Tawaf

What Does Tawaf Mean in Detail?

Tawaf is one of the most visually striking and spiritually powerful acts of Islamic worship. The jamaah haji walks around the Kabah — the cubic structure at the center of Masjidil Haram in Mekkah — seven complete times in a counterclockwise direction, keeping the Kabah to their left. Each circuit (shawt) begins and ends at the Hajar Aswad (Hajar al-Aswad), which jamaah haji attempt to kiss, touch, or point toward with their right hand while saying 'Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.' There are several types of tawaf, each serving a different purpose within the ibadah haji rites. Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival tawaf) is performed upon first entering Mekkah. Tawaf al-Ifadah (also called Tawaf al-Ziyarah) is the wajib tawaf performed on the 10th of Dzulhijjah and is a pillar (rukun) of Haji — without it, the Haji is incomplete. Tawaf al-Wida (farewell tawaf) is performed before leaving Mekkah. For Umrah, the tawaf is also a rukun (pillar) and must be completed for the Umrah to be valid. During the first three circuits of certain tawafs, men are encouraged to practice raml — a brisk, shoulder-swaying walk — as Nabi Muhammad (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did. Men also practice idtiba, where the right shoulder is exposed by placing the ihram garment under the right arm. Pilgrims may recite any doa or dhikr during tawaf; there are no mandatory specific doa-doa for each circuit, though many scholars have compiled sunnah doa-doa. After completing seven circuits, the jamaah haji prays two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) and drinks Zamzam water.