Tawaaf is the most important ritual of Hajj and Umrah in Islam. During this act, Muslims circle the Holy Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. While many pilgrims assume Tawaaf to be of a single type, there exists a variety of Tawaaf in the religion. Every Tawaaf has its purpose and rules to be followed.
Moreover, people think Tawaf is only for Hajj and Umrah, but it can also be done voluntarily for extra blessings. It is vital for Muslims to learn about the various types of Tawaaf. It will help them perform this sacred act correctly and with the right intention.
Whether you are planning to go for Umrah via Cheap Umrah Packages or simply want to increase your knowledge, you should know about the types of Tawaaf to deepen your knowledge of this beautiful Islamic practice. This blog will explain different types of Tawaaf to help pilgrims learn about the difference.
Why is Tawaaf Important?
Tawaaf is a significant act that Muslims should perform to complete their pilgrimage. This ritual is a symbol of devotion to God Almighty. While circling the Kaaba, pilgrims submit themselves wholly in front of the Lord of the Two Worlds. Moreover, Twaaf presents the beautiful unity which binds people from all walks of life. It teaches the human race about equality, viewing everyone as the same despite their cast of colour differences. Tawaaf itself reminds the believers that they must keep remembering Allah Almighty each day, making it a part of their routine.
Types of Tawaaf
Tawaaf derives from the Arabic lexicon, which translates to “encircle or walk around”. Muslims walk from the Black Stone and perform this ritual seven times in total. This section will explore the different types of Tawaaf that you can perform while staying in the holy city of Mecca.
Tawaaf Al Umrah
One of the type of Tawaaf is Tawaaf Al Umrah. This Tawaaf is done by the pilgrims who wish to perform the Umrah. Moreover, it is performed by Muslims who wish to perform Hajj al-Tamattu. It is a type of Hajj in which pilgrims perform both Hajj and Umrah together. People living outside Saudia Arabia mostly go for Hajj al-Tamattu where they perform Umrah first then move to Hajj ritual. When acting Tawaaf Al Umrah, it is necessary for the pilgrims to wear Ihram at all times. The pilgrimage will not become valid without Tawaaf Al Umrah.
Tawaaf Al Ziyara
Another type of Tawaaf is Tawaaf Al Ziyara. This ritual is done on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah by the Muslims. Also known as Tawaaf Ifadah, this act is done after the pilgrims have completed the Qurbani (sacrificing animal), Halq and Taqsir (shaving and trimming of head) and left the Ihram state. They complete this ritual before going back to Mina to execute another ritual of throwing stones at the Shayateen (Rami Al-Jamarat). According to some scholars, pilgrims can indulge in all those acts after this Tawaaf that were non-permissible in Hajj.
Tawaaf Al Qudum
Tawaal Al Qudum is also called Arrival Tawaf. This Tawaaf is mandatory for Muslims who will perform Hajj al Ifrad or Hajj al Qiran on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. People coming from outside the proximity of Miqat, are supposed to perform Taaf al Qudum. It is a way to honour the sacred journey and mark the pilgrim’s arrival in Makkah. This Tawaf is a Sunnah act and is not required for those performing Hajj al-Tamattu.
Tawaaf Al Wada
Known as the Farewell Tawaaf, the Tawaaf Al Wada, is the last Tawaf that pilgrims perform before leaving Makkah. It is a way to say goodbye to the sacred city after completing Hajj. This Tawaf is mandatory for those who are not residents of Makkah. Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times, showing their love and respect before departing. It is a reminder that the journey of Hajj is coming to an end, but the spiritual connection with Allah continues. This ritual does not require you to wear Ihram and can be performed in regular clothes.
Nafl Tawaaf
Nafl Tawaaf is the one that is not compulsory to perform. It is a voluntary act that can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year. This ritual brings great rewards and blessings. Many people perform Nafl Tawaaf to seek Allah’s mercy, and spiritual closeness. Since there are no specific restrictions, anyone visiting Makkah can perform it as often as they wish, making it a highly recommended act. Moreover, you don’t need to wear Ihram for this Tawaaf.
Tips to Perform Tawaaf Correctly
This section will discuss some of the tips every pilgrim should know before 0perfrmoing the Tawaaf ritual. Learning about these tips is important so that your pilgrimage does not become invalid. Let’s understand these points:
- It is a must for pilgrims to care for their hygiene when going for Umrah or Hajj. To perform the ritual of Tawaaf, it is vital for them to remain in a state of ablution (wudu) at all times.
- Pilgrims must start the Tawaaf from Black Stone (Hajr Aswad) by facing it and making an intention (niyyah).
- Worshippers must start walking in an anti-clockwise direction, Keeping the Kaaba to the left side. It is claimed that the human heart is on the left side of the boy hence the pilgrims must walk in the opposite direction of the clock hands, to make the heart closer to Allah Almighty.
- Tawaaf is to be done 7 times. Make sure that you are keeping the count for your circles. In case, you missed any single circuit, your Tawaaf will become invalid. Thus, it is better to remain alert while performing this ritual.
- You can recite Quranic verses, duas or dhikr while performing Tawaaf. Unlike some people who claim to recite in Arabic language only, pilgrims can pray in any language they want.
- Male worshippers should briskly in the first three rounds of the Tawaaf and then walk normally in the remaining four ones.
- Kaaba area can be quite crowded especially the one near the Black Stone. It is best to remain patient. Don’t try to push other fellow pilgrims.
- Tawaaf must be done without stopping. If someone feels tired like an elderly pilgrim, then he must walk slowly rather than completely coming to a halt.
Final Words
This blog has discussed the various types of Tawaaf in Islam. Whether it is to perform the ritual of Umrah or act as a voluntary one, this ritual is important for Muslims. It marks the beginning of their Umrah trip, enabling them to get closer to God Almighty. Muslims travelling to the holy cities for the pilgrimage can opt for December Family Umrah Packages to have a soothing journey. During this month, the weather is a bit cooler which allows the pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage easily, without getting heat strokes. Are you finding suitable travel deals? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to get customised travel bundles at a pocket-friendly rate. Having more than a decade long experience, we offer our customers a wholesome trip.
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