Secrets of the Tawaf

Template:جعبه اطلاعات اعمالSecrets 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 Hajj rituals consider Tawaf to possess monotheistic, ethical, and mystical symbols and secrets.

Importance of Tawaf

Template:اصلیTawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in Masjid al-Haram and is one of the acts of Hajj and Umrah. The Quran refers to Tawaf in Surah al-Hajj. In prophetic narrations and traditions from the 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.

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.

Tawaf is considered akin to prayer and a movement towards closeness to God and detachment from all else, which purifies the heart and familiarizes the soul with God. 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. Circling the Kaaba also signifies love and affection for God and draws His special attention to the circumambulators.

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. In this journey, the pilgrim detaches their heart from reliance on people and trusts only in God, seeking repentance and purification from sins from Him. The collective harmony of the pilgrims creates a manifestation of empathy and unity, 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.

Symbols and Codes

In a mystical view, Tawaf symbolizes humanity's inner journey towards God, and each stage of it holds secrets. 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. By circling the Kaaba, humans become similar to the angels circumambulating the Throne. At the same time, it is noted that performing it in a group indicates that religion prefers social presence over isolation.

The Secret of the Number Seven in Tawaf Rounds

Tawaf consists of seven rounds in all Islamic schools of thought, and philosophical, interpretive, and mystical sources have provided numerous explanations for the secret of this number. Some consider it a sign of humanity's detachment from seven undesirable traits—vanity, arrogance, envy, greed, stinginess, anger, and lust—and their replacement with seven good virtues such as knowledge, wisdom, chastity, courage, justice, generosity, and humility.

Furthermore, the seven rounds of Tawaf allude to movement through the seven climes or the seven heavens, and bear similarities to the seven stages of prayer from standing (qiyam) to salutation (tashahhud). 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. 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.

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 al-Jamarat. This consistency is also observed with the order of creation: the Quran speaks of seven heavens and seven seas, Surah al-Fatiha is known as Sab' al-Mathani with its seven verses, and a week also has seven days. Thus, the number seven in Tawaf is a symbol of cosmic order and the connection of worship with the structure of creation.Template:مدرک

Ultimately, the seven rounds of Tawaf are understood to signify the completion of an act of worship, and in mystical sources, they also refer to the seven stages of spiritual journey and human ranks.

Beginning Tawaf from the Black Stone

Template:اصلیTemplate:اصلیIn narrations, the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is called "the Hand of God on Earth." Beginning Tawaf from it is considered a sign of entering the sacred precinct of the House of God and renewing the covenant with the Lord. Touching this stone is a covenant with God for the pilgrim not to stain themselves with sin again.

Conditions and Etiquettes

Template:اصلی Tawaf has certain etiquettes, including ghusl (ritual bath), humility, and entering the Mataf barefoot. Inner purity, presence of heart, and supplication are also considered among the etiquettes and prerequisites of Tawaf.

See Also

• Tawaf
• Salat al-Tawaf
• Secrets of Salat al-Tawaf

References

• Asrar-e Irfani-ye Hajj, Mohammad Taqi Fa'ali, Tehran, Mash'ar, 1386 SH.
• Bihar al-Anwar, Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi, edited by Muhammad Baqir Behbudi and others, Beirut, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1403 AH.
• Pish-amad-i bar Farhangnameh Asrar va Ma'arif-e Hajj, معاونت امور روحانیون (Deputy for Clerical Affairs), Tehran, Mash'ar, 1387 SH.
• Jur'ah-i az Sahba-ye Hajj, Abdullah Jawadi Amoli, Tehran, Mash'ar, 1386 SH.
• Al-Hajj wa al-Umrah fi al-Kitab wa al-Sunnah, Muhammad Muhammadi Reyshahri, Qom, Dar al-Hadith, 1376 SH.
• Darsnameh Manasik Hajj Mohammad Hossein Fallahzadeh, Tehran, Mash'ar, 1389 SH.
• Awali al-La'ali, Muhammad ibn Abi Jumhur, Qom, Sayyid al-Shuhada, 1362 SH.
• Al-Mahajjat al-Bayda, Fayz Kashani, Qom, Nashr Islami, 1417 AH.
• Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, Mirza Husayn Nuri, Qom, Mu'assasah Aal al-Bayt, 1408 AH.Template:پایانTemplate:Hajj and Umrah