THE OBLIGATIONS IN TAWAAF

There are eight obligations to be fulfilled in Tawaaf:
First: It must be commenced at Hajar-ul-Aswad (The Black Stone) and as a matter of recommended caution the entire body of the pilgrim must pass in front of the entire Stone. It is recommended to stop a little distance from the Stone so that one is certain to be opposite to it 'and the extra distance will provide assurance of a proper start.

Second: Each round is completed at the Hajar-ul-Aswad and in the last round it is recommended to proceed a little further from the Stone so that the extra distance covered may provide assurance of its proper completion.

Third: At all times during the Tawaaf, the Holy Kaaba must be to the left of the pilgrim. If, in order to kiss a corner of the Holy Kaaba one faces it or because of great rush of the pilgrims, one becomes facing it or it is to one's back or right the distance covered in such pose will not be counted as part of Tawaaf. This rule is basic common sense as is also evident from the Tawaaf of the Holy Prophet (S.A.A.W.) when he did so riding. So there is no need for special effort to be made at the Hijr Ismail and at the corners.

Fourth: Hijr Ismail must be included in the Tawaaf, that is to say, the pilgrim must go round the Hijr without entering it or climbing its wall.

Fifth: One must circumambulate keeping clear of the Holy Kaaba and the projection from it known as Shadharwaan.

Sixth: One must circumambulate seven times continuously. Less than seven rounds will invalidate the Tawaaf and if more than seven rounds are made deliberately, the Tawaaf will be invalid too.

Seventh: The seven rounds must follow each other without considerable interruption between them.

Eighth: The Tawaaf must be performed by free movement of the pilgrim. If he was made to move by being pushed by the crowd the Tawaaf will not be acceptable.

It is generally well known about Tawaaf that it be performed between the Holy Kaaba and Maqame Ibrahim (a.s.) which is a distance of twenty six and a half arm lengths (=about 12 meters) and as one has to go round the wall of the Hijr Ismail, the distance there is reduced to six and a half arm lengths (=4.42 meters) but it is clear that if one moves outside this ambit it is acceptable particularly if one is unable to remain within the limits or it would cause him harm to do so. However, if possible, it is recommended to repeat the Tawaaf if one has moved outside the limits.