The term “Tawaf” originates from Arabic and can be linguistically interpreted as “to walk around” or “to encircle something”. This sacred ritual is necessary in both the minor pilgrimage (Umrah) and major pilgrimage (Hajj).
Tawaf in Islam means moving around the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. When performing Tawaf, each rotation begins and concludes at the Hajar-Aswad, also known as the Black Stone.
Moreover, there are more than one type of Tawaf. Keep reading to learn about the types of Tawaf.
Types of Tawaf
Tawaf Al-Qudum
Tawaf al-qudum, also known as the tawaf of arrival, for Hajj, is performed by pilgrims who have entered ihram for Hajj, as well as those who are doing Qiran by combining ‘Umrah and Hajj, once they reach the blessed Kaaba. It is important to note that this act holds significance as one of the obligatory duties or Sunnahs of Hajj, although there is varying opinions among scholars.
Aisha (RA) narrated, “The first thing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did on reaching Makkah, was the ablution and then he performed Tawaf of the Kaaba, and that was not Umrah (alone), (but Hajj-al-Qiran).” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Tawaf al-Umrah
Tawaf al-Umrah is one of the essential part or pillars of Umrah. Umrah is not complete without Tawaf al-Umrah. Pilgrims visiting Makkah with the intention to perform Hajj al-Tamattu or Umrah outside the Hajj season, engage in Tawaf al-Umrah.
Many Muslims residing outside of Saudi Arabia choose to partake in Hajj al-Tammattu, as it allows them to conveniently fulfill their desire to perform both Hajj and Umrah in one trip.
Tawaf al-Ifadah
Tawaf al-ifadah, known as the Tawaf al-Zayarah or Tawaf of visiting, is an important ritual during Hajj. This act needs to be performed after the standing in ‘Arafah, on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, following the completion of Qurbani (the ritual sacrifice of animals), as well as Halq and Taqsir (the act of either shaving the head or trimming the hair), and upon exiting the state of Ihram.
Tawaf al-Wida
Upon completion of the Hajj rituals and the decision to depart from Makkah al-Mukarramah, pilgrims are required to perform Tawaf al-wada’ (the farewell Tawaf). According to the more accurate of the two scholarly views, this act is obligatory for all pilgrims, with the exception of women experiencing menstruation or postnatal bleeding. Failing to fulfill this duty necessitates the sacrifice of an eligible animal, such as that which is valid for an udhiyah.
Nafl Tawaf
One can engage in Nafl Tawaf, also known as ‘Voluntary Tawaf’, at any given moment and as frequently as they want. It is common for individuals to perform Nafl Tawaf when they make a wish within the sacred premises of Masjid al-Haram.
Conclusion – Types of Tawaf
While there are many types of Tawaf, all of them are performed in the same manner. In order to complete your tawaf, you must perform seven circuits around the Kaaba. After this, if possible, offer two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim. However, if this is not feasible at that time, you can offer the prayer in any other area of the mosque that is convenient for you.
And Allah knows best.