Can I take break during tawaf?
Tawaf is a key Umrah and Hajj ritual. Tawaf comes from the Arabic word taafa meaning to saunter. Muslims circumambulate the Kaaba in tawaf. Seven anticlockwise circles. Umrah one of the most significant Islamic duties is performed in Makah by Muslims using Umrah packages. Umrah pilgrims do Tawaf after Ihram. Pilgrims say Takbir and other prayers.
Relevance of Tawaf
One of the most important Hajj and Umrah requirements is tawaf or making the seven Kabah circuits. It begins around one yard before the Black Stone and is easy to distinguish even when thousands of people are doing the tawaf due to the many markings such as the distinct flooring colours and the light on the wall opposite the Black Stone.
Reintroduce us to historical Islamic events
Tawaf follows Allah SWT Prophet Muhammad SAW example and reconnects us with Islamic practises. The Kaaba or home of Allah SWT commemorates Prophet Ibrahim AS and his son Ismail AS role in building it. When we start Tawaf from Hajra e Aswad we remember the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s erecting it.
The universe and Tawaf are in a circular motion
Tawaf symbolizes how the universe rotates around the Kaaba. The planet orbits the sun like the moon orbits the earth and every atom has an electron around its nucleus. As our spiritual center and Tawaf location the Kaaba shows that everything has a center.
Is it okay to break up Tawaf or Sai?
He must repeat tawaf and start over with an extended break like two hours. If the interruption was brief that fine. If a person is performing tawaf circumambulating the Kabah or sai between Safa and Marwah and has a need such as being thirsty and wanting to drink losing a family member and stopping to look for him or getting tired and wanting to rest he can resume his tawaf if the break was brief.
Can you relax in the tawaf and the sai?
The need to perform tawaf and sai sequentially governs the matter of taking a rest. Tawaf circling the Kaaba anticlockwise is a major travel ritual. Seven full loops start and end at the Hajar al Aswad in one Tawaf.
Tawaf is a Devotional Act
The pilgrim spiritual connection to God is enhanced by the Tawaf. Only one crucial Hajj and Umrah ceremony is not directly related to the Prophet Ibrahim AS old devotion. Tawaf importance has been established in many ways.
Raml during Tawaf
Crowds may make Raml difficult to perform. If so walk quickly or pause and look for gaps to do Raml correctly. To notice Raml in the second and third circuits remember to make it in the first but forget in the second. Makruh must start Raml with the fourth circuit if any of the first three rounds are skipped.
Remember that Raml is optional yet it a virtue. Therefore don’t observe Raml if you think you’ll harm others or can’t due to old age or illness.
Tawaf and Salah
Since Tawaf is continuous there should be no breaks. In the event of a congregational prayer you must rejoin the assembly and resume your Tawaf. No need to repeat the circuit. You can also use these principles to recite Wudhu.
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