Why Tawaf Is the Heart of Hajj and Umrah
An umrah is a journey to Makkah and Madinah to perform rituals and get closer to Allah. It's a beautiful and well-managed combination of all aspects of one's life including physical, mental, spiritual, financial and religious effort. According to the Sunnah and the recommended method by Allah, Umrah has four major rituals e.g. entering Ihram, Tawaf, sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir.
But Tawaf is an important ritual of both Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages in which pilgrims complete seven circuits around the Kaabah. It's a symbolic act that shows the humility and devotion of pilgrims and allow them to interact with fellow Muslims out there.
Performing Tawaf is a dream of every Muslim as it's a unique experience unlike other worships in Islam. However, why performing Tawaf is significant in Islam? Well, this blog post covers everything about Tawaf. So let's read ahead to know its meaning, history, benefits, and the performing method during Hajj and Umrah. So, let's read ahead.
What Is Tawaf in Islam? Meaning and Definition Explained
Tawaf is an Arabic word which means "to walk around" or "to turn around". In the Islamic context of pilgrimage rituals, performing Tawaf is an act of walking around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction. It comprises seven circuits that start and end at the designation of black stone. It's a common ritual in both Hajj and Umrah that pilgrims perform necessarily to fulfill the pilgrimage rightly.
In ancient times, people also used to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba according to their intended beliefs even before the advent of Islam. However, Islam makes Tawaf obligatory for pilgrims with a focus on modesty of the pilgrims and their devotion to Allah.
Overall, the meaning of tawaf includes everything about its purpose and intention. But it comes out as a complete religious duty for Muslims as per the Sunnah. So, pilgrims perform Tawaf with humility and gratitude while submitting their will.
Significance of Tawaf
Pilgrims complete circuits around Kaaba and recite Talbiyah during it. This way, they express their submission during this sacred journey. The Kaaba is the holy place in Islam that Allah defines as his house. So, all the pilgrims performing Tawaf are basically the guests of Allah. It's a house of Allah built for Muslims, so they offer prayers in its direction.
Performing Tawaf is one of the integral practices of Umrah as it's the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail who have built the Kaaba in the guidance of Allah. It was built during the early Islamic era when Muslims needed religious and sacred sites to worship Allah and Hazrat Ibrahim built the Kaaba when Mecca was deserted.
With passing time, the Muslim community was established under the guidance of Hazrat Ibrahim who started performing Tawaf around the Kaaba to express their gratitude towards Allah.
The significance of performing Tawaf is also mentioned in Quran in different surahs as Allah commands Muslims to visit his house and seek his blessings to grow spiritually.
Getting together at one place and doing Tawaf along with millions of Muslims creates the sense of unity and brotherhood within Islamic community that leads to a healthy society overall.
The benefits of performing Tawaf
Why Tawaf is a key ritual of both Umrah and Hajj has reason as it's a deep spiritual experience for Muslims. It's an act of circling the Kaaba while reciting Talbiyah and remembering Allah that makes the connection of pilgrims with Allah stronger. Performing Tawaf is also a symbol of unity and simplicity that highly encourages the feelings of pilgrims of their belonging to a diverse Muslim community.
The holy Prophet had said that one who performs Tawaf of the Kaaba from heart with devotion, it will erase all of previous sins and also elevate one's spiritual status. Moreover, as Tawaf is a mandatory practice of both the pilgrimages, the completion and acceptance of Tawaf is a source of acceptance of the whole pilgrimage and getting enhanced divine blessings hereafter.
How to perform Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah
Performing Tawaf begins with a pure intention for either Umrah or Hajj. For this, pilgrims enter in the state of Ihram and have a wudu before starting Tawaf. The corner of the Kaaba having Hajr Al aswad is the starting point of Tawaf. Pilgrims keep it on their left side while walking in an anticlockwise direction and reciting Talbiyah. Pilgrims recite supplications and Sunnah Dua's during each circuit and complete seven circles in a similar way. During the last circuit, the Tawaf ends at the similar point where it started in front of Hajr Al aswad. After that, pilgrims offer two Rak'ahs prayer at Maqam e Ibrahim.
Performing Tawaf for Hajj is similar to Umrah except it involves the intention of performing Tawaf for Hajj. And thus, it includes the recitation of supplications related to Hajj pilgrimage.
During Tawaf, there are bigger crowds of fellow pilgrims in the Haram. Therefore, every one is responsible for their response in the house of Allah. And it should be more about tolerance and being patient out there. It reflects the humble personality that elevates your character and earns massive reward.
Similarly, there are chances that the crowd distracts you while performing Tawaf. So, focus on your movements, stay vigilant about your position and complete Tawaf focusing on the remembrance of Allah.
Tips to perform tawaf
Tawaf is an important ritual in performing Umrah. This is the reason it should be performed correctly according to the Sunnah. So, here are some tips to follow while performing tawaf to increase its quality:
- Keep your intention clear and focused before entering Mataaf.
- Practice patience when the crowds are bigger in Haram.
- Walk continuously around the Kaabah while maintaining the comfortable pace.
- Don't let your eyes or heart get distracted by the crowd.
- Avoid carrying a phone unless it's necessary to prevent losing focus.
- Recite short and easy Sunnah Dua's during Tawaf to be mindful at that time.
- Stay hydrated beforehand to avoid fatigue during the seven rounds.
- Move slightly toward the outer circle if the inner area is too crowded.
- Avoid blocking the path of fellow pilgrims.
- If you lose count, choose the lower number to stay safe and add another round.
- Wear comfortable footwear allowed in Mataaf.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds especially during prayer times.
- Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear during Tawaf.
- Keep your belongings minimal and secure in a small bag.
- Use the upper levels if you have difficulty walking.
- Perform tawaf during early morning hours for a peaceful experience.
- Bring a small umbrella for sun protection during outdoor portions.
- Use unscented products to respect others in the sacred space.
- Stay aware of elderly and children around you.
Conclusion
Tawaf is a highly significant and mandatory act of worship as part of both hajj and Umrah. One of the main reasons for its huge significance is the fact that it replicates the Tawaf of angels who circumambulate the throne of Allah in the sky. It's all about circling Kaaba, touching the black stone, reciting Talbiyah and expressing gratitude to Allah. Overall, the meaning of tawaf includes everything about its purpose and intention. But it comes out as a complete religious duty for Muslims as per the Sunnah. So, pilgrims perform Tawaf with humility and gratitude while submitting their will.
FAQs
What is Tawaf in Islam in simple words?
Tawaf is an act of walking around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction. It comprises seven circuits that start and end at the designation of black stone.
How many rounds are performed in Tawaf?
Pilgrims have to perform seven rounds around the Kaabah to complete Tawaf in both Hajj and Umrah.
What is the difference between Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah?
There's no difference between Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah except Niyyah that Umrah pilgrims perform Tawaf as an Umrah ritual and Hajj pilgrims perform Tawaf as a ritual of Hajj.
Can elderly or sick people perform Tawaf on wheelchairs?
Yes. Elderly pilgrims can perform Tawaf on wheelchairs on upper floors of Masjid al-Haram.
What happens if someone loses count during Tawaf?
Losing count during Tawaf doesn't invalidate the entire Tawaf. In fact, pilgrims should rely on the number they are sure about and continue from that number.
Can Tawaf be performed at any time?
Yes, there's no specific time for performing Tawaf. Pilgrims can perform Tawaf anytime throughout the day except during congregational prayers.
