The Tawaf prayer is one of the obligatory acts of Hajj and Umrah. It consists of two rak'ahs, similar to the Fajr prayer, and is performed after completing the Tawaf, behind the Maqam Ibrahim. The only difference between the Tawaf prayer for men and women is in the intention. Stay with Saadnews for more.
Tawaf prayer is a two rak'ah obligatory prayer that must be performed after Tawaf of the Kaaba with the intention of Tawaf prayer, behind the Maqam Ibrahim (PBUH). This prayer is similar to the Fajr prayer but does not include the call to prayer (adhan) or the iqama. Any doubt in the Tawaf prayer is treated the same as doubt in any other obligatory two-rak'ah prayer.
In the first rak'ah, it is recommended to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, and in the second rak'ah, Surah Al-Kafirun. The Tawaf prayer should be performed at the Masjid al-Haram, behind the Maqam Ibrahim (PBUH), with the Maqam Ibrahim positioned between the worshiper and the Kaaba. If the Masjid al-Haram is not crowded and there is no disturbance to others, it is better to stand as close as possible. Some scholars say that it is acceptable to pray on either side of the Maqam or near it.
If it is not possible to pray behind the Maqam due to crowding, the person should stand as close as possible to the Maqam, and if that is not feasible, they can pray in the nearest possible location near the Maqam, with the precaution that if a person is stuck between a distant location behind the Maqam and a closer position on either side, they should pray as close as possible and, if possible, later repeat the prayer behind the Maqam. Tawaf prayer must be performed correctly, as with any other obligatory prayer, and if not done properly, it should be repeated.
The obligatory Tawaf prayer must be performed behind the Maqam Ibrahim and in its vicinity, without causing disturbance to other people performing Tawaf. There is a difference of opinion regarding those who perform Tawaf on the second floor but can pray in the courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram and behind the Maqam Ibrahim. The recommended Tawaf prayer can be performed anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.
How is Tawaf prayer performed?
After each obligatory Tawaf, two rak'ah of Tawaf prayer must be performed, similar to the Fajr prayer, and men do not need to recite the Al-Fatiha and Surah aloud. The intention for this prayer is related to the Tawaf: after the Tawaf of Ziyarah, the intention should be for the prayer of Tawaf Ziyarah, and after the Tawaf of Nisa, the intention should be for the prayer of Tawaf Nisa. There should not be a delay between Tawaf and prayer.
Rulings on doubt in Tawaf prayer:
Doubt in Tawaf prayer is treated the same as doubt in other obligatory two-rak'ah prayers, like the Fajr prayer. The rulings for doubt are as follows:
Doubt in the number of rak'ahs: If one doubts the number of rak'ahs, the prayer is invalid.
Doubt in parts of the prayer: If one doubts a part of the prayer, such as the prostration or the tashahhud, there are two possibilities:
If one doubts in performing that part and has not yet moved on to the next part, they should perform the part they are doubtful about. If they have passed that part, they should ignore their doubt, and the prayer remains valid.
If one doubts the validity of a part, meaning they are unsure if it was performed correctly, they should ignore their doubt, and the prayer remains valid.
Doubt after completing the prayer: If doubt arises after completing the Tawaf prayer, no matter what the doubt is, it is disregarded, and the prayer is considered valid.
Rulings on Tawaf prayer:
As a precaution, the Tawaf prayer should be performed immediately after the Tawaf, with no noticeable delay between them according to common practice.
Performing the Tawaf prayer in congregation is permissible, and one can follow someone else who is also performing the obligatory Tawaf prayer.
Anyone who intentionally neglects the Tawaf prayer, knowing its obligation, their Hajj is invalid, according to precautionary measures.
If someone forgets to perform the Tawaf prayer and remembers it after performing other rituals (such as Sa'i), they should perform it again, and repeating those rituals is not obligatory, although it is preferred.
If the person remembers during Sa'i, they should stop, perform the Tawaf prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim, then return and continue from where they left off in Sa'i.
Not knowing the ruling is treated the same as forgetting, and it does not matter whether they were negligent in their ignorance or not.
According to Ayatollah Bahjat, if someone unknowingly performs the Tawaf prayer outside the Maqam, they should perform the prayer at the Maqam. If it is not possible, for example, if they have already returned from Hajj, they should perform it where they are, and as a precaution, they should send a representative to pray near the Maqam.
