Secrets of the Tawaf: Difference between revisions

}}'''Secrets of Tawaf''' refers to the philosophical, mystical, and esoteric meanings of the act of [[Tawaf]] around the [[Kaaba]]. Tawaf is one of the fundamental acts of [[Hajj]] and [[Umrah]], holding a prominent place in the [[Quran]] and Sunnah. Its various dimensions have been expounded upon in interpretive, hadith, and mystical sources. The collection of these teachings is known as the "Secrets of Tawaf." Sources that discuss the secrets of the [[Acts of Hajj al-Tamattu|Hajj rituals]] consider Tawaf to possess monotheistic, ethical, and mystical symbols and secrets.

{{اصلی|Tawaf}}Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the [[Kaaba]] seven times in [[Masjid al-Haram]] and is one of the acts of [[Hajj]] and [[Umrah]].<ref>Darsnameh Manasik Hajj, p. 33.</ref> The [[Quran]] refers to Tawaf in Surah al-Hajj.<ref>Hajj, 29.</ref> In prophetic narrations and traditions from the [[Ahl al-Bayt|Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.)]], the reward for Tawaf has been emphasized, and Tawaf is considered a means of God's pleasure, mercy, and forgiveness.<ref>Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 4, p. 412, hadith 5.</ref>

== Monotheistic Secrets of Tawaf ==

In the view of many exegetes and scholars, Tawaf is a manifestation of practical monotheism; a circular movement around a center that reminds believers of their singular destination, which is God.<ref name=":0">Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 190; Surah al-Anbiya, verse 97; Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, vol. 1, p. 207.</ref>

Tawaf is considered akin to prayer<ref name=":5">Awali al-La'ali, vol. 2, p. 167.</ref> and a movement towards closeness to God and detachment from all else, which purifies the heart and familiarizes the soul with God.<ref name=":2">Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 363.</ref> Its continuity is also a symbol of the servant's constant remembrance of God, and without this remembrance, the purpose of Tawaf is not achieved.<ref>Mahajjat al-Bayda, vol. 2, p. 350.</ref> Circling the [[Kaaba]] also signifies love and affection for God<ref>Hajj-e Maqbul, p. 114.</ref> and draws His special attention to the [[Tawaf|circumambulators]].<ref>Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 9, p. 376.</ref>

== Ethical Secrets ==

Ethical and educational sources consider Tawaf as an exercise for cultivating spiritual values, reminding of the humility of servants before the greatness of God.<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>

== Symbols 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 [[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 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.{{مدرک}}

{{اصلی|Hajar al-Aswad}}{{اصلی|Secrets of Hajar al-Aswad}}In narrations, the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is called "the Hand of God on Earth."<ref>Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 96, p. 220; Al-Hajj wa al-Umrah fi al-Kitab wa al-Sunnah, pp. 102-103.</ref> Beginning [[Tawaf]] from it is considered a sign of entering the sacred precinct of the [[Kaaba|House of God]] and renewing the covenant with the Lord. [[Istilam|Touching this stone]] is a covenant with God for the [[pilgrim]] not to stain themselves with sin again.<ref name=":1">Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 194.</ref>

{{اصلی|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> [[Inner purity]],<ref>See: Sahba-ye Hajj, p. 217.</ref> [[presence of heart]],<ref>Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, p. 359.</ref> and [[supplication]]<ref name=":3" /> are also considered among the etiquettes and prerequisites of Tawaf.

== Footnotes ==

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