To Muslims across the world, there is no better spiritual activity like the great Tawaf activity. The walk or the circumambulation around Kaaba in Mecca is one of the most holy rituals in Islam that every year attracts millions of pilgrims who want to get spiritual renewal and be close to Allah. Tawaf is a very profound ritual regardless of whether it is performed during Hajj, Umrah or as a singular act of worship that goes beyond the physical movements.
Tawaf involves more than being familiar with the steps that are undertaken. It is more a matter of understanding the spiritual nature of this practice, its historical context, and the change process it brings to its practitioners. To all those who intended to pay pilgrimage or those who are just interested in getting to know more about the rituals practiced by the Islamic religion, studying on Tawaf is something that would be of great help as far as the core of the Muslim worship is concerned.
Understanding the Meaning and Significance of Tawaf
Tawaf is a ritual of walking 7 times in a counter-clockwise manner around Kaaba, which is the cubic structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It derives its name and meaning from the Arabic word meaning to encircle or to walk around. The practice goes back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and has been carried out by Muslims for more than 1,400 years. If you’re planning to experience this sacred journey, consider booking with an Umrah Travel Agency from California for a guided and seamless pilgrimage experience.
Tawaf has multiple spiritual meanings. It is a representation of the unity of the believers in worshiping the One God since believers move in unison around the Kaaba. Their counter clockwise rotation is in accordance with the natural laws of the universe- the rotation of electrons around the atoms, and the rotation of the space bodies. Tawaf helps pilgrims to remember that they are a part of the creation of Allah, and the duty to live in accordance with the guidance of Allah.
In Tawaf pilgrims are in a state of deep spiritual concentration. Most are claiming that they experience a sense of tremendous calmness, modesty, and association with the international Muslim fraternity. The experience is not limited by the cultural-linguistic boundaries because all representatives of different parts of the world are united in this sacred act.
Types of Tawaf in Islamic Practice
According to the tradition of Islam, there are various types of Tawaf and each of them is justified by a purpose and time:
Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)
It is done by pilgrims when they flock into Mecca opening the Hajj. The pilgrim is a cordial ritual as s/he goes and sees the holy mosque..
Tawaf al-Ifadah (Obligatory Tawaf)
It is among the amazing Hajj practices that are held whenever the individual visits Arafat and spend some time in Muzdalifah. This is among the Hajj pillars that can never be forgotten.
Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
The last Tawaf is the Tawaf that occurs before the departure of Mecca and in form of saying goodbye to the holy city and Kaaba.
Tawaf al-Umrah
The primary Tawaf that is followed in the course of Umrah the minor pilgrimage that may be made any time of the year.
Tawaf al-Nafl (Voluntary Tawaf)
Other circuits were carried out not in accordance with the Hajj or Umrah demands but as a mere act of worship and to be closer to Allah.
Each of them has its spiritual charge and adds to the whole pilgrimage process.
How to Perform Tawaf: Step-by-Step Guide
Tawaf requires religious preparation and physiological preparation. The plan of action to help you understand how to do the same is detailed as follows:
Preparation and Intention
Pilgrims should be in ritual purity before they can commence Tawaf (wudu). Men are usually dressed in ihram (two white non-sewn clothes) and women wear simple clothing that is loose-fitting. The intention (niyyah) to perform Tawaf must be in the heart making it clear what kind of Tawaf you are performing.
Starting at the Black Stone
The practice of Tawaf will begin with the Black Rock (Hajar al-Aswad) which is enclosure in the eastern side of Kaaba too. The pilgrims will be touching and kissing the stone or imitating Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is not possible when among people and in such a case you must make your right hand point towards it and utter Alluhu Akbar (God is greatest).
The Seven Circuits
Pilgrims make seven complete circuits around Kaaba moving counterclockwise. The ritual can be done in the close vicinity of Kaaba, however, when the number of pilgrims increases, they might be requested to make their circles in the outer circles of the mosque. One circle is counted irrespective of the distance between the Kaaba.
Men are urged to do the first three circuits in a quick stride (called raml) keeping their right shoulder bare (idtiba), and the other four in a normal stride. Women walk their normal pace around all the seven circuits.
Prayers and Supplications
Tawaf does not need any formal prayers but pilgrims tend to repeat the verses of Quran, pray individually and perform dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Others have a habit of praying various things in every circuit, of also using this precious season to empty their hearts to their Creator.
Completing the Ritual
Upon completion of the seventh circuit, pilgrims are asked to go to the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) to pray two rak’ahs (units of prayer). They then go back to consume Zamzam water the blessed water, which is released through a well close to the Kaaba.
The Spiritual Experience of Tawaf
People who have experienced the Tawaf usually refer to it as an emotionally intense experience of their lives. The very fact of such a large number of people moving together, the view of the Kaaba and the burden of his feet on the same rank as thousands of prophets and believers stand in the past makes the atmosphere spiritual.
Numerous pilgrims say that they cease to care about their worldly anxieties in the course of Tawaf. The monotonous movement is meditative, making the opportunity to go deep into oneself and be in contact with Allah. Tears are uncontrolled, pilgrims utter sincere prayers, attempt to show repentance, and show their gratitude to have a chance to be in this holy territory.
This is enhanced by the variety of the crowd. There is no separation of the rich and the poor, the young and the old, or people of all races and nationalities side by side. This alive example of Islamic egalitarianism confirms the fact that all humans are equal in the eyes of Allah, with the only difference that they are differentiated through their righteousness and good performances.
Essentials on how to complete Tawaf
Choose Your Timing Wisely
As much as possible make Tawaf at a time when few are present e.g. at the end of the Fajr prayer, or during the night. This can also be chosen to have something more niche and less demanding.
Stay Hydrated
A visit of seven walkthroughs in a busy situation may be a boring one. Eat a lot of water before and after and enjoy Zamzam water stations that are distributed all over the mosque.
Be Patient and Courteous
There are huge congregation or masses especially during the Hajj season. Be patient, do not seduce and be good to other pilgrims.
Use a Wheelchair if Needed
Handicapped people should not be afraid of using wheelchairs or upper areas of the mosque that were not so crowded but also acceptable to complete Tawaf.
Protect Your Belongings
Keep a safe place depository of personal items. You can leave your treasures at the hotel safe or you can leave your money at a money belt.
Learn Basic Arabic Phrases
Although optional, it is good to know general supplications in Arabic so that you can experience this in a better way that you can track up with others.
Planning Your Pilgrimage with Crowne Travels
A pilgrimage to undertake the Tawaf is a big spiritual as well as a logistical task. The company Crowne Travels focuses on the production of smooth pilgrimage programs, managing the visa obtaining and booking a place to stay as well as organized tours and transportation. The years of experience of serving pilgrims, Crowne Travels is aware of the distinct needs of the pilgrims who are going to that sacred journey.
Their full packages will allow you to lay full focus on your spiritual goals as they handle the practical aspects of it. Whether staying at the luxurious hotels around Masjid al-Haram or having a learned guide who helps in improving your knowledge of every ritual, Crowne Travels is the one that will assist you to make your pilgrimage truly life changing.
The Lasting Impact of Tawaf
The impacts of Tawaf go way beyond the actual performance. Pilgrims usually come back home with a new faith, better understand of spirituality and more seriousness in living in accordance with Islamic principles. The recollections of circling the Kaaba turn into a source of strength when the situation is not so good and it reminds about the final aim of life.
A large number of people say that they become spiritually clean after Tawaf like they have committed their sins and they have been cleansed and they have been granted a renewed life. This spiritual and psychological re-setting may result in significant shifts of behavior, relations and priorities. The experience is an effective way to be reminded of what is actually important and to remind pilgrims that they are looking at the negative things about life.
Answering the Call to the Sacred House
Tawaf is a monument of the strength of faith and human desire to be connected with God. This antique ceremony still attracts millions of people due to its appeal to something primal in the human soul the necessity to submit oneself to the Creator, to repentance and to discover their place in the greater weft of life.
To the first time pilgrims, what is known about Tawaf will be a clue about the transformative effects that this pilgrimage can bring. Those who have already done it may remember that thinking about Tawaf may help to revive the spiritual spark that was lit in Mecca and trigger further development.
When it calls you to Tawaf, be it Hajj, Umrah or just so that you could experience this great activity of worship, the first thing to do is to do research, plan and prepare spiritually. Through the right advice of the knowledgeable ones such as the Crowne Travels and the heart that truly wants to do it you can go on a trip which will imprint your spiritual life in the coming years.
