(16) Tawaf – Circumambulation
Pilgrimage (ḥajj) to Mecca is the fifth “pillar” of Islam, and one of the essential rites of this pilgrimage is the ṭawâf, the circumambulation of the Ka’ba, the House of God (see post 2 Bayt), the central shrine for Muslims. This circumambulation, walking round the Ka’ba seven times, is done anti-clockwise. It is performed at least twice, once at the beginning of the pilgrimage days and then at the end. While going round the pilgrims try to touch or kiss the Black Stone which is encrusted in the east corner of the Ka’ba. This Black Stone, which is thought to be a meteorite, is revered as a symbol of divine presence and of the eternal reward that God has promised those who believe in Him and obey his will. Pilgrims, as they salute it say: “In the Name of God who is the Greatest, to God be praise”, or they may recite a verse of the Qur’an: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire”(Q 2: 201).
The pilgrimage to Mecca is to be accomplished once in a lifetime, if one is physically and financially able to do so. It has to be carried out at the specific pilgrimage time, the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijja which is the last month of the lunar year. If it takes place at another time of the year it is called Umra, and considered a meritorious act but not one which fulfills one’s obligation.
A feature of the Ḥajj is its international character; Muslims from all over the world, perhaps as many as two million, converge in Mecca. Another feature is that the obligation is for both men and women; there is no separation of the sexes during the ṭawâf or the other prescribed rites
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