তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah

What Does তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah Mean in Detail?

তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah holds a unique position among all the rites of হজ্জ: it is one of the indispensable pillars (arkan) that cannot be compensated for by a sacrifice or any other means. If a হাজী fails to perform it, their হজ্জ remains incomplete regardless of all other rites performed. The কুরআন alludes to it: 'Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform তাওয়াফ of the Ancient House' (22:29). All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree on its ওয়াজিব status as a rukn. The তাওয়াফ is performed after the হাজী descends from মিনা to মক্কা মুকাররমা on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Sacrifice), typically after the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah, the sacrifice, and the halq or taqsir — though the exact sequence is flexible according to most schools. The হাজী performs seven circuits of the কাবা শরীফ in the standard manner, followed by two rak'ah of সালাত behind Maqam Ibrahim. If the হাজী has not yet performed sa'i after তাওয়াফ al-Qudum (the arrival তাওয়াফ), they must also perform sa'i after তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah. Upon completing তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah (and sa'i, if required), the হাজী achieves al-tahallul al-thani (the second/complete release from ইহরাম), meaning all restrictions of ইহরাম are now fully lifted, including marital relations — which is the one restriction that remained after the first partial release (al-tahallul al-awwal) following the stoning and halq. While the preferred time for this তাওয়াফ is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, it may be delayed. The Hanafi school allows it until the end of the 12th without penalty; the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools permit it without any time limit, though delay without excuse is disliked. The Maliki school states it should ideally be done during the days of sacrifice.