Tawaf Al Ifadah: Obligations, Sunnah Practices and Common Mistakes
Hajj, the last pillar of Islam has a great importance in the eyes of Muslims. It is obligatory on every financially stable Muslim once in a lifetime. Hajj has a great spiritual importance and there are many rituals that the Muslims have to perform during Hajj pilgrimage. Below are the key rituals of Hajj:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sai
- Arafah
- Stoning the devil
- Eid ul Adha
- Tawaf al Ifadah
These are the that hold immense significance in Islam as these are the ways to connect to Allah SWT to seek forgiveness and renew their spiritual selves. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the last ritual Tawaf al Ifadah rules for the pilgrims to understand its importance in Islam during Hajj.
What is Tawaf-Al-Ifadah?
Tawaf Al Ifadah is one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj. It is performed on 10th Dhul Hijjah after returning from mina, performing Rami at Jamarat-Al-Aqabah, animal sacrifice and shaving or trimming of hair. It is an important pillar of Hajj and Hajj is incomplete without it. By Observing it’s rules, Sunnah and avoiding common mistakes can make this worship accepted by Allah.
How to perform Tawaf-Al-Ifadah?
It is performed by walking seven times around the Kaaba after returning from Mina. This act symbolises the spiritual purification.
Tawaf-Al-Ifadah Rules:
Here are some main rules of Tawaf-Al-Ifadah:
- Niyyah: The intention of the person should be clear to perform Tawaf-Al-Ifadah that it is the an obligatory pillar and is just for the sake of Allah (SWT).
- Seven rounds: The seven rounds around the Kaaba should be completed starting and ending at Hajr-al-Aswad in anti-clockwise direction.
- Purity: One must be in the state of wudu and must be free from any kind of impurity.
- Appropriate dressing: All men and women should be dressed appropriately according to the Islamic teachings.
- Proper time: The time for performing it is on 10th Dhul Hijjah after returning from mina, performing Rami, animal sacrifice and trimming hair and it is necessary to perform it in this specific time. It can also be performed any time before leaving Makkah in the days of Hajj.
Sunnah Practices of Tawaf:
Ibtida: During Tawaf the men should keep their left arm covered and the ihram must me placed under the right arm over the left shoulder.
Ramal: In the first three steps men should walk quickly and in rest of the steps they can walk normally.
Start with Takbir: Each round must be started facing the black stone while saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
Duas and Dhikr: Make duas and tasbih during the Tawaf and pray 2 rakahs after performing the seven rounds behind Maqam e Ibrahim.
Rukne Yamani: Touching the Rukn e Yamani is sunnah without kissing it and after completing the Tawaf drink Zamzam.
So, these were the Tawaf requirements for the pilgrims which they must keep in mind while performing the Hajj. If you go with approved hajj travel agents in Pakistan then they will provide a guided VIP Hajj experience with all the detailed information in the form of lessons before going to Hajj and during pilgrimage as well.
Common Mistakes in Tawaf:
Some common mistakes which are often committed by people while performing the Tawaf are described below:
Talking unnecessarily: The pilgrims must avoid the excessive unnecessary worldly conversations during the hajj because these conversations will distract them from the spirituality and make them far from their real purpose which is pleasing Allah.
Touching the Kaaba excessively: Most people touch the Kaaba excessively which is not appropriate. Rukn e Yamani and Hajr e aswad should only be touched.
Less or More Rounds: Sometimes people often miscount the rounds which results in less or more than seven rounds which will invalidate the Tawaf.
Pushing people: Pushing people and harming others is not right. The pilgrims should try not to discomfort or harm other people while performing Tawaf.
Ignoring wudu: Some people don’t take care of their purity or forget to maintain wudu which can make their hajj invalid.
Tawaf al Ifadah is a crucial ritual in Hajj pilgrimage and marks the completion of Hajj, therefore, it must be performed meticulously to achieve the reward and Allah’s forgiveness.