Tawaf

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In Islamic context, Tawaf refers to the ritual of circumambulating the Ka'bah (the holiest building in Mecca) seven times during the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Muslims walk around the Ka'bah in a counter-clockwise direction three times at a hurried pace, followed by four times, more closely, at a leisurely pace.

The circling demonstrates the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony together around their central shrine, each reciting an individual verse of the Qur'an.

At the end of the circling, Muslims go to the Station of Ibrahim to pray two rak'ahs.

The tawaf symbolises the seven times Muhammad circled the Kaaba hundreds of years ago.

[edit] Types of Tawaf

There are several types of tawaf that can be performed and they are distinguished thus:

Tawaf al-nisa is a second tawaf that is performed during Umrah. This type of tawaf is only recognised by Shia scholars.

Tawaf Qudoom (The 'Welcome tawaf')

Tawaf Tahiyah is the tawaf performed after entering the Masjid al-Haram and is mustahab

Tawaf Umrah refers to the tawaf performed specifically for Umrah.

Tawaf Widaa (The 'Farewell tawaf') is the tawaf performed before leaving Mecca.

Tawaf Ziyaarah/Ifadah (Tawaf al-Hajj)

[edit] See also

• Hajj
• Umrah

[edit] External links

• Hajj Leaflet
• The Hajj according to the Five Schools