Tawaf refers to the act of circumambulating the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Hajr-e-Aswad (the Black Stone).
Each round is complete when a person returns to the starting point. If possible, one should kiss or touch the Black Stone; if not, pointing towards it with the right hand while saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” is sufficient.
After completing seven circuits, pilgrims continue moving in the same direction to exit the Mataf area. Tawaf is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam and an essential ritual of Hajj and Umrah.
TYPES OF TAWAF
There are seven types of Tawaf, each with its own purpose and ruling:
1. Tawaf al-Qudoom (Arrival Tawaf)
This is a Sunnah Tawaf performed upon arrival in Makkah. It is also called the Welcome Tawaf. It is recommended for pilgrims performing Hajj Ifrad or Hajj Qiran who come from outside Makkah (Aafaaqi). It is not Sunnah for those performing Hajj Tamattu or Umrah, even if they are Aafaaqi.
Narrated by Aisha (RA):
“The first thing the Prophet (ﷺ) did on reaching Makkah was to perform ablution and then Tawaf of the Kaaba. That was not Umrah alone, but Hajj Qiran.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
2. Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Tawaf al-Rukn or Tawaf al-Hajj)
This is the obligatory Tawaf for every pilgrim performing Hajj. It must be performed between the 10th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. It is also called the Tawaf of Visit. If it is missed, Hajj becomes invalid.
3. Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)
This is the farewell Tawaf performed before leaving Makkah. It is wajib (mandatory) for all non-residents. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Let none of you leave Makkah before performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, as the last of Hajj rites.”
(Sahih Hadith)
4. Tawaf al-Nafl (Voluntary Tawaf)
This is an optional act of worship that can be performed at any time. It is more virtuous than optional (nafl) Salah, and pilgrims are encouraged to do it as much as possible during their stay in Makkah.
5. Tawaf al-Umrah
This Tawaf is a mandatory component of Umrah. It is performed as part of the Umrah rituals, and without it, the Umrah is incomplete.
6. Tawaf al-Nazr (Vowed Tawaf)
If a person makes a vow (nazr) that they will perform a Tawaf if Allah grants them a certain wish, then they must fulfill this vow by performing the Tawaf once their wish is granted.
7. Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (Greeting Tawaf)
This is a recommended (Mustahabb) Tawaf performed upon entering Masjid al-Haram. Just as a person offers two rak’ahs of prayer when entering a mosque, Tawaf al-Tahiyyah serves as a special way to greet the Sacred Mosque.
AFTER COMPLETING TAWAF
It is Sunnah to offer two rak’ahs of prayer behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim, if possible. If the area is too crowded, it can be performed anywhere within Masjid al-Haram.
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