Tawaf al-Ifadah

What Does Tawaf al-Ifadah Mean in Detail?

Tawaf al-Ifadah holds a unique position among all the rites of Hajj: it is one of the indispensable pillars (arkan) that cannot be compensated for by a sacrifice or any other means. If a pilgrim fails to perform it, their Hajj remains incomplete regardless of all other rites performed. The Quran alludes to it: 'Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform tawaf of the Ancient House' (22:29). All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree on its obligatory status as a rukn. The tawaf is performed after the pilgrim descends from Mina to Makkah 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 pilgrim performs seven circuits of the Kaaba in the standard manner, followed by two rak'ah of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. If the pilgrim has not yet performed sa'i after Tawaf al-Qudum (the arrival tawaf), they must also perform sa'i after Tawaf al-Ifadah. Upon completing Tawaf al-Ifadah (and sa'i, if required), the pilgrim achieves al-tahallul al-thani (the second/complete release from ihram), meaning all restrictions of ihram 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 tawaf 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.