Types of tawaaf /circumambulation !

What is Tawaf?
Tawaf is the seven times circumambulation of Khana Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction. After finishing Tawaf ,two rakat salah nafal has to be prayed ( possibly at maqame Ibrahim).It is integral part of Hajj and Umrah.

How is Tawaf performed?

• Ablution (vudu) is essential for tawaf. Reciting of Talbiayah is stopped when you reach black stone ( hajar -e- aswad), the starting point of tawaf

• Make Niyyah for tawaf without raising your hands.
• Move counterclockwise around Kabbah .
• Each circuit is completed  when you return to black stone  and perform Istilam(kissing , touch or pointing to the Stone).
• On completing of seven circuits , continue to move counter -clockwise until you reach your point of exit.

How many types of tawaf are there?

There are five types of tawaf generally:

1. Tawaf al-Qudum: (also called tawaf al- tahiyyah)It is performed by those coming from outside of Makkah for any reason, whether for Umrah , Hajj , business or just for a visit. This tawaf is sunnah for those living outside the boundaries of Meeqat. It is similar to two rakkat of salat  performed as tahiyyat -al masjid (greeting of the mosque) . It is sunnah for those people who intend to perform Hajj e Ifrad or Hajj e Qiran.
2. Tawaf al-Ifada:(also called Tawaf al-ziyyarh)This tawaf is obligatory(fard).  It can be  performed from morning of  10th Zil-hajj to the sunset of  12th  Zil-hajj . After performing this tawaf pilgrim releases him or herself from Ihram.
3. Tawaf al-Widaa: It is bidding farewell to Makkah . This is wajib (for all types of Hajj.Tawaf al Wida is not a requirement for Umrah .Idealy it should be performed right befoe on departs from Makkah . Missing this tawaf mandates dam.No sai needs to be performed after this tawaf.
4. Tawaf al-Nafl:  It is devotional tawaf that can be performed any time.
5. Tawaf al-Umrah:This tawaf is an obligatory part of Umrah

Relationship between types of Hajj and Tawaf:
Three types of Hajj !

1. Hajj e Ifrad = Tawaf e ziyyarat + Tawaf e Wida
2. Hajj e Qiran= Tawaf e Umrah + Tawaf e ziyyarat+Tawaf e Wida 

3.Hajj e Tamatta = Tawaf e Umrah + Tawaf e ziyyarat  + Tawaf e Wida

Me: I have to submit all necessary documents by June 4 to my hajj operator. These documents include passport, pictures, vaccination record .etc. Lot of preparation is involvled for this spiritual journey of Hajj. May Allah help us all  in this regard.