Tawaf الطواف

Overview

Tawaf (طَوَاف) is the ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction within Masjid al-Haram. It is a central rite of both Hajj and Umrah, and an act of worship that may be performed at any time. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone.

Etymology

The word derives from the Arabic root ط-و-ف, meaning "to go around" or "to encircle." Classical lexicographers note that it conveys reverent encircling rather than mere walking around — a meaning preserved in the Quranic descriptions of angels circling the Throne of Allah.

Quranic references

Surah Al-Hajj 22:29 — 'And let them perform tawaf around the Ancient House.'

وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125 — 'And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer.' Surah Al-Hajj 22:26 — 'Purify My House for those who perform tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.' Surah Al-Imran 3:96 — 'Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah — blessed and a guidance for the worlds.'

Hadith and tradition

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Tawaf around the House is prayer, except that Allah has permitted speech during it. So whoever speaks, let him speak only good." — Jami at-Tirmidhi 960, graded Sahih by al-Albani

Umar ibn al-Khattab said to the Black Stone: "I know that you are a stone, you can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet ﷺ kissing you, I would not have kissed you" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1597, Sahih Muslim 1270). The Prophet ﷺ performed tawaf upon a camel during the Farewell Pilgrimage, touching the corner with a staff (Sahih Muslim 1272).

Significance

The believer's circling of the House mirrors the angels' circling of the heavenly Bayt al-Ma'mur described by the Prophet ﷺ. The first three circuits of the arrival tawaf are performed with a brisk pace called raml, recalling the Prophet's ﷺ display of strength to the Quraysh. After tawaf the pilgrim prays two units behind Maqam Ibrahim and drinks from Zamzam, before proceeding to sa'i. The rite expresses tawhid — the singular orientation of the heart to the One Lord.

See also

• The Kaaba
• The Black Stone
• Sa'i
• Hajj
• Umrah

References

1. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim, commentary on Surah Al-Hajj 22:26–29.
2. al-Tabari, Jami al-Bayan, on Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125.
3. al-Nawawi, al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Hajj.
4. Ibn al-Qayyim, Zad al-Ma'ad, chapter on the Prophet's ﷺ pilgrimage rites.