After entering the sacred state of Ihram, the next essential step of Umrah is performing Tawaf. This is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, the most revered structure in Islam, located in the heart of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Tawaf is a deeply symbolic and spiritual act, demonstrating the centrality of Allah in a Muslim’s life and submission to His divine will. Below is a detailed explanation of the definition, procedures, and supplications for Tawaf.
Definition and Significance of Tawaf
Tawaf is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is performed in the presence of thousands of other pilgrims, all sharing the same devotion to Allah. Each circle around the Kaaba begins and ends at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone), located in one corner of the Kaaba.
The act of Tawaf has profound spiritual significance. As Muslims, we believe that everything in creation revolves around Allah. Just as the planets revolve around the sun and atoms around a nucleus, Tawaf symbolizes the believer’s complete submission and reliance on Allah, recognizing that He is the center of all existence.
The Kaaba is often referred to as the "House of Allah," and performing Tawaf around it is an act of worship that brings the pilgrim closer to the Creator. The unity of purpose, reflected in the synchronized movements of thousands of pilgrims, also serves as a powerful reminder of the brotherhood and equality of all Muslims.
Procedures of Performing Tawaf
Performing Tawaf is a precise ritual with specific steps. Below is a guide to the proper procedure:
Start at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone):
Tawaf begins at the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is located. It is Sunnah (recommended) to kiss or touch the Black Stone if possible. Due to the large crowds, many pilgrims signal toward the stone and say, "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) as they pass.
Make the Intention (Niyyah):
As with all acts of worship, Tawaf should be performed with a sincere intention. Silently make the intention in your heart to perform Tawaf solely for the sake of Allah, asking for His acceptance and blessings.
Begin Circumambulating the Kaaba:
Walk in a counterclockwise direction around the Kaaba. Men are recommended to walk at a brisk pace during the first three rounds (called Ramal), while the remaining four rounds can be completed at a normal pace. Women, children, and the elderly can maintain a steady pace throughout.
During each circuit, try to remain focused on your connection with Allah, avoiding distractions and idle talk.
Complete Seven Rounds:
Tawaf consists of seven complete circuits around the Kaaba. Each circuit starts and ends at the Black Stone. After completing one full round, you begin the next by again passing the Black Stone.
End Tawaf at the Black Stone:
After completing the seventh circuit, you conclude your Tawaf by facing the Black Stone once more. If possible, try to kiss or touch it again, or signal toward it as you did at the beginning.
Perform Two Units of Prayer (Sunnah of Tawaf):
After completing Tawaf, it is Sunnah to pray two units of prayer (raka'at) behind the Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim). If it is crowded near the Maqam, you can pray anywhere within the mosque. During these two units of prayer, it is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun in the first unit and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
Drink Zamzam Water:
Following your prayer, it is also Sunnah to drink from the sacred Zamzam water. There are water fountains throughout Masjid al-Haram, allowing pilgrims to easily access this blessed water, which has been flowing since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Proceed to Sa’i:
After completing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water, the next step in Umrah is Sa’i—the walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Before proceeding, you may wish to offer more supplications and prayers.
Supplications During Tawaf
While performing Tawaf, pilgrims are encouraged to remember Allah constantly through duas (supplications), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and recitation of the Quran. There are no specific supplications that must be recited during Tawaf, but the following are commonly recited phrases:
General Dhikr:
"SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar"
(Glory be to Allah, All praise is due to Allah, Allah is the Greatest)
This is a simple yet powerful phrase that can be repeated as you circumambulate the Kaaba, keeping your focus on the greatness of Allah.
Rabbana Atina:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, waqina ‘adhaban nar."
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)
This dua is from the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201) and is often recited during Tawaf, asking Allah for blessings in both this life and the Hereafter.
Personal Supplications:
Pilgrims are encouraged to make personal supplications based on their own needs, desires, and hopes. Tawaf is a time to open your heart to Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.
Supplication at the Multazam:
The area between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba is known as the Multazam, where supplications are highly recommended. This is a spot where many pilgrims make heartfelt prayers, asking Allah for acceptance and guidance.
Conclusion
Tawaf is a central and spiritually enriching part of the Umrah pilgrimage. Through its carefully structured procedures, from the Niyyah to the seven circuits around the Kaaba, pilgrims express their complete devotion and submission to Allah. The act of Tawaf represents not only a physical movement but also a symbolic journey of the soul, revolving entirely around the Creator. Through supplications, dhikr, and personal prayers, Tawaf allows believers to draw nearer to Allah and strengthen their faith during this sacred pilgrimage