Are you curious about Tawaf and its in-depth details? We know many of you might be confused, especially the new ones going on this holy journey for the first time. Many of you might have this question what is Tawaf in your mind we will surely be going to make it clear in this blog.  

Tawaf is one of the vital elements during Hajj and Umrah. Tawaf is derived from the Arabic word Taafa meaning to ‘walk around something’. Tawaf’s meaning is that we need to perform 7 anti-clock circles around Kaaba. Have a look at the following Hadith:

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الطَّوَافُ حَوْلَ الْبَيْتِ مِثْلُ الصَّلَاةِ إِلَّا أَنَّكُمْ تَتَكَلَّمُونَ فِيهِ فَمَنْ تَكَلَّمَ فِيهِ فَلَا يَتَكَلَّمَنَّ إِلَّا بِخَيْرٍ قال الترمذي وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ أَكْثَرِ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ يَسْتَحِبُّونَ أَنْ لَا يَتَكَلَّمَ الرَّجُلُ فِي الطَّوَافِ إِلَّا لِحَاجَةٍ أَوْ يَذْكُرُ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى أَوْ مِنْ الْعِلْمِ  

سنن الترمذي كتاب الحج باب ما جاء في الكلام في الطواف 960 

المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح الترمذي 960

                                                                         Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 960

We will try our best to let you know all of its aspects. And it will be for the new ones and those who have done this. You will have step-by-step guidance to more in-depth details about what is Tawaf.

History Of Tawaf 

Tawaf was performed even before Islam but in a completely different way. People were performing Tawaf with naked bodies. Their beliefs differed from their ancestors. Their sins had made their clothes dirty, so they removed them. Men were ordered to perform during the daytime, and women were allowed to perform during the night. You also need to have a complete detail about what is Tawaf so you can enjoy this blissful journey. 

Later on, when Islam came into being, then, it was ordered to maintain cleanliness. The private parts should be covered while performing Umrah. Our Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) ordered that no Pagan and naked person be allowed to perform Hajj or Tawaf.

           يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

That’s how the way to perform was completely changed and then kept on following the same. And now, whenever we go for Hajj or Umrah, we must perform Tawaf.

What is Tawaf in Islam? Importance of Tawaf During Umrah

All those who are already done with Hajj and Umrah are very familiar with the importance of this ritual. The central concern behind Umrah is to bring all Muslims on one platform. And to give a message to the world that there is only one God to follow, Allah Almighty.

Our Muslims believe that by performing these Tawaf, we can get rid of all our sins and purify our souls. If you are financially stable, you must go for Hajj and Umrah. Now, let’s explore the types of Tawaf.

Types of Tawaf 

There are different types of Tawaf based on the various occasions of Hajj and Umrah. Following are the three main types:  

  • Tawaf Al-Qudum: The pilgrims perform this Tawaf at the arrival of Kaaba. 
  • Tawaf Al-Ifadah: This is the most important one performed at Hajj between the 10th Dhul Hijjah. All of the pilgrims perform this after having the dress called Ihram.
  • Tawaf Al-Wada’a:  This is considered the last Tawaf of Hajj. All of the Hajji’s perform this to conclude the last act of Hajj.

Principles of Tawaf: 

You must remember specific rules and regulations while performing Tawaf.

  • First, you must clear your Niyyah to perform Tawaf 
  • You need to start it with a Black Stone
  • You need to complete 7 rounds around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.
  • All Muslims need to perform the Witrs prayer during Tawaf as tawaf prayers
  • Kissing black stone will be blissful for you. But you can touch it if the crowd is a bit high.
  • And if you can’t reach that stone even after much effort. You can simply raise your hand towards the black stone and say, Allahu Akbar. 

Proper Way to Perform Tawaf  

There are different steps you need to follow. If you aren’t familiar with them, you can simply learn them and know what is Tawaf. That’s also the main reason to explain all these steps so you can better understand. 

  • First, you must ensure that your heart and soul are in the state to perform Umrah.
  • You must ensure that you start your Tawaf from Al-Hajar al-Aswad 
  • Must cover your right arm and keep Kaaba on your left side. Your movement should be anti-clockwise.
  • You need to raise your hand during Tawaf towards Black Stone and recite dua for tawaf: 

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ, اللّهُ أكبر 

Bismillah, Allahu Akbar 

“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”

  • After reaching the Yemeni corner, you need to recite the following dua:
  • رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَة ً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَة ً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّار 

“Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in

the hereafter and save us from the punishment

of the Hellfire. And grant us Paradise with the

righteous, O Mighty, O Forgiving.”

  • Keep on reciting until you reach Al-Hajar al-Aswad. You have now completed your first Tawaf. 

How Many Tawafs To Perform During Umrah?

There are three types of tawafs that we perform during Umrah. You need to perform seven Tawafs to complete the ritual. But make sure you have done all of the Tawafs as advised. 

What to Avoid During Tawaf? 

Moreover, several things must be avoided during Tawaf to improve the process. Have a look!

  • During Tawaf, you aren’t allowed to sell anything. Additionally, it seems Makruh. 
  • You can take your call unless it’s not about any business deal or worldly matters. 
  • All of the pilgrims must have Ihram while performing Umrah. 
  • Do not perform Tawaf while being angry or hungry. 
  • You don’t need to recite the Quran and pray loudly so the rest of the people will get disturbed. 
  • You shouldn’t carry on Tawaf during namaz and khutba. 

So all of you need to follow the given instructions. Avoid all of these things which can distract you from your primary purpose. That’s how you make it more blissful for yourself. 

Conclusion 

After a deep analysis, we tried our best to compile all of the authentic information about Tawaf. We also did our best to let you understand what is Tawaf for your better understanding. As you have experienced while studying. We hope all of your concepts about Tawaf have been cleared now. And you are ready to make this journey more blissful. Stay tuned for more exciting and informative blogs.