A Simple Guide for Hajj & Umrah Pilgrims
Tawaf is a beautiful and significant act of worship in Islam. It is performed by circling the Kaaba seven times, and different types of Tawaf are associated with Hajj, Umrah, and voluntary worship.
Understanding the purpose and ruling of each type can help pilgrims perform their worship with greater confidence and clarity.
Tawaf al-Qudum is the Tawaf of arrival, performed by pilgrims entering Makkah for Hajj, particularly those performing Hajj Qiran or Ifrad.
It is performed as a greeting to the Kaaba.
It is a Sunnah for eligible Hajj pilgrims.
It is performed after entering Masjid al-Haram.
Note: This Tawaf is not performed by someone coming to Makkah solely for Umrah.
Tawaf al-Umrah is the Tawaf performed as part of the Umrah ritual.
It is one of the essential rituals of Umrah.
It consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba.
It is followed by Sa’i between Safa and Marwah and then cutting or shaving the hair.
Remember: Tawaf is a fundamental part of Umrah and must be completed as required for the Umrah to be valid.
Tawaf al-Ifadah, also known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah, is one of the principal rituals of Hajj.
It is performed beginning on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah or afterward.
It is a required ritual of Hajj.
It holds a central place in completing the rites of Hajj.
Remember: This is the main Tawaf associated with the completion of the major Hajj rituals.
Tawaf al-Wada is the farewell Tawaf performed before leaving Makkah.
It is required for most Hajj pilgrims who are departing Makkah.
It serves as a final farewell to the Kaaba.
A separate Sa’i is not performed after Tawaf al-Wada.
Important: Women experiencing menstruation are excused from performing the Farewell Tawaf.
Nafl Tawaf is an optional Tawaf performed as an act of worship outside the specific Tawaf rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
It can be performed as additional worship while in Makkah.
Ihram is not required for voluntary Tawaf.
It may be performed more than once.
A beautiful opportunity: When you are in Makkah, voluntary Tawaf can be a meaningful way to spend time in worship and remembrance of Allah.
Important Tawaf Guidelines
Keep these basic points in mind when performing Tawaf:
Final Reminder
Knowing the different types of Tawaf makes it easier for pilgrims to understand what they are performing and why. Whether you are completing the rites of Umrah, performing Hajj, or engaging in voluntary worship, Tawaf is a profound act of devotion that brings a believer closer to Allah while standing at the sacred House.
May Allah accept the worship of every pilgrim and grant Muslims around the world the opportunity to visit His Sacred House. Ameen.
