Tawaf: Difference between revisions

'''Ṭawāf''' (Arabic:{{ia| الطواف}}) consists in seven turns of circumambulation around the [[Ka'ba]], which is one of the obligatory rituals of [[hajj]] and [['umra]]. Each turn of this circumambulation is called a "shawt". All kinds of hajj and 'umra have two tawafs: tawaf al-ziyarah (tawaf of pilgrimage) and [[tawaf al-nisa']] (tawaf of women), except [['umra al-tamattu']] that does not involve tawaf al-nisa'. When one does not wear [[ihram]], they can also practice [[Mustahab]] tawafs. After each tawaf, two [[rak'a]]s of [[prayer]]s should be performed behind [[Maqam Ibrahim (a)]].

Tawaf and some of its rulings are mentioned in the [[Quran]], [[Q 2|2]]:125,{{Enote|And [remember] when We made the House a place of reward for mankind and a sanctuary, [declaring], "Take the venue of prayer from Abraham's Station." We charged Abraham and Ishmael [with its upkeep, saying], " Purify My House for those who go around it, [for] those who make it a retreat and [for] those who bow and prostrate." ([[Q 2]]:125)}} and [[Q 22|22]]:26 and 29{{Enote|When We settled for Abraham the site of the House [saying], Do not ascribe any partners to Me, and purify My House for those who go around it, and those who stand [in it for prayer], and those who bow and prostrate.([[Q 22]]:26)}}{{Enote|Then let them do away with their untidiness, and fulfill their vows, and go around the Ancient House.([[Q 22]]:29)}}. These verses imply that tawaf was an old worship common in the period of the prophet [[Ibrahim (a)]].  

Many virtues have been attributed in [[hadiths]] to tawaf. [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] said: "God has put 120 mercies around the Ka'ba, 60 of which are specific to people who circumambulate around it, 40 for worshippers there, and 20 for those who look at the Ka'ba. The same hadith has been cited in [[Suuni]] sources as attributed to [[the Prophet (s)]]. Here are other virtues of tawaf:

# Tawaf al-ziyara

# [[Tawaf al-nisa]]

The latter is practiced in all types of hajj and 'umra, except [['umar al-tamattu']]. The difference between these kinds of tawaf is only with respect to one's intentions (the actions are the same).

Tawaf al-ziyara is an essential component of hajj and 'umra. Although tawaf al-nisa' is obligatory, the hajj or 'umra will not be invalid by refraining from doing it. However, one would not be permitted to have enjoyment with his wife unless he (or his representative) practices tawaf al-nisa' and its prayer.

Tawaf al-ziyara (Tawaf of pilgrimage) is an obligatory tawaf practiced in [[hajj]] and [['umra]] rituals. It is also called "al-tawaf al-awwal" (the first tawaf), "tawaf al-fard", "tawaf al-farida" (tawaf of obligation), and "tawaf al-rukn" (necessary tawaf). Here are some features of this tawaf:

* In [[al-'umra al-mufrada]], it is the second action practiced after [[ihram]] with ihram clothes. It can be done during the year, except the specific days of [[hajj]].

* In [['umra al-tamattu']], it is the second action done after ihram with ihram clothes. It should be done from [[Shawwal 1]] to [[Dhu l-Hijja 9]] (day of [['Arafa]]).

* In hajj, it is the 7th action done after [[halq]] or [[taqsir]] (shaving or shortening of hair and nails) on [[Dhu l-Hijja 10]] with migration from [[Mina]] to [[Mecca]]. It can also be done after the return from Mina ([[Dhu l-Hijja 12]]), but it is recommended to be done on the day of [['Arafa]]. This tawaf is done in clothes other than ihram, because after halq or taqsir, the pilgrim should take off his or her ihram clothes. This is called tawaf al-ziyara (tawaf of pilgrimage or visit) because after the practices of Mina on [[Eid al-Adha]], the pilgrim goes back to Mecca to visit the Ka'ba and practice tawaf, and then returns to Mina to practice the rest of the rituals. After this tawaf, it is permissible for the pilgrim to wear a perfume.

'''Tawaf al-Nisa''''

Tawaf al-nisa' and its prayer are the last actions in al-'umra al-mufrada and the last actions of Mecca in hajj. The tawaf is obligatory in hajj or 'umra, after which one will be permitted to have enjoyment with his wife. Like [[temporary marriage]], tawaf al-nisa' is specific to [[Shiite]]s. Sunni Muslims do not recognize it in hajj or 'umra.

In order to practice the tawaf, one needs to circumambulate around the [[Ka'ba]] with the intention of tawaf (tawaf al-ziyara, tawaf al-nisa', representative tawaf, recommended tawaf) seven times (seven shawts) counterclockwise.

Just like [[prayer]], one should have [[tahara]] during the tawaf, and no [[ghusl]] should be obligatory for the person. One's clothes should also be clean.

Men should be circumcised before the tawaf.

According to the former view, the confine of the tawaf around [[Hijr Isma'il]] is about 3 meters. When there is too much population for tawaf and it is difficult to practice it in this limited area, these scholars require that the shortest distance be observed.

Some [[Shiite]] and [[Sunni]] scholars of [[fiqh]] take this tawaf to be valid, and some people believe that if the constructions are higher than the ceiling of the Ka'ba, then it will be invalid. In 1394 S.H. (2015), it was reported that the second floor of Masjid al-Haram and the second floor of the metal construction in the courtyard are higher than the ceiling of the Ka'ba, while the first floor of the metal construction is lower than the ceiling.