Introduction:
Tawaf Al Wada and Tawaf Al Ziyarah are two tawaf which are performed in hajj and are often mixed up by the pilgrims and they mostly get confused in both of them. Here’s an article breaking down the difference between Tawaf Al Wada and Tawaf Al Ziyarah.
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba for seven times in anti-clockwise direction starting from Hajr al-Aswad (The black stone).
Tawaf Types:
There are many types of tawaf like Tawaf Al qudum, Tawaf Al Ziyarah (Ifadah), Tawaf Al Umrah, Tawaf Al Wada and Tawaf Al Nafal. Tawaf Al Ziyarah and Tawaf Al Wada are a big confusion for pilgrims among these types. These two Tawaf Types explained below:
Tawaf Al Wada:
Tawaf Al Wada also called Farewell Tawaf is the last ritual which is performed by the pilgrims before leaving Makkah. The meaning of Wada is ‘goodbye’ in Arabic. This act is done as an act of respect and affection for Makkah before going back home. The reason Tawaf Al Wada is considered important as it is wajib (compulsory) for all the pilgrims except the women with menstruation and the one who just gave birth. This is an act which is performed to seek Allah’s blessings and protection and also as a gesture of love, humanity and respect for Kaaba. The right time to perform this tawaf is before leaving Makkah which means that the pilgrims should not stop there for any kind of activity like shopping etc. They should try to leave as soon as possible. This is performed in the following way:
- Walk seven times around the Kaaba in anti-clockwise direction starting from Hajr al-Aswad.
- Pray two rakahs near maqam e Ibrahim.
- Sa’i is not required in tawaf al Wada.
Some of the Hajj tawaf guid tips which are important include being in wudu, staying focused and excusing the women with menstruation.
Tawaf Al Ziyarah:
Tawaf Al Ziyarah is the mandatory tawaf in Hajj which is performed when the pilgrims return from Mina on 10th Dhul Hijjah after stoning and sacrifice. It is also called Tawaf Al Ifadah. The purpose of performing this tawaf is showing obedience, love and connection towards Allah after the hardships of Mina. It is performed in the same way as the regular tawaf including seven rounds and two rakahs. It can be performed anytime between 10th and 12th Dhul Hijjah. It is fard and without it the Hajj is not valid.
Tawaf Al Wada vs Tawaf Al Ziyarah:
- Tawaf Al Wada is wajib and Tawaf Al Ziyarah is fard.
- Hajj is valid if tawaf Al Wada is missed but penalty is due. On the other hand, Hajj is not valid without tawaf Al Ziyarah.
- Tawaf Al Wada is performed before leaving Makkah and tawaf Al Ziyarah is performed after returning from Mina.
- Tawaf Al Wada does not require sa’i while Tawaf Al Ziyarah requires sa’i.
Common Mistakes:
People often get confused in both these tawaf. Some of these confusions are timing confusion, sa’i requirement, obligation level, purpose confusion and exceptions. People must keep in mind some basic points about tawaf Al Wada and tawaf Al Ziyarah in order to avoid mistakes.
Therefore, before going for Hajj it is your utmost duty to seek enough knowledge regarding the rituals of Hajj and the Tawafs so that you don’t miss a chance to gain reward from Allah SWT.
For well-organized guidance, choose experienced operators. A reputable 5-star Hajj services package provider from Pakistan can simplify logistics, minimize mistakes, and help you perform each ritual correctly and confidently.