Muslims around the world face the Kaaba, the sacred building in Mecca, five times a day as they perform their daily prayers. It’s important to note that they do not worship the Kaaba itself, but rather they worship Allah. Facing the Kaaba during prayer serves as a unifying symbol for Muslims, aligning them all in one direction regardless of their location. The construction of the Kaaba can be traced back to the command of Allah to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was instructed to build it as a place of worship. Subsequently, Prophet Muhammad was directed by Allah to establish the Kaaba as the focal point for prayer, ensuring that Muslims worldwide face it when praying, thus creating a sense of unity among believers.
As you plan your Hajj, it’s essential to understand the rituals involved, especially the tradition of Tawaf and the significance of keeping the Kaaba on your left. In this blog, we will delve into these traditions while highlighting the benefits of opting for Economy Hajj Packages 2025.
Performing the Fifth Farz (Obligation)
Allah has necessitated the Hajj for Muslims who can afford it physically and financially. Following the order of Allah SWT, millions of Muslims from different parts of the world gather at Mecca every year to perform Hajj. The Hajj takes place in the last month of the Islamic year, Dhul Hijjah. The sacred rituals of Hajj begin on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and end on the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims and Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.
For Muslims, Hajj is a deeply personal journey, more than just a farz (obligation). They don’t book Hajj Packages just to visit Saudi Arabia and perform rituals, but to forge a direct and intimate connection with Allah Almighty, seeking His forgiveness and strengthening their bond. As it is beautifully expressed in the Holy Quran
“Then go forth with the rest of the pilgrims. And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
-(Ayah al-Baqarah 2:199)
The Significance of Keeping the Kaaba on Your Left
During the Tawaf ritual, pilgrims take seven rounds around the Holy Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba on the left. If someone begins their Tawaf from a clockwise direction or keeps the Kaaba on the right, Hajj or Umrah will not be counted as valid. Keeping the Kaaba on your left during the Tawaf ritual keeps your heart closer to the House of Allah (Kaaba). It is also the sunnah to take seven rounds around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba on the left. Prophet Muhammad PBUH when he performed his first Hajj, he performed Tawaf, keeping the Kaaba on the left. Being a Muslim, it is our duty to follow the sunnah, Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran,
“(O Messenger!) Tell people: ‘If you indeed love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and will forgive you your sins. Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.”
-Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:31)
This anticlockwise motion of Tawaf relates to the motion of universal objects, like the way the Earth revolves around the Sun and the way the Moon revolves around the Earth. Even the galaxies move in an anticlockwise direction around a central point. In Islam, the Holy Kaaba is the focal point of worship. Opting for Economy Hajj Packages 2025 ensures that pilgrims receive proper guidance on maintaining the correct position during Tawaf. These best Hajj Packages from Canada often include pre-Hajj workshops and seminars, helping pilgrims to understand the significance of Hajj rituals and how to perform them correctly, sincerity, and devotion.
Steps to Perform Tawaf
Tawaf is one of the crucial Hajj and Umrah rituals that must be followed with precision and devotion. Tawaf is an Arabic word that means ‘circumambulation’; in this ritual, pilgrims take seven rounds around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction. Each round begins and ends on Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad). The steps of Tawaf are:
Intention (Niyyah): Before starting Tawaf, it is crucial to make an intention (Niyyah) to perform Hajj and Umrah, just to please Allah Almighty.
Starting & Ending Point: Every round of Tawaf begins from the Black Stone and ends here. Pilgrims, while passing through the Black Stone, raise their hands in a gesture of greeting.
Anti-Clockwise Direction: Pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah must perform Tawaf in a counterclockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba on their left.
Make Seven Rounds: Pilgrims need to complete seven rounds around the Kaaba.
Supplications: Pilgrims are encouraged to recite supplications and prayers during Tawaf, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.
Economy Hajj Packages 2025 provides detailed step-by-step guides through its workshops and provides pilgrims with ground support to enhance their spiritual journey. These all-inclusive Hajj Packages from Canada often include religious lectures and sessions to ensure pilgrims have a deep understanding of the Hajj rituals.
Practical Tips for Performing Tawaf
To ensure a smooth and enriching Tawaf experience, pilgrims securing comprehensive Hajj Packages from Canada should keep the following tips in mind:
Stay Hydrated: Makkah’s summer temperatures remain extremely hot. During the peak Hajj season, pilgrims performing Hajj rituals in hot weather and large crowds should drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Comfortable Footwear: Given the long hours and the amount of walking involved in Hajj rituals, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes that won’t hinder your ability to perform the rituals.
Stay Calm: The crowds during Hajj can be overwhelming, but it’s important for pilgrims to remain calm and patient. This will ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Adhere to Safety Guidelines: Pilgrims securing economy Hajj Packages 2025 must follow the guidelines to ensure a seamless pilgrimage for everyone.
Conclusion
Tawaf, the sacred act of taking rounds around the Kaaba, is a central ritual of Hajj that holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims. Understanding the tradition of keeping the Kaaba on the left and the steps involved in performing Tawaf can enhance the spiritual experience and ensure that pilgrims perform the Tawaf ritual with sincerity and devotion.
Opting for Economy Hajj Packages 2025 provides pilgrims with comprehensive guidance, practical support, and spiritual enrichment, making their Hajj journey as fulfilling and transformative as possible. These all-inclusive Hajj packages from Canada offer a blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring that pilgrims can perform Tawaf and other Hajj rituals with ease and confidence.