Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba. It is a lovely way to express a believer’s love for his God. He feels himself to be near his God. It is an important pillar of Islamic pilgrimages, Hajj and Umrah. It can also be performed without these pilgrimages to seek extra rewards and forgiveness from Allah. There are different types of Tawaf. You can learn every type, the importance, and the timing of Tawaf by reading this blog carefully.

Types of Tawaf and Their Explanation

If you are doing a worship, you must have the knowledge of it. Let’s know the types of Tawaf, their purposes, meanings and timings. Based on Hadith and Sunnah, there are five types of Tawaf. Every type of Tawaf has seven circuits, starting from Hajar e Aswad and ending at it. Each circuit is completed counterclockwise, and the Holy Kaaba should always be on the pilgrim’s left side.

Tawaf al-Qudum

Tawaf means “circumambulation,” and Qudum means arrival. Tawaf al-Qudum is an on-arrival Tawaf when a pilgrim arrives at Masjid al-Haram. It is not allowed to skip it without a valid reason. When people come for Hajj, they perform Tawaf al-Qudum, except those who come for Hajj al-Tamattu. It is like a greeting to the Holy Kaaba from the coming pilgrims.

Tawaf al-Ifada/Tawaf al-Ziyara

Ifada means “to rush forth,” and Ziyara means “to visit an honorable place.” Tawaf al-Ifada/Tawaf al-Ziyara is one of the most important pillars of Hajj. "Rush" refers to the large number of people returning from Mina and Arafat after performing other important rites of Hajj. It can be performed anytime from noon of 10th Dhul Hijjah to the end of Asr (prayer time) of 13th Dhul Hijjah. It is an obligatory ritual of Hajj, so Hajj will not be valid without it.

Note: After performing this Tawaf and Sa’i (if applicable), every Ihram restriction will be removed except for marital relations.

Tawaf al-Wada

"Wada" means “farewell.” It is a farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah. It is a sweet farewell to the Holy Kaaba and a completion of the sacred journey. It is compulsory for non-resident pilgrims. If someone skips it intentionally, “Dam” will be applied to him.

What is Dam if skipping Tawaf Al Wada?

Dam is applied to those pilgrims who have missed an obligation or intentionally violated a restriction of the Ihram state. Dam for missing Tawaf al-Wada can be the slaughter of an animal or charity, the equivalent amount in worth.

Note: Women experiencing menstruation or postnatal bleeding can skip this Tawaf. The dam will not be applied to them.

Tawaf al-Umrah

Obviously, the Tawaf Al Umrah is expressed by its name. This Tawaf is a necessary pillar and an obligatory duty of Umrah, which means Umrah isn’t valid without performing it. It is performed on arriving at the Masjid al-Haram.

Tawaf al-Nafl

Nafl means “a voluntary worship,” without being an obligatory ritual in Islam. Tawaf al-Nafl is a voluntary Tawaf that can be performed at any time of the year. It is a Sunnah, a way to express the love of a Muslim for Allah and a source of extra rewards and forgiveness for Muslims.

Manners of Tawaf

The following conditions and manners are important to know for better chances of acceptance for a Tawaf:

1. Tawaf should be performed in the state of Wudu (ablution).
2. It is important to keep in mind some things, such as Niyyah and the type of Tawaf you are performing. It differentiates that type from the other ones.
3. It is important to know which dress is applied to the ongoing Tawaf and that dress should be worn. Ihram or a normal one, the dress should be pure, clean and modest in the Islamic sense.
4. Start every circuit from Hajr-e-Aswad, while facing it and saying "Allahu Akbar" or "Bismillah."
5. Circulate counterclockwise, and the Kaaba should always be on your left during the Tawaf.
6. Tawaf should be performed outside the Kaaba and inside the Mataf (the particular area for Tawaf).
7. There’s no obligatory Dua for Tawaf, so you can spend this time in any type of Dhikr or asking for something from your God.

Common Mistakes to Avoid during Tawaf

Avoid these mistakes, or you may lose chances of acceptance of Tawaf:

1. Tawaf can’t be validated without Wudu. So be careful and maintain your wudu in the crowds.
2. Don’t push or fight anyone; it is forbidden in the state of Ihram, especially.
3. If the crowd density is higher, don’t harm anyone to kiss Hajar-e-Aswad. Just point your hands in its direction and say "Allahu Akbar" from a distance.
4. Don’t neglect the correct alignment with Hajar-e-Aswad every time you start and end a circuit.
5. Avoid social media and shooting yourself; it will not let you get involved spiritually.

Conclusion

Tawaf means the circumambulation of the Kaaba in Islam. There are five types of Tawaf. 1. Tawaf al-Qudum, 2. Tawaf al-Ifada/Tawaf al-Ziyara, 3. Tawaf al-Wada, 4. Tawaf al-Umrah and 5. Tawaf al-Nafl. Every type has a different purpose, time, and virtue. Each of them has 7 circumambulations, and every circuit starts and ends at Hajar-e-Aswad. Each circuit is counterclockwise, and the Kaaba should always be on the pilgrim’s left. May Allah accept your worship and give you the best reward for it.