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| Arabic | المَطَاف |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | ma-TAAF |
| Etymology | From the Arabic root ط-و-ف (t-w-f), meaning to go around or circumambulate. Mataf is the noun of place, meaning 'the place of Tawaf' or 'the place where circumambulation is performed.' |
Mataf(المَطَاف) The Mataf is the designated circumambulation area around the Kaaba where pilgrims perform Tawaf. It is the open, marble-floored courtyard immediately surrounding the Kaaba within Masjid al-Haram.
المَطَاف
The Mataf is the central feature of Masjid al-Haram, the open courtyard that encircles the Kaaba and provides the space for pilgrims to perform their seven circuits of Tawaf. The area is paved with specially treated white marble that remains cool despite extreme temperatures, allowing pilgrims to walk barefoot. The ground floor Mataf is the most prestigious level, closest to the Kaaba. Additional upper levels and a temporary Mataf structure have been added through Saudi expansions to increase capacity. The Mataf area includes several significant landmarks: the Hajar al-Aswad corner, the Maqam Ibrahim, the Zamzam well entrance, and the Multazam wall. During peak Hajj periods, the Mataf accommodates hundreds of thousands of pilgrims simultaneously, with flow managed by Saudi authorities. The current expansion project aims to further increase the Mataf capacity to serve the ever-growing number of pilgrims.
From the Arabic root ط-و-ف (t-w-f), meaning to go around or circumambulate. Mataf is the noun of place, meaning 'the place of Tawaf' or 'the place where circumambulation is performed.'
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