Even if you haven’t performed Umrah or Hajj, you might have surely heard about Tawaf. It is one of the most significant rites of a pilgrimage, whether an obligatory or minor one. Tawaf is circling the holy Kaabah in an anti-clockwise direction.
Moreover, one Tawaf consists of seven circular rounds around the Kaabah in an anti-clockwise direction. These circular rounds start and end at the sacred Black Stone, the Hajr-e-Aswad. If you have finally booked some reliable Umrah packages, it is time to begin studying Tawaf, one of the most vital pillars of a pilgrimage.
Therefore, you must know how to perform it, various types of Tawaf and all the other relevant things. If you need adequate information, don't worry, we are here for you with everything you must know about Tawaf and its spiritual significance.
Spiritual Significance of Tawaf
Tawaf is the rite of pilgrimage responsible for bringing the pilgrim closer to the Almighty. Every pilgrimage is incomplete without the Tawaf, which is enough to explain its significance. The Tawaf is an exceptional example of unity among believers in Islam worldwide and the Almighty. Encircling the Kaabah doesn’t mean that the Muslims worship the Kaabah; it means that they worship the superior power who owns the Kaabah and this world.
If you have availed of Umrah packages 2023, you must know about the following interpretations that emphasise the importance of Tawaf.
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Al-Bayt-Al-Ma’mur
Many people do not know that pilgrims perform Tawaf with the angels continuously encircling the Al-Bayt-Al-Ma'mur, the heavenly counterpart of the sacred house of the Almighty. Therefore, when Muslims circle the Holy Kaabah, the angels circle the Al-Bayt-Al-Ma'mur.
Like the angels’ Tawaf, the Tawaf around Kaabah is also performed 24/7. Therefore, affiliation with the angels is enough privilege for Muslims.
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The motion of the Universe
The circular act of Tawaf is also a great representation of the orbiting motion of the universe or the heavenly bodies. Everything revolves around a central point, from the moon and sun to the tiniest particles and atoms in the universe. Even the atoms you can't see with your naked eye have a constant orbital motion.
Allah has set up this cosmic law of nature, and He is who controls everything. Thus, the holy Kaabah is the spiritual centre for Muslims, so they perform Tawaf around it. It is the spiritual axis where all Muslim compasses rotate. The Almighty has Himself rendered the holy Kaabah as the sacred house, which gives the believers a chance to encounter the Almighty Himself. The Tawaf around Kaabah always continues except for the five obligatory prayers representing worshipping one Supreme Being.
Types of Tawaf
Once you have booked your Umrah packages, you must gain enough knowledge about the multiple types of Tawaf. Even though they are performed at different times, they are all performed similarly.
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Tawaf Al-Qudum
This is the first greeting Tawaf that pilgrims perform on Hajj Al-Ifraad or Hajj Al Qiraan. If performing any of this Hajj, you must complete this Tawaf before the 9th Dhul Hijjah.
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Tawaf Al-Umrah
Pilgrims must perform Tawaf Al-Umrah if they are performing Umrah or Hajj Al-Tamattu.
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Tawaf Al-Ziyarah
Pilgrims offering obligatory Hajj perform Tawaf Al-Ziyarah or Tawaf Al-Ifadah performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
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Tawaf Al-Widah
Tamattu, Qiraan, and Ifrad Hajj pilgrims perform Tawaf Al-Widah after they have completed their Hajj and will be leaving the holy city of Makkah soon.
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Nafl Tawaf
Nafl Tawaf is a voluntary Tawaf that you can perform as many times as you want, whenever you want. Performing Nafl Tawafs in your free time is excellent for getting extra rewards.
FAQs
Why is performing Tawaf during Umrah necessary?
Tawaf is one of the most critical pillars of Umrah, and it is only possible to perform Umrah by performing Tawaf. It is a symbolic act of worship highly associated with the worship of angels representing unity between the Muslim nation and the Almighty.
What is the reward of performing Tawaf?
As said by the Holy Prophet (SAW0), the reward of performing a Tawaf is extensive. Approximately 120 mercies descend upon the holy Kaabah, of which 60 are for those performing Tawaf. While 40 are for the pilgrims or believers performing Salah. And 20 are limited for those who look at the sacred house of the Almighty.
Which Islamic travel agency UK provide reliable Umrah packages?
Hajj Umrah Hub is a well-known Islamic travel agency UK that has been serving UK citizens with the most affordable Umrah packages for decades. These Umrah packages 2023 include everything from the Umrah visa and flights to top-notch accommodations and other customisable services.
Conclusion
The spiritual significance of Tawaf during any pilgrimage cannot be put into words. Not only is this single rite important for the completion of the pilgrimage but has extensive rewards. Therefore, if you have booked Umrah packages for yourself and your family, it is time that you study the importance of Tawaf to make the most out of your time in the holy Kaabah.
