Tawaf is a significant part of the Umrah rituals. Umrah package with flights visitors to Makkah are required to do the Tawaf procedures and meet all of their requirements.
Meaning of Tawaf
Tawaf refers to the act of walking or circumambulating the Holy Kaabah seven times in a counterclockwise orientation. Therefore, we moved in such a way that the Holy Kaabah would remain on the pilgrims’ left.
The boundary of Tawaf
The perimeter of Masjid al-Haram is the sole place where pilgrims can legally perform tawaf. Keep in mind that as long as you are on Masjid-al-Haram property, your Tawaf is legitimate even if you cannot see the Holy Kaabah due to walls, pillars, or other obstructions.
Hateem or Hijr-Ismail, a little space close to the Holy Kaabah, is still an integral element of its structure, which is one of the most important considerations in this regard. This means that the pilgrims cannot walk past it during Tawaf. If not, then it doesn’t hold water.
Things to consider for Tawaf’s performance
- Tawaf must be performed in a state of purity.
- Pilgrims must have their awrah covered with appropriate clothing for Tawaf rituals.
- If your wudu is nullified while performing Tawaf, you are allowed to make an ablution again and then start Tawaf from the exact place where it was left off.
- Menstruating women or those going through post-natal bleeding are not allowed to perform Tawaf.
- Though it is recommended to complete Tawaf consecutively, one can take small breaks in between the rounds (if necessary).
- Tawaf can be performed voluntarily as well i.e., outside of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
- One can recite Holy Quran, read Duas and even make supplications while performing Tawaf.
Wearing shoes for Tawaf; permissible or not?
During the Tawaf ritual, pilgrims are not allowed to wear shoes out of respect for the sacred nature of Masjid-al-Haram. It is suggested that all pilgrims first achieve the cleanliness required for Tawaf, then dress appropriately for the Ibadah, and only then do Tawaf barefoot. Taking off one’s shoes before entering the Tawaf area is a symbolic gesture of respect and humility, since it acknowledges the fact that one is entering a sacred location.
As a result, visitors to the Masjid al-Haram will find designated locations equipped with shoe racks and/or storage spaces in which to leave their footwear. To access the Tawaf region, pilgrims can leave their shoes here.
Taking off your shoes before performing Tawaf has religious and cultural importance because it helps keep the area clean and sacred and upholds the long-standing traditions and customs connected to the rite.
Exceptions
Those who have compelling reasons to do so are the only ones permitted to wear shoes during Tawaf. For example, a medical condition that makes it uncomfortable to walk barefoot.
However, in these situations, it is recommended that pilgrims first consult with religious scholars who are well-versed in the answers to their specific questions.
Make sure your footwear is clean and free of any impurities if a scholar gives you permission to use them when doing Tawaf in accordance with Islamic laws and regulations expressed in Shariah. After that, you can go inside while still wearing it. Tawaf is a religious act of worship performed solely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. While it is required that you perform Tawaf barefoot, there are circumstances where an exception could be made. You can also perform Umrah but firstly you have to consult to the best Umrah Travel Agency UK. Consult religious academics for a more nuanced understanding of your circumstance, as their insights may differ.