In the teachings of Islam, Tawaf is included in the pillars of hajj and umrah. For that, Tawaf is also a valid condition for hajj and umrah. As we know, Tawaf is done by circling the Kaaba seven times the rotation. So, what does tawaf mean in hajj and umrah? What is the priority of Tawaf? Here is the review.
Meaning of Tawaf
Tawaf is the first formal worship performed by a servant of Allah Almighty for his Rabb. The tawaf activity began when the angel questioned Allah’s decision to create a newcomer named man. Allah also wants to make the creature named the man a caliph on Earth or al-ardh. This story is recorded in the following Qur’an surah al-Baqarah:
“Remember when your Lord said to the angels, “I am indeed going to make a caliph in the land.” They said, “Why would You make a caliphate on the earth who will do damage to it and shed blood while we always glorify You?” He said, “I know what you do not know.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 30)
Baca juga: Ini Dalil Perintah Berhaji dari Nabi Ibrahim dan Nabi Muhammad Saw Kepada Umat Muslim
Allah also confirmed to the angels that He is the only All-Knowing Being through His words. In one narration, it is mentioned that the angels realised they were guilty after questioning Allah Almighty. Regret for the impudence then made the angels circle the Throne of Allah Almighty (Arasy), begging for forgiveness.
Sometime later, Allah Almighty created a miniature ‘of Arasy named Bait al-Ma’mur, built under ‘Arash. There, the angels continue their devotion to Allah Almighty, followed by the planets in the universe. Bait al-Ma’mur or Baitul Makmur itself is the Kaaba for the inhabitants of the sky, just like the Kaaba on Earth as the centre of worship of the inhabitants of Earth. Allah Almighty mentions Baitul Makmur in the Qur’an Surat At-Thur, which reads:
And for the sake of Baitul Ma’mur, the raised roof (of heaven), and the sea in whose land there is fire, the doom of your Lord shall be done.” (QS. At-Tour: 4-7)
Baca juga: Baca Doa Ini Saat Melihat Ka’bah di Masjidil Haram, Hajat Insyaallah Qabul
Through the above surah, it is known that Allah made Bait al-Ma’mur His oath. Muslims believe that the creature that God made an oath is noble, which shows the majesty of its Creator, and only God can swear upon his creatures. Meanwhile, creatures such as humans, jinn, etc., are forbidden to swear to be directed other than to God. When anyone transgresses and knows the law, he is punished with disbelief and shirk.
Based on these events, it is known that tawaf is a way of worship that mimics the movement of angels around the throne of Alloh (‘Arash), and it turns out that all microcosmic beings in the universe also perform the same “tawaf”.
Tawaf means to go around. Shar’iyah, tawaf is the worship around the Kaaba located in the Grand Mosque seven times with the intention of tawaf because of Allah Almighty, as stated in the following Qur’anic verse:
“They should do tawaf around the old house (Baitullah),” (QS. Al-Hajj: 29)
Priority of Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah
Quoting the book “Miracles of the Kaaba” by Zainurrofieq, it is mentioned in a hadith that Allah sends 120 mercies to Baitullah every day. Sixty are for tawaf, 40 for people who pray, and 20 for people who only stare at the Kaaba.
“Truly Allah sent down on every day and night these 120 graces in Jerusalem. Sixty mercies for one who performs tawaf, 40 for one who establishes prayer, and 20 for one who looks towards the Kaaba.” (HR. Thabrani)
Baca juga: Hajat Insyaallah Qabul, Ketahui Doa Mustajab Saat Melihat Ka’bah di Masjidil Haram
Here are 6 priorities of tawaf in hajj and umrah:
- Tawaf is a decoration of the Kaaba
- God is proud of those who are tawaf
- Tawaf is a bond of promise with God
- Tawaf causes the removal of doom
- Tawaf causes his forgiveness of sins
- Tawaf causes elevation of degree
Walking around the Kaaba on tawaf gives a meaningful message as a rotating motion on the earth’s earliest and most basic axis. A total of seven rounds around the Kaaba has a meaningful meaning as the number of days lived by humankind each week. Wallaahu a’lam. May we all be facilitated tawaf easily in Baitulloh. Aamiin.
(Dompet Dhuafa/Ust. Ahmad Fauzi Qasim/Ronna)