Tawaf
Tawaf is a required step in Umrah and some types of Hajj. It essentially refers to honoring God by circumambulating the Holy Ka’abah in Masjid al-Haram. Tawaf is significant because it connects you to Allah, reflects every orbiting matter in this universe, is a necessary step in greater and lesser pilgrimage, and much more.
Tawaf is not difficult to perform, but make sure you understand the prerequisites, such as Ihram in certain types of Tawaf, purity requirements, and the dos and don’ts of the ritual. Tawafs are also of many types. Before performing Hajj or Umrah, make sure you understand the types that apply to you. If you are planning to perform Umrah this year, then check out Umrah package 2023.
What is the significance of Tawaf?
Tawaf is not only a worship practice but also an act of faith that brings the pilgrim closer to Allah. It exemplifies the unity of God’s believers and servants who come from all over the world to worship at His house. As previously stated, no Umrah or Hajj is complete unless Tawaf is performed. It is important to note that Muslims do not worship the Holy Ka’abah by encircling it. Instead, they worship Allah, the being who owns the Ka’abah.
What exactly is Sai?
The literal translation of Sa’ee is to run. It is a required part of Hajj and Umrah to run or walk back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Sa’ee is performed in honor of Hajar (AS), who died while looking for water to feed her thirsty infant Ismail (AS).
Why Do Muslims Practice Sa’ee?
The Islamic ritual of Sa’ee is performed to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) wife Hajar’s struggle (AS). In search of water to feed her thirsty son Prophet Ismail, she ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa (AS).
Tawaf during Hajj or Umrah is essential for focusing a Muslim’s mind on Allah’s power and oneness (SWT). However, the act of Sa’ee is performed to honor the memory and struggle of Hajar (AS) – how her supplications (Dua) were miraculously answered due to her unwavering reliance on Allah (SWT). Furthermore, the act of Sa’ee represents the ongoing challenges that Muslims face throughout their lives and teaches us to have Tawakkul (faith in Allah SWT and His plan for us).
What Is the Importance of Running Between Safa and Marwa?
Pilgrims run between the hills of Safa and Marwa to commemorate Hajar’s (AS) struggle and actions in search of water for her thirsty son Ismail, who ran and climbed seven times between the hills (AS). In other words, the Sa’ee – the act of running between Safa and Marwa – teaches Muslims the importance of patience, hope, and faith in Allah (SWT).
How to Carry Out Sa’ee?
It is Sunnah for Muslims to perform the act of Sa’ee immediately after Tawaf. If you are tired, however, you can rest in the pavilion and return when you have recovered your energy. Sa’ee begins with you performing the act of Istilam on Hajr al Aswad, followed by Wudhu. Then you’re told to do seven rounds between the Safa and Marwa hills. After completing the seven laps, return to Masjid al-Haram and pay two Rakats of Nafil Shukrana.
What Does Being in the State of Ihram Mean?
Ihram is a sacred state into which a Muslim pilgrim must enter in order to perform Hajj (major pilgrimage) or Umrah (minor pilgrimage). The term is also frequently used to describe the state in which a worshipper must be in order to perform salat five times a day.
It entails cleansing and purification of the body and spirit, as well as ceremonial rituals such as shaving the head, cutting nails, and trimming beards. Men wear a two-piece white seamless garment, while women wear long robes. Muslims must refrain from the following actions while in Ihram:
- Trimming one’s nails. It is excusable if done due to forgetfulness or ignorance of the prohibitions.
- Having sexual relations with one’s spouse.
- Shaving or removing hair on purpose.
- Applying perfume or scent to the body or clothing.
- Hunting or pursuing wild animals.
- Uprooting or cutting down trees that were not planted by man within the Grand Mosque’s boundaries.
- Taking lost or dropped items in Makkah without intending to return them to their owner.
- Committing any sins prohibited by Islam.
Why Is Ihram Required for Hajj?
The Ihram is a symbol of peace, harmony, and unity. Millions of Muslims dress in the same clothes to perform Hajj, with no one superior to the other. This fosters humility and harmony among the believers who have gathered at the Kabah for the sole purpose of worshipping Allah. All pilgrims are equal in Allah’s eyes, regardless of whether they are Arab or non-Arab. The identical attire represents equality between races, castes, or rich and poor.
What is the Significance of Ihram?
The significance of the Ihram is also reflected in the white sheet worn by pilgrims, which resembles the shroud used to wrap dead bodies before burial. So, with everybody dressed in the white sheets of the Ihram, they are reminded of how death comes unexpectedly and without regard for anyone. It also serves as a reminder to Muslims to be righteous and avoid the wrong path. This motivates believers to better themselves and refrain from sins and evil deeds.
The Ihram is intended to remind Muslims of their virtues and to assist them in improving and increasing their Emaan.
Conclusion:
Each Hajj and Umrah ritual has its own meaning, and those rituals teach pilgrims a lesson. Which, if they follow in their lives, will undoubtedly land them in Jannah on the Day of Judgment. All actions performed during Hajj or Umrah are performed to seek Allah’s mercy. However, they should praise Him, seek forgiveness, and ultimately serve their Lord in the best way possible. He is superior to the entire world and does not require our services. Indeed! He is the most generous and forgiving.
