Tawaf prayer is one of the obligatory prayers during Hajj and Umrah. It consists of two rak'ahs, similar to the Fajr prayer, and is performed after Tawaf, behind the Maqam Ibrahim. The only difference between the Tawaf prayer for men and women is in the intention. Stay with Saad News for more.
What is Tawaf Prayer?
Tawaf prayer is a two rak'ah obligatory prayer that must be offered after Tawaf of the Ka'bah with the intention of Tawaf prayer, behind Maqam Ibrahim (AS). This prayer is similar to the Fajr prayer, but it does not have Adhan or Iqama. Any doubt during Tawaf prayer follows the ruling of doubt in an obligatory two rak'ah prayer. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas in the first rak'ah and Surah Al-Kafirun in the second rak'ah.
Tawaf prayer should be offered behind Maqam Ibrahim (AS) within the mosque area, ensuring that the Maqam Ibrahim is between the worshiper and the Ka'bah. If the mosque is quiet and it does not disturb others, it is preferable to stand as close as possible. Some scholars state that offering the prayer near Maqam or on either side is also permissible. If due to crowding, one cannot pray on either side of the Maqam, they should try to stand as close as possible, or, if not possible, offer the prayer in the nearest available spot. If one can later find an opportunity to offer the prayer behind Maqam, it is recommended to do so.
Where should Tawaf Prayer be performed?
Tawaf prayer must be offered behind Maqam Ibrahim and near it without causing disturbance to others performing Tawaf. If someone is unable to pray due to a specific reason on the first or second floor, but can pray in the courtyards of the Haram behind Maqam Ibrahim, there are differing legal opinions. A voluntary Tawaf prayer can be offered anywhere within the Haram Mosque.
How is Tawaf Prayer performed?
After each obligatory Tawaf, two rak'ahs of Tawaf prayer are performed, similar to the Fajr prayer. Men do not need to recite aloud in this prayer. The intention for the prayer is linked to the type of Tawaf: after the Tawaf of Ziyarah, the intention should be for Tawaf Ziyarah prayer, and after the Tawaf of Nisa, the intention should be for Tawaf Nisa prayer. There should not be any delay between Tawaf and the prayer.
Rules for doubt during Tawaf Prayer:
Doubt during Tawaf prayer follows the rules of doubt in an obligatory two rak'ah prayer, such as Fajr:
Doubt in the number of rak'ahs: If there is doubt about the number of rak'ahs, the prayer is invalid.
Doubt in the actions: If there is doubt in any part of the prayer, such as in prostration or testimony:
If in doubt about performing an action and hasn't yet moved to the next part, they should complete it.
If in doubt about the validity of an action, they should disregard the doubt, and the prayer is valid.
Doubt after the prayer: If doubt arises after completing the prayer, it is ignored, and the prayer is sufficient.
Important rulings on Tawaf Prayer:
It is recommended to perform Tawaf prayer immediately after the Tawaf, ensuring there is no significant delay.
Performing Tawaf prayer in congregation is allowed, and a person may follow someone else who is also performing the obligatory Tawaf prayer.
If a person intentionally neglects Tawaf prayer, knowing its obligation, it is considered to invalidate their Hajj, as a precaution.
If Tawaf prayer is forgotten and remembered after other rituals (such as Sa'i), it should be performed immediately, and it is not obligatory to repeat the subsequent actions, though it is preferable.
In case of remembering Tawaf prayer during Sa'i, the individual should stop Sa'i, offer the Tawaf prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim, and then resume Sa'i from the point where it was interrupted.
If someone unknowingly offers the Tawaf prayer outside Maqam Ibrahim, they must offer it again near Maqam Ibrahim, and if not possible, offer it wherever they are and appoint a representative to perform it near Maqam Ibrahim.
Note about Ayatollah Bahjat's opinion:
According to Ayatollah Bahjat, if someone unknowingly performs Tawaf prayer away from the Maqam, they must perform it again near Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or appoint someone to do so on their behalf.
