Tawaf

Q 2: Tawaf (circumambulating the Ka`bah) is of many types. What are these types? What is the ruling on each?

A: There are many types of Tawaf of the Ka`bah including: Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj), also called Tawaful-Ziyarah (visit circumambulation). It takes place on the day of `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) or after it, after standing at `Arafah . It is one of the pillars of Hajj. Another type is Tawaf-ul-Qudum (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on arrival in Makkah). It is to be performed by both those intending to perform Ifrad Hajj (performing Hajj only) and those intending to perform Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) once they arrive at the Ka`bah. This type of Tawaf is Wajib (obligatory) [based on a speculative text, according to the Hanafi School of Jurisprudence] (Part No. 11; Page No. 224) among other Wajibs of Hajj or Sunnah (a commendable act) based on difference of scholars opinion regarding its ruling. A third type is the Tawaf of `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), which constitutes a pillar thereof without which `Umrah cannot be valid. A fourth type is Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah), which is to be performed after finishing all Hajj rituals and on heading out of Makkah. This type of Tawaf is Wajib according to the soundest of two opinions of scholars on everyone performing Hajj except for menstruating women and women at post-partum period. Accordingly, if someone does not perform it, he will have to slaughter a sacrificial animal in place of which an Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered on the days of `Eid-ul-Adha) may be sufficient. A fifth type is Tawaf in fulfillment of a vow to circumambulate the Ka`bah. Such a type of Tawaf is obligatory in order to fulfill one's vow. A sixth type is supererogatory Tawaf. However, any Tawaf of any type consists of seven rounds after which one performing Tawaf should offer a two-Rak`ah supererogatory Salah (Prayer) behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) if possible. However, if it is not possible, one may offer them elsewhere in the Masjid (mosque).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.