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Haj & Umrah Packages

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka'bah)

Tawaf is a key rite of Umrah where pilgrims walk around the Ka'bah in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It involves making seven counterclockwise circuits with the Ka'bah on the left side. Key Points about Tawaf:

• Starting Point: Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Pilgrims may touch or gesture towards the Black Stone, saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
• Spiritual Act: Tawaf is an act of worship, demonstrating the believer’s devotion and submission to Allah. During Tawaf, pilgrims recite prayers, glorify Allah, or make personal supplications.
• Seven Circuits: You complete seven rounds around the Ka'bah, and this must be done in a state of purity (with ablution).

What is Iztaba ?

Iztaba is a specific action performed by men during Tawaf in Umrah. It involves exposing the right shoulder by passing the upper cloth of the Ihram under the right arm and draping it over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder uncovered.

When is Iztaba Done?

• Iztaba is done before starting Tawaf, particularly during Tawaf al-Umrah or the initial Tawaf when arriving in Mecca.
• After completing the Tawaf, the upper cloth is returned to its normal position, covering both shoulders.

Istilam is a specific rite performed during Tawaf in Umrah and Hajj. It involves the following steps:

• Move to the Right: Position yourself in front of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
• Kiss the Black Stone: If possible, kiss the Black Stone directly.

3. Alternative Actions:

• If kissing the stone is not feasible, use a stick to touch the Black Stone, then kiss the stick.
• If even that is not possible, hold your hands up towards the Black Stone with your palms facing it.

4.Recite the Dua: While holding your hands towards the Black Stone, say:

"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla Hil Hamd"

(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah).

5. Complete the Ritual:

Drop your hands down, then raise them again and point your palms towards the Black Stone. Kiss your hands if you can. This act of kissing the Black Stone or pointing towards it is known as Istilam. It is a symbolic gesture of respect and devotion, reflecting your connection to this sacred tradition.

Directio and Sequence

• Ensure you are starting the Tawaf in a counterclockwise direction, moving around the Ka'bah, with the Ka'bah on your left.
• You will complete seven rounds, starting and ending each round at the Black Stone.
• After performing Istilam (touching or gesturing towards the Black Stone), turn to your right and start moving counterclockwise around the Ka'bah
• As you perform Tawaf, keep the Ka'bah on your left side. You need to complete seven rounds, starting and finishing each round at the Black Stone.

Special Considerations:

During Tawaf, you might notice that the Black Stone, Rukn Yamani, and Multazam are sometimes treated with perfume. If this happens, avoid touching these areas while in Ihram, as it could result in a penalty (damm). Ramal is a specific practice performed by men during Tawaf in Umrah or Hajj. It involves walking briskly or with a slightly fast pace, with the shoulders slightly swaying. Here’s a brief overview:

Key Points about Ramal:

1. When to Perform Ramal:

o Ramal is done during the first three rounds of Tawaf. It is a Sunnah practice and is specific to men.

How to Perform Ramal:

Walk briskly with a slight, deliberate sway of the shoulders, indicating energy and enthusiasm in the worship.

Not for Women:

Women do not perform Ramal. They walk at a normal pace during Tawaf.

Recommended Supplications:

During Tawaf, pilgrims have the opportunity to make personal supplications (duas) and engage in acts of worship. There are no fixed supplications for Tawaf, but there are recommended ones and general guidelines for making duas "Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah

" If you don't remember these words, you may glorify Allah by repeatedly uttering:

• Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah)
• Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah)
• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said there are two kalimas that are easy to say but heavy on the scales on the Day of Judgment and are beloved by Allah.

• 1-“La Ilaha Illallah" (There is no god but Allah)
• "Subhan Allah Wabe Hamde hi Subhan Allah Hil Azeem" (Glory be to Allah and praise Him, Glory be to Allah the Most Great).

Rukn Yamani and Its Supplications

As you complete three corners of the Ka'bah, you will reach the fourth corner known as Rukn Yamani. Touch it with both hands or just your right hand if possible.

When moving between Rukn Yamani and Hajar-e-Aswad, you can recite this verse:

"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar" (Our Lord, give us good in this world, good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often recited this supplication. You will have completed the first circuit when you reach Hajar-e-Aswad.

Seven Circuits of Tawaf

• Starting the Second Round: At the Black Stone (Hajar-e-Aswad), start the second round by either kissing it or pointing towards it. Stand in front of the Black Stone, raise your hands to your ears with your palms facing it, and say: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah). Then kiss your palms and lower your hands.
• Completing the Rounds: Continue walking around the Ka'bah in the same counterclockwise direction as you did before. Complete a total of seven rounds.
• Ending Tawaf: After completing the seven rounds, perform Istilam again at the Black Stone, or point towards it for the eighth time. Say: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah). This step is recommended but not obligatory.
• Finishing Iztaba: If you were performing Iztaba (exposing your right shoulder), now cover both shoulders with the upper portion of the Ihram sheet. Women do not need to perform Iztaba.

What to Do at Maqam Ibrahim:

1. Performing Prayer:

After completing the seven circuits of Tawaf, it is customary to offer a two-unit prayer (Sunnah) near Maqam Ibrahim. This prayer is known as "Salat at Maqam Ibrahim".

Location:

Maqam Ibrahim is located near the Ka'bah, and there is a small glass enclosure containing the stone associated with the Prophet Ibrahim’s footprints.

Significance:

The site is significant because it commemorates the place where Prophet Ibrahim is believed to have stood while constructing the Ka'bah. It symbolizes his devotion and the foundational role of the Ka'bah.

How to Perform the Prayer:

After completing Tawaf, move to Maqam Ibrahim and pray two units of prayer. You can pray anywhere in the area but ideally close to Maqam Ibrahim, provided it does not obstruct the movement of other pilgrims.

Maqam Ibrahim is a sacred site near the Ka'bah where the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is believed to have stood while building the Ka'bah. After completing the seven rounds of Tawaf, it is customary to offer a two-unit prayer near Maqam Ibrahim. This site holds special significance as a symbol of Ibrahim's devotion and the Ka'bah's construction.