Secrets of the Tawaf: Difference between revisions
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== Ethical Dimensions == | == Ethical Dimensions == | ||
Ethical and educational sources consider Tawaf as an exercise for cultivating spiritual values, reminding of the humility of servants before the | Ethical and educational sources consider Tawaf as an exercise for cultivating spiritual values, reminding of the humility of servants before the Divine majesty.<ref>Daneshnameh Hajj va Haramayn Sharifayn, vol. 6, pp. 372 and 373.</ref> In this journey, the pilgrim detaches their heart from reliance on people and trusts only in God,<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 360.</ref> seeking repentance and purification from sins from Him.<ref>Ilal al-Shara'i, vol. 2, p. 310; Kafi, vol. 4, p. 188.</ref> The collective harmony of the [[Hajji|pilgrims]] creates a manifestation of empathy and unity,<ref>Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, vol. 1, p. 206.</ref> and the vast crowd and their movement evoke the remembrance of the Day of Judgment and humanity's journey from this world to the hereafter.<ref>Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, vol. 1, p. 209.</ref> | ||
== Symbolism and Codes == | == Symbolism and Codes == | ||
In a mystical view, Tawaf symbolizes humanity's inner journey towards God, and each stage of it holds secrets.<ref>Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 191.</ref> It is said that the [[Kaaba]] is an extension of the [[Bayt al-Ma'mur]] and a representation of the Throne, and a proper Tawaf elevates the seeker to higher levels.<ref>Bihar, vol. 96, p. 57; Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 190.</ref> By circling the Kaaba, humans become similar to the angels circumambulating the Divine Throne.<ref>Zumar, 75.</ref><ref>Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 10, p. 172.</ref> At the same time, it is noted that performing it in a group indicates that religion prefers social presence over isolation.<ref>Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, vol. 1, p. 210.</ref> | In a mystical view, Tawaf symbolizes humanity's inner journey towards God, and each stage of it holds secrets.<ref>Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 191.</ref> It is said that the [[Kaaba]] is an extension of the [[Bayt al-Ma'mur]] and a representation of the Divine Throne, and a proper Tawaf elevates the seeker to higher levels.<ref>Bihar, vol. 96, p. 57; Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 190.</ref> By circling the Kaaba, humans become similar to the angels circumambulating the Divine Throne.<ref>Zumar, 75.</ref><ref>Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 10, p. 172.</ref> At the same time, it is noted that performing it in a group indicates that religion prefers social presence over isolation.<ref>Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, vol. 1, p. 210.</ref> | ||
=== The Secret of the Number Seven in Tawaf Rounds === | === The Secret of the Number Seven in Tawaf Rounds === | ||
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Furthermore, the seven rounds of Tawaf allude to movement through the seven climes or the seven heavens,<ref>Asrar al-Shari'ah, p. 243.</ref> and bear similarities to the seven stages of prayer from standing (qiyam) to salutation (tashahhud).<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 365.</ref> In some sources, this number is linked to the seven thousand years of distance between angels and God during their objection to the creation of humanity.<ref>Ilal al-Shara'i, vol. 2, p. 407.</ref> It is also said that each round of Tawaf reminds one of attaining one of the seven inner meanings (butun) of the Quran and its interpretations.<ref>Asrar al-Shari'ah, p. 240.</ref> | Furthermore, the seven rounds of Tawaf allude to movement through the seven climes or the seven heavens,<ref>Asrar al-Shari'ah, p. 243.</ref> and bear similarities to the seven stages of prayer from standing (qiyam) to salutation (tashahhud).<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 365.</ref> In some sources, this number is linked to the seven thousand years of distance between angels and God during their objection to the creation of humanity.<ref>Ilal al-Shara'i, vol. 2, p. 407.</ref> It is also said that each round of Tawaf reminds one of attaining one of the seven inner meanings (butun) of the Quran and its interpretations.<ref>Asrar al-Shari'ah, p. 240.</ref> | ||
The number seven in Tawaf is also consistent with other Hajj rituals, such as the seven rounds of [[Sa'i]] and the seven pebbles of [[Ramy|Ramy al-Jamarat]].<ref name=":4" /> This consistency is also observed with the order of creation: the Quran speaks of seven heavens<ref>Baqarah, 29.</ref> and seven seas,<ref>Luqman, 27.</ref> Surah al-Fatiha is known as Sab' al-Mathani with its seven verses, and a week also has seven days.<ref name=":4" /> Thus, the number seven in Tawaf is a symbol of cosmic order and the connection of worship with the structure of creation. | The number seven in Tawaf is also consistent with other Hajj rituals, such as the seven rounds of [[Sa'i]] and the seven pebbles of [[Ramy|Ramy al-Jamarat]].<ref name=":4" /> This consistency is also observed with the order of creation: the Quran speaks of seven heavens<ref>Baqarah, 29.</ref> and seven seas,<ref>Luqman, 27.</ref> Surah al-Fatiha is known as Sab' al-Mathani with its seven verses, and a week also has seven days.<ref name=":4" /> Thus, the number seven in Tawaf is a symbol of cosmic order and the connection of worship with the structure of creation. | ||
Ultimately, the seven rounds of Tawaf are understood to signify the completion of an act of worship,<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, pp. 370 and 371.</ref> and in mystical sources, they also refer to the seven stages of spiritual journey and human ranks.<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, pp. 366-370.</ref> | Ultimately, the seven rounds of Tawaf are understood to signify the completion of an act of worship,<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, pp. 370 and 371.</ref> and in mystical sources, they also refer to the seven stages of spiritual journey and human ranks.<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, pp. 366-370.</ref> | ||
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== Conditions and Etiquettes == | == Conditions and Etiquettes == | ||
{{Main|Etiquettes of Tawaf}} | {{Main|Etiquettes of Tawaf}} | ||
Tawaf has certain etiquettes, including ghusl (ritual bath), humility, and entering the [[Mataf]] barefoot.<ref name=":3">Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 371.</ref> [[ | Tawaf has certain etiquettes, including ghusl (ritual bath), humility, and entering the [[Mataf]] barefoot.<ref name=":3">Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 371.</ref> [[spiritual purity]],<ref>See: Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 217.</ref> [[Full presence before God]],<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 359.</ref> and [[supplication]]<ref name=":3" /> are also considered among the etiquettes and prerequisites of Tawaf. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||