Introduction
Muslims seeking spiritual fulfilment and a closer relationship with Allah place great importance on undertaking the holy pilgrimage of Umrah. Muslims are required to carry out a number of rituals during this journey, beginning with entering the state of Ihram and performing Tawaf, which involves encircling the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise, Saai, which involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, and finally trimming or cutting your hair (Taqseer or Halq). Many Muslims prefer all-inclusive Umrah packages since they don’t have to worry about making their own travel, lodging, or transportation arrangements, which is a common concern among Muslims worldwide.
What is Tawaf?
Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba, is a key component of both the Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimages. Tawaf is Arabic for “to circle” or “to walk around.” In Ihram, pilgrims conduct Wuzu, enter Mataaf (the vicinity of the Kaaba), and perform Niyyat. They face Hajre-Aswad, recite Takbir, and, if they are able to, kiss the stone after performing Niyyat. Then they perform a seven-time circumambulation of the Kaabah while reciting prayers, beginning and ending at Hajar-al-Aswad. Two Rakats and a Zamzam are recited by the pilgrims as they conclude Tawaf.
Can you touch Kaabah during Tawaf?
Yes, in a nutshell, but it’s not required.
The legitimacy of touching the Kaaba is a common concern for pilgrims while they are conducting Tawaf. It has been reported that the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. would only touch Hajre-Aswad and the Yemeni corner when performing Tawaf.
When Hazrat Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (A.s) touched the two northern corners of the Kaaba, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas warned him against doing so. He heard Muawiyah (A.s) say, “No part of the House should be disregarded. Indeed, you have a suitable model to follow in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad), according to Ibn Abbas [Al-Ahzab 33:21 – interpretation of the meaning]. The Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone are known as the “two Yemeni corners,” and I saw the Prophet (S.A.W) touching them.
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W said:
The tawaf is similar to a prayer, with the exception that God has permitted us to talk while it. Therefore, the speaker must only convey positive messages. As Tawaf is a duty and an act of devotion, we should approach it as such. We should complete the seven circles in a single motion without pausing to touch the Kaaba because the emphasis should be on spiritual connection rather than close contact.
Furthermore, because to the frequent crowds of pilgrims, it is not always possible to touch the Kaaba. However, you are welcome to touch the Black Stone or the Yemeni Corner if you can get close enough.
The conundrum of Kissing Hajar-al-Aswad during Tawaf
Numerous Muslims have kissed Hajar-al-Aswad in remembrance of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. If it were simple for him, he would kiss the Black Stone, or he would touch it with his hand and kiss his hand. But when it was packed, all he did was point at it and utter the words “Allah u Akbar.”
After kissing Hajar-al-Aswad, Hazrat Umar (A.s.) reportedly said, “I know that you are a stone, you do not cause benefit or harm; and if it were not for the fact that I had seen Allah’s Messenger – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – kiss you, I would never have kissed you.” This incident is related by Muslim (1268).
Etiquettes of Touching the Kaaba
It is important to follow basic etiquette guidelines that respect the holy place and prevent any damage if you decide to touch the Kaaba.
• Before touching the Kaaba, wash your hands.
• When the Kaaba and Multazam are covered in attar and scent, you shouldn’t do the ritual.
• Place your right hand on the Kaaba.
• Avoid putting any part of your body, including your feet, in contact with the Kaaba.
• Avoid shoving or pushing people when attempting to touch the Kaaba.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, and keep other pilgrims’ paths clear.
• If you are unable to touch the Black Stone, you can still say “Allahu Akbar” while pointing in the direction of it out of respect for the other pilgrims who are also attempting to touch the Kaaba.
Conclusion For Muslims, touching the Kaaba is a unique and powerful experience. Tawaf in the Umrah journey with the coordination of Umrah Travel Agency has a profound importance that pilgrims may only fully appreciate by adhering to the rules and focusing on their spiritual well-being.