The tawaf or circumambulation in French, is one of the rituals that form part of the hajj or omra. It consists of circling the Kaaba. However, to help you understand, we will explain tawaf and its conditions in more detail...
The different types of tawaf...
There are several types of tawaf, some of which are compulsory:
The arrival circumambulation (tawaf al Qoudoum): It is performed by all those who come to Mecca to perform the hajj.
Tawaf al ifadah or ziyarah (visiting circumambulation): It must be performed by all pilgrims performing Hajj after the day of Arafat.
Tawaf al omra (the circumambulation of the omra) : It is one of the pillars that is obligatory in order to perform the Umrah.
The farewell circumambulation (tawaf al wada'): This is the last ritual before leaving Mecca for those who have performed the hajj.
The tawaf and its conditions during the hajj and omra...
First and foremost, most scholars believe that ritual purity is essential. In fact, they say that tawaf and its conditions are the same as those for prayer. However, it is permissible to speak during gravitation, which is not the case during prayer. In addition, it is strongly recommended to make invocations or read the Qoran...
It begins at the black stone, making sure that the Kaaba is on our left. You then walk to perform the 7 consecutive laps. It is absolutely necessary to start at the sacred stone and end at it. In addition, this rite must be performed inside the masjid al Haram for it to be valid.
The Prophet (blessings and salutations be upon him) said: "Whoever performs seven rounds of tawaf counting them and prays two units of prayer is like one who has freed a slave." (Reported by Ahmed and authenticated by Sheikh Albani in Sahih Targhib n°1139)
The tawaf and its conditions: from A to Z
It was reported that the Prophet (blessings and salutations be upon him) said: "Tawaf is like prayer except that it is permissible to speak while performing it. When you perform it, therefore, speak only good." (Reported by Ibnu Hibban, Ibn Khouzayma, Hakim, At-Tirmidhi, Al Bayhaqi, and authenticated by Sheikh Al Albani)
If this rite is considered to be prayer, then its conditions will be identical:
- First of all, you have to be a Muslim
- Then you have to be sane
- Then formulate the intention in your heart (niya)
- Of course, covering the 'awra (part of the body to be covered)
- Be in a state of ritual purity
- And finally, wear pure clothes
How to perform tawaf?
- It must comprise seven complete rounds
- These must be consecutive (unless there is a valid excuse)
- It must be done on foot if you are able to do so.
- Carrying it out in the masjid al Haram
- Begin the ritual at the Black Stone and end at this one
- The Sacred House must be on our left
