The term ‘Tawaf’ is derived from the Arabic verb ‘Taafa’, which means ‘to encircle
something’ or ‘to walk around something’. In the Islamic context, Tawaf refers to
taking rounds or encircling the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction
as part of Umrah or Hajj, starting from Hajar Al-Aswad (the black stone). It is among
the most significant obligations of both Hajj and Umrah, without which the great and
minor pilgrimages would be incomplete. When performing Tawaf, pilgrims recite
Takbir and various other supplications based on the Sunnah of the Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH).
The Purpose of Tawaf
Tawaf is believed to be an essential part because it shows the unity of Allah’s believers
and servants from different parts of the world. These believers come to His home to
worship Him. They all worship their one God in unity and harmony and walk in rounds
together, showing Allah their firm trust in Him with their complete petition towards
him. It is many times misinterpreted that Muslims are there to worship the Kaaba. On
the contrary, Muslims are there to worship their one God in unity and harmony and
this is the real purpose of Tawaf.
The purpose of Tawaf is to represent the notion that our lives should revolve around
remembering and staying obedient to Allah Ta’ala. By performing Tawaf we are re-
enforcing the centrality of this spiritual focus in our life.

How to Perform the Tawaf
Once you’re in Mataf, observe Idtiba, the uncovering of the right shoulder, as per the practice of the Sunnah for Tawaf Al-Umrah. This can be easily done by passing the upper sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit and hanging it from your left shoulder. Keep your right shoulder uncovered throughout the Tawaf.
The starting point for Tawaf is at the corner of the Kaaba where Hajar Al-Aswad or the black stone is positioned. Stand facing the Kaaba with the black stone on your right side. This is where you’ll make the niyyah to perform Tawaf. Recite the following words to make the intention:
Bismillah, wa Allah Akbar, Allahumma imanan bika w tasdeqan bi kitabika wa wafaan bi a’ahdika wa attba’an li sunnati nabik Muhammad (Salallah Alaihi Wasallam).
Translation: I begin in the name of Allah; Allah is the greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, belief in Your book, in fulfillment of Your covenant, and the emulation of the Sunnah of Your Prophet (PBUH).
Begin your Tawaf by heading to your right so that the Kaaba is on your left. This way, you’ll be making the round in an anti-clockwise direction. Raml is another Sunnah practice that should be observed while performing Tawaf Al-Umrah. It refers to the practice of walking quickly, forcefully lifting the feet, and sticking out the chest. You should perform the first three rounds of your Tawaf in this manner then return to your normal walking state for the rest of the four rounds.
Perform your Tawaf with humbleness, keeping in view the greatness of the Kaaba. Avoid eating and drinking and talking unnecessarily about worldly things.

5 Different Types of Tawaf in Islam
We would like to take a moment to tell you a little about the different types of Tawaf in Islam before we conclude this article.
Tawaf Al-Ifada and Tawaf Al-Ziyarah
Tawaf Al-Ifada is performed on the day of the Festival of Sacrifice when one comes to Al-Masjid Al-Haram after performing waqfa in the Plain of Arafat. It is also called the circumambulation of visiting (Tawaf Al-Ziyarah).
It is not permissible to postpone Tawaf Al-Ifada without a legitimate excuse and without performing this Tawaf, the hajj will not be complete. Women who are menstruating can perform this Tawaf after their menses end.
Tawaf Al-Qudoom
Tawaf Al-Qudoom is the initial Tawaf carried out by the pilgrim upon entering Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. It is performed instead of Tahiyyat Al-Masjid (prayer of greeting the mosque).
The majority of scholars agree on it being sunnah for those coming from outside Mecca. According to the Maliki School, it is obligatory.
The time of Tawaf Al-Qudoom ends upon staying at ‘Arafat according to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi‘i schools and one of two opinions of the Hanbali School.
According to this opinion, the pilgrim entering Mecca after staying at ‘Arafat does not have to perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom, and no penalty is required for default according to all except the Maliki who require a blood sacrifice.

Tawaf Al-Wada’a
What is the Farewell Tawaf? Have you ever seen a honey bee circulating through flowers? Why are the moths attracted to the light? Philosophers explain these phenomena as honey bees and moths’ adoration of flowers and light. That is how Muslims love the Holy Kaaba, the nucleus of the Ummah, and yearn to circumambulate around it by performing Tawaf. Tawaf is an expression of true love from the heart of the believer towards his Creator. It is also an essential ritual of the Hajj and constitutes encircling the Kaaba seven times.
Tawaf Al-Umrah
Is the Tawaf that is carried out by those performing Umrah outside of the Hajj season and those who have the intention of performing Hajj Al-Tamattu. It is identical to Tawaf Al-Qudoom except for the intention that is made. During Tawaf Al-Umrah, Ihram is worn and Idtiba and Raml are observed.
Nafl Tawaf
Performing Tawaf is a Nafl act and it can be performed anytime without wearing an Ihram. Normally, people perform a Nafl Tawaf whenever they want in Masjed Al-Haram.
Perform Tawaf as much as you can, when you are in Makkah because this privilege cannot be gained anywhere in the world.

Al Kaaba represents the spiritual center of the globe, the spiritual axis around which believers rotate. Tawaf is performed as a form of submissiveness to Allah’s orders and for that one would gain great rewards.
Tawaf Umrah and Hajj are similar in most ways. It refers to the act of circumambulating the Holy Kaaba in Al Masjid Al-Haram in reverence to God. The importance of Tawaf can be judged by the fact that it connects you with Allah, reflects every orbiting matter in this universe, forms a necessary step in greater and minor pilgrimages, and more, and also symbolizes unity and equality as people from every corner of the world come together in one place irrespective of their status.
We believe that Allah Ta’ala possesses infinite wisdom, which is why He never orders anything unwise. every corner of the world comes together in one place irrespective of their status. We believe that Allah Ta’ala possesses infinite wisdom.
If you are interested in visiting Makkah and Madinah, you are welcome to join us on our next Umrah trip. Jerusalem will also be part of our trip.
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