Tawaaf is the ritual of walking around the Holy Kaaba seven times. This act of worship is mandatory for Muslims during Umrah and Hajj. Without Tawaaf, their pilgrimage becomes invalid. Worshippers perform this ritual to show their deviation to God Almighty. Tawaaf symbolises the unity of faith by the Muslims around the globe who came to the holy cities. It is done in a counter-clockwise direction as the heart is also located on the left side, indicating it is closer to Allah this way.
Pilgrims visit Mecca and Madina on various travel deals such as 4-star Umrah packages or Ramadan travel packages. With these bundles, their journey becomes more stress-free. First-time pilgrims often feel confused about the rituals of Umrah, resulting in making mistakes. This blog will answer common questions that people ask about Tawaaf. Having sound knowledge is important to perform the pilgrimage correctly. Let’s take a sneak peek into the queries:
Common Questions About Tawaaf
New Muslims and first-time travellers have a lot of questions in their minds regarding Umrah rituals like tawaaf. This section will delve deeply into those queries, answering them to guide you about the proper manner of performing this act of worship. Let’s understand:
- Tawaaf Without Wudu
One of the common questions that is asked by the Muslims is about the wudu for Tawaaf. Doing ablution is necessary for the pilgrims to pray in front of God Almighty. The act of making ablution makes the worshipper purified and refreshed to perform the prayers.
Just like regular prayers will remain unacceptable without wudu, Muslims must perform ablution in Tawaaf as well. Without wudu, a person cannot perform Tawaaf, as it is an act of worship that requires cleanliness and purity.
If the pilgrims lose their wudu during Tawaf, they must stop circling the Kaaba and perform ablution first. Moreover, if the Tawaaf was incomplete at the time of losing wudu, the pilgrim can resume from where they left off after performing wudu again. This ruling ensures that the act is performed purely and respectfully, maintaining its sacredness.
- Tawaaf Types
Another common question that pilgrims have about the type of Tawaaf. Most worshippers believe that there is only one form of this ritual. However, there are five types of Tawaaf, each having its own regulations.
Tawaaf al Qudum is performed by the Muslims upon arrival to Mecca before Hajj. Pilgrims who live outside the Miqat boundary will perform this act of worship on the 9th of Dhul Hajjah. This Arrival Tawaaf is a Sunnah and not compulsory. On the other hand, Tawaal Al Umrah (Umrah Tawaaf) and Tawaaf Al Ziyarah are obligatory ones. Without performing these rituals, Umrah and Hajj remain invalid.
As for Tawaal Al Wada (Farewell Tawaaf). Muslims will perform it during Hajj before leaving Mecca city. Pilgrims don’t need to wear Ihram for this ritual. Nalf Tawaaf is a voluntary act of worship that worshippers can perform at any time of the year. Similar to Farewell Tawaaf, you can perform it in regular clothes.
- Steps to Perform Tawaaf
One significant question is asked about the steps to perform the Tawaaf ritual. This query is mostly asked by first-time pilgrims who are unsure about the correct manner to perform this act of worship.
For this, worshippers must enter the state of Ihram in case they wish to perform Umrah or Hajj. They can wear Ihram on the specified Miqat points in the city. They must make intentions from the purity of their heart before the tawaaf. Reading your intention loudly is not allowed and must be done silently.
Pilgrims will begin their Tawaaf from the Black Stone area. The Saudi Government has installed a green light to guide the worshippers about the starting point. Muslims will circle the Kaaba seven times in total in an anti-clockwise direction.
After every circle, they must raise their hands towards the Black Stone. Pilgrims are supposed to recite the Quran, make duas or remember God during the tawaaf and should not indulge in any worldly affairs. After the completion of all rounds, they should pray two rakats of nafl prayers at Maqam Ibrahim.
In the case of Umrah, the worshippers will move towards the Safa and Marwa area to perform the ritual of Saii.
- Taking Breaks in Tawaaf
One more question is whether to take breaks during Tawaaf or not. Walking seven times can be tiresome for many people, especially for children and the elderly. They can perform this ritual on wheelchairs, which is permissible. Some Group Ramadan Umrah Packages assist such pilgrims to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
The answer depends on the reason for the break. If the pilgrim stops due to overcrowding, or other unavoidable circumstances, they can resume their Tawaaf from where they left off. However, unnecessary interruptions should be avoided to maintain the flow of worship. If a long gap occurs without a valid reason, it is recommended to start the Tawaaf again from the beginning.
- Ruling For Women
Women too, have some queries about the Tawaaf ritual. Some of the typical questions that female pilgrims must know the answers to include questions about Maharam, mensturation, and maintaining the veil.
Often, female pilgrims have this question as to whether or not they can perform Tawaaf during periods. While it is permissible for women to indulge in dhikr, make duas, and recite the Quran (as long as they don’t touch the verses with their fingers), Tawaaf is not allowed. They must wait until they are in a state of purity to perform this ritual.
Another concern females have is about their covering their faces. While some scholars might differ on this, it is a must for female pilgrims to perform Tawaaf without the veil. They should wear the headscarf to conceal their hair, but their faces must remain visible throughout the ritual. Also, their hands must be uncovered.
One more query women ask is about performing Tawaaf with Mahram. As per Islamic teachings, a woman must go outside with a mahram (brother, husband, son or father). However, the Saudi Government in collaboration with the scholars, permitted females to perform the ritual of Tawaaf without a male company. While there is no restriction on this, it is best to remain safe during peak seasons like Hajj or Ramadan.
Sum Up
This blog has discussed some of the common questions and their answers about the Tawaaf ritual. Knowing the answers will help you perform this act in a better manner, limiting the risk of making any errors. The Tawaaf can be performed during Umrah or Hajj or even at any time of the year.
Many Muslims travel to the holy cities to perform Umrah in Ramadan. This gives them the benefit of both the pilgrimage and fasting. They can book 4-star Umrah packages or all-inclusive Ramadan Umrah packages to make their smooth. Are you finding economical travel bundles? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to get customised travel packages at a budget-friendly price. With more than a decade long experience, we offer a hassle-free journey to our clients.
