Definition and Types
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, beginning from the corner where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is located, and going around the Kaaba seven times. Each complete circuit around the Kaaba is called a “shawt,” and seven shawts make up one tawaf. The procedure for each tawaf is the same; the only difference lies in the intention.
Several Types of Tawaf:
- Tawaf al-Qudum: A recommended tawaf for those performing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran who come from outside Mecca.
- Tawaf al-Ziyarah: This is the obligatory tawaf for Hajj.
- Tawaf al-Wida: It is obligatory for those who come from outside Mecca.
- Tawaf al-Umrah: This is a required tawaf as part of performing Umrah.
- Tawaf al-Nazr: It is obligatory for those who made a vow (nazr) to perform it.
- Tawaf al-Tahiyyat al-Masjid: It is recommended to perform this tawaf whenever entering the Haram Mosque.
- Tawaf al-Nafilah: It is a voluntary tawaf that can be performed at any time.
Obligatory Acts of Tawaf
To ensure the validity of the tawaf, the following acts are obligatory. Failure to perform any of these would require a penalty.
- Being in a state of ritual purity (wudu or ghusl).
- Covering one’s private parts (satr al-awrah).
- Walking during tawaf unless there’s a valid excuse.
- Starting the tawaf from the Black Stone or its line.
- Keeping the Kaaba on the left side while circumambulating.
- Performing the tawaf outside the area of Hatim.
- Completing seven circuits (shawts).
- Performing a two-rak'ah prayer (Salat al-Tawaf) after completing the tawaf.
- Performing the Tawaf al-Ziyarah on the days of Eid al-Adha.
Important Note: If any of these obligatory acts are omitted, a penalty is required. However, if the tawaf is repeated correctly, the penalty is lifted.
