Makkah for the purpose of Hajj, Umrah, Business, or a visit. Performing it is Sunnah for Aafaaqi (an individual who lives outside Makkah) who’s performing Hajj Ifraad or Hajj Qiran. Furthermore, it is not a Sunnah for those who are undertaking Hajj Tammatu or Umrah even though they are Aafaaqi.
• Tawaf-ul-Zariah
It is an obligation upon pilgrims and is performed when they enter Makkah specifically for the ritual Hajj. It is practiced upon returning to Makkah on the dawn of 10th Zil Hajj to 12th Zil Hajj. It is also referred to as Tawaf-ul-Hajj or Tawaf-ul-Rukn.
• Tawaf al-Wida
It is a farewell Tawaf that pilgrims perform before leaving Makkah. It is also known as Tawaf-e-Sadr and it is a Wajib act.
It is narrated by Ibn `Abbas:
The people were ordered to perform the Tawaf of the Ka`ba (Tawaf-al-Wada`) as the lastly thing, before leaving (Mecca), except the menstruating women who were excused. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1755)
• Tawaf-ul-Nafl
It is a non-obligatory and voluntary act that can be performed anytime. It can be performed as many times as you want and it’s a privilege that cannot be gained anywhere else in the world.
• Tawaf-ul-Umrah
Performance of it is obligatory upon those who execute Umrah because it a part of Umrah and Umrah is not considered complete without it. It is fardh.
• Tawaf-ul-Nazr
It is also fardh upon those who pledge that they will perform it when their desire gets fulfilled by Allah. It’s a must for them to execute this Tawaf.
• Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah
It is a Mustahab Tawaf which means recommended but not obligatory. It is performed after entering Haram and after the execution of it, an individual has to offer two Rakat prayers behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
A Muslim must perform the Tawaf of Ka’bah whenever they get a chance for any reason. Mostly, people perform it while undertaking major or minor pilgrimages. One can enter Makkah by getting Hajj and Umrah Deals 2021, and by availing a visit visa for any purpose. Tawaf is performed for Allah and He gave unlimited blessings on a person executing it. Without the performance of the ritual of Tawaf both Hajj and Umrah are considered incomplete. It is the very first step that /Muslims implement with full love and dedication. It is quick for the persons nearest to the Ka’bah but is longer for those who are far due to the heavy crowd. Its blessings and virtues are limitless.