Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj and Umrah. These sacred pilgrimages contain numerous beautiful religious rituals and ceremonies. Every practice has a tremendous spiritual significance and historical background. Similarly, Tawaf also has a great place in the hearts of millions of Muslims throughout the whole world. This fantastic ritual is the circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Also, this religious ceremony is the best way to represent your love and dedication to Allah (SWT). Consider this article’s complete description if you want to learn “The Ultimate Guide to Tawaf: Types, Rules, and Guides.”

Types of Tawaf

There are five different types of the circumambulation of the Kaaba. These types include the following:

1.   Tawaf al-Qudoom

Pilgrims who are arriving in Mecca for the annual pilgrimage perform this type of Tawaf. They complete this circumambulation after entering the state of Ihram. According to Islamic Sharia, it is mandatory to accomplish this circumambulation before the beginning of the 9^th of Dhul Hijjah.

2.   Tawaf al-Ifadah

Tawaf al-Ifadah is an essential ritual of the Hajj. Pilgrims complete this religious ritual on the 10^th of Dhul Hijjah after returning from Mina to Mecca. This circumambulation is commonly known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah. They should complete this circumambulation before getting out of their Ihram garments.

3.   Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)

Farewell Tawaf is the last ritual of the Hajj. Travellers accomplish this circumambulation after completing all the practices of the major pilgrimage. The residents of Mecca are exempt from performing this ritual. This circumambulation is mandatory for those travellers who travel to Mecca from outside the boundaries of the Miqat. Pilgrims should complete this fantastic form of worship before leaving Mecca.

4.   Tawaf al-Umrah

Pilgrims who are performing the Umrah accomplish this type of Tawaf. They perform it after entering the state of Ihram and before completing the Sa'i (running between the hills of Safa and Marwa).

5.   Nafl Tawaf

Pilgrims can perform this voluntary circumambulation at any time. Also, Muslims can complete this type of Tawaf without entering into the state of Ihram.

Rules and Guidelines for Tawaf

Pilgrims must follow different rules and guidelines when they circumambulate the Kaaba. These include:

·       Pilgrims must encircle the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction.

·       Tawaf must be started and ended at the Black Stone.

·       Each time you pass the Black Stone, you should kiss it or touch it with your hand and then point to it with your hand.

·       If you are unable to kiss or touch the Black Stone, you can point to it with your hand.

·       Pilgrims should make Dua (supplication) as they walk between the Black Stone and the Yemeni corner of the Kaaba.

·       Pilgrims should also make pray as they walk between the Yemeni corner of the Kaaba and the Iraqi corner of the Kaaba.

·       It would be best if you recited the Talbiyah as you walked between the Iraqi corner of the Kaaba and the Black Stone.

·       If you are performing Tawaf al-Umrah, you should pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Abraham) after completing the Tawaf.

Note: Accepting the recommendation of an Umrah guide in offering Family Umrah Packages by any agent may be the best choice if you are going to travel with family.

Tawaf for Women

Women perform circumambulation in the same way as men, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

·       Women should wear modest clothing that covers their entire body except for their face and hands.

·       Women should try to avoid performing Tawaf during their menstrual or Postpartum hemorrhage period.

·       If a woman is menstruating or experiencing post-partum bleeding, she may encircle the Kaaba after she has purified herself.

Tawaf is a sacred ritual that is performed by millions of Muslims worldwide each year. This ritual is the best way to show your love and devotion to Allah and to connect with the other pilgrims who are performing the Hajj and Umrah journeys. If you are planning to perform Tawaf, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines. You should also wear comfortable clothing and shoes and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.