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{{ | {{Infobox acts | ||
| | | title = Secrets of Tawaf | ||
| | | image = حج1400.png | ||
| | | image_caption = | ||
| | | video = | ||
| | | video_caption = | ||
| | | category = Acts of [[Umrah]] and [[Hajj]] | ||
| | | related_to_rite = Hajj | ||
| | | location = [[Masjid al-Haram]] | ||
| | | time = In Umrah: The first act after entering [[Mecca]]; In Hajj: The twelfth day of Dhu al-Hijjah | ||
[[Hajj al-Tamattu]]: [[Ramy al-Jamarat]] | | previous_act = In Umrah: Ihram at Miqat [[Hajj al-Tamattu]]: [[Ramy al-Jamarat]] | ||
| | | next_act = In [[Umrah]] and Hajj al-Tamattu: [[Salat al-Tawaf]] ← [[Sa'i]] | ||
| | | ruling = | ||
| | | expiation = | ||
| | | jurisprudential_consequence = | ||
| | | reward = | ||
| | | related_etiquette = Ghusl, humility, and entering the Mataf barefoot | ||
| | | philosophy_and_mysteries = Resemblance to angels circumambulating the Throne - Human's detachment from seven undesirable traits | ||
| | | origin_and_history = | ||
| | | related_locations = [[Mataf]] | ||
| | | related_objects = | ||
| | | related_dhikr = | ||
| | | related_prayers = | ||
| | | related_jurisprudential_concepts = | ||
| | | related_jurisprudential_rulings = | ||
| | | marja_fatwa_page = [[Tawaf (Fatwas of Maraji')]] | ||
| | | see_also = [[Acts of Umrah al-Tamattu]]; [[Acts of Hajj al-Tamattu]] | ||
}}'''Secrets of Tawaf''' refers to the theological , 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. These teachings are collectively known as the "Secrets of Tawaf." Sources that discuss the secrets of the [[Acts of Hajj al-Tamattu|Hajj rituals]] consider Tawaf to reveal monotheistic, ethical, and mystical dimensions. | }} | ||
'''Secrets of Tawaf''' refers to the theological , 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. These teachings are collectively known as the "Secrets of Tawaf." Sources that discuss the secrets of the [[Acts of Hajj al-Tamattu|Hajj rituals]] consider Tawaf to reveal monotheistic, ethical, and mystical dimensions. | |||
== Importance of Tawaf == | == Importance of Tawaf == | ||
{{Main|Tawaf}}Tawaf is the act of [[Tawaf|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 | {{Main|Tawaf}}Tawaf is the act of [[Tawaf|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 divine mercy, forgiveness, and pleasure<ref>Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 4, p. 412, hadith 5.</ref> | ||
== | == Theological meanings of Tawaf == | ||
In the view of many exegetes and scholars, Tawaf is the practical manifestation of monotheism; a circular movement around a center that reminds believers | In the view of many exegetes and scholars, Tawaf is the practical manifestation of monotheism; a circular movement around a center that reminds believers that God alone is their ultimate 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 draws the soul closer to 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> | 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 draws the soul closer to 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 | == 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 | 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 == | ||