Tawaf Al-Ifadah - What Is It & How to Perform It - Complete Guide For Pilgrims

Tawaf Al-Ifadah - What Is It & How to Perform It - Complete Guide For Pilgrims

by Hasan E in News

Tawaf Al-Ifadah is one of the most important parts of Hajj. It is done after Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

This Tawaf shows deep love and full submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

It is a main pillar of Hajj. Without it, the Hajj is not valid. After doing this Tawaf, pilgrims pray behind Maqam Ibrahim, drink Zamzam water, and do Sa’ee if they haven’t done it yet.

It is not done in Ihram. If you leave Makkah right after it, it can also count as Tawaf Al-Wida.

This act is both physical and spiritual. It shows your return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with a pure heart.

Understanding Tawaf Al-Ifadah

Tawaf Al-Ifadah is a vital part of the Hajj pilgrimage journey in Saudi Arabia. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.

This act shows love, submission, and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Every pilgrim performing Hajj must complete it.

It is obligatory. If one omits this Tawaf, his Hajj is not valid. That's how much it matters. It also symbolizes the return to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after fulfilling the grand rites of Hajj.

This includes standing in Arafat and overnight stay in Muzdalifah.

Tawaf Al-Ifadah is referred to in the Quran in Surah Al-Hajj (22:29):

"Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform Tawaf around the ancient House."

Scholars interpret this verse to mean Tawaf Al-Ifadah, indicating its position in Hajj ritual or journey order.

Source: Corpus.quran.com

Is Tawaf Al-Ifadah Mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory as it is considered one of the four pillars of Hajj:

  1. Ihram – the holy state required for Hajj.
  2. Wuquf Arafah (Standing in Arafat) – the core rite of Hajj.
  3. Tawaf Al-Ifadah – the central circumambulation.
  4. Sa'ee – walking between Safa and Marwah.

Unless a Muslim performs Tawaf Al-Ifadah around the Kaaba, Hajj is invalid.

Even if they complete all the rest of the rituals, they have to do this Tawaf in order to complete their pilgrimage.

It's not a Sunnah or a suggestion, it is a requirement.

However, menstruating women may postpone Tawaf Al-Ifadah until their menses are over.

Scholars concur that they should wait to be clean first before doing it. That's how important it is.

When Should You Perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah?

Tawaf Al Ifadah is typically performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah around the Kaaba, after:

  • Standing at Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah)
  • Spending overnight in Muzdalifah
  • Pelting Jamrat Al-Aqabah (the big pillar in Mina)
  • Providing the animal sacrifice
  • Shaving or cutting the hair

After these are done, pilgrims proceed to the Masjid Al-Haram to carry out this Tawaf.

 However, not everyone is able to do it on the 10th due to overcrowding or medical reasons. Don't worry.

Scholars advise that it can be carried out on any of the ‘Days of Tashreeq’ (11th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah) or even later.

It can be delayed till the 14th or even 15th if there is a valid reason. But it should be done as early as possible, particularly if you intend to depart soon from Makkah.

It’s why it is also called the ‘farewell’ tawaf or Al Wida.

Tawaf Al-Ifadah vs Tawaf Al-Wida

First-time pilgrims often confuse these two kinds of Tawaf during their holy journey.

But they are for two very different reasons.

Here's a simple differentiation:

Feature

Tawaf Al-Ifadah

Tawaf Al-Wida

Purpose

Main Hajj ritual

Farewell before leaving Makkah

Timing

After Arafat and sacrifice

Just before exiting Makkah

Mandatory

Yes (Pillar)

Yes (Wajib for most)

Can be combined

Yes, if it's the last act

No, if followed by other rituals

 

So if you perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah as your last action before departure, it can also serve as Tawaf Al-Wida.

But if you remain in Makkah afterwards, you'll have to perform the farewell Tawaf independently.

What Is Done After Tawaf Al-Ifadah?

Once you've performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah, the following steps assist in completing the spiritual path.

The Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) did the following steps, and pilgrims are advised to do the same.

Recite Two Rak'ahs Near Maqam Ibrahim

After completing the seven circuits, proceed to the space behind Maqam Ibrahim, Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) station. Perform two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer.

In the first rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Kafirun, and in the second one, Surah Al-Ikhlas. If the space behind Maqam Ibrahim is too congested, you can pray anywhere inside the Grand Mosque.

These two rak’ahs are sunnah and help complete the Tawaf with gratitude and reflection.

Drink Zamzam Water

After the prayer, proceed to the Zamzam well area and drink from the blessed Zamzam water.

It has been gifted to humanity since the time of Prophet Ismail (AS).

The Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى ٱللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said:

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah)

Make dua before consumption. You can also pour it over yourself. Most Umrah and Hajj pilgrims fill bottles to drink at home for friends and family.

Source: Sunnah.com

Full Sa'ee Between Safa and Marwah

If you haven't already performed Sa'ee, you will have to do so after Tawaf Al-Ifadah. It includes the following:

  • Walking 7 times from the hills of Safa and Marwah
  • Beginning at Safa and finishing at Marwah
  • Jogging (men only) from one green light to another
  • Performing dua, dhikr, and recalling Hajar's history while circumambulating every lap

After Sa'ee is completed, your Hajj ceremony is almost over, only Tawaf Al-Wida is left if you're departing Makkah.

How Many Kinds of Tawaf Are There?

There are 7 primary kinds of Tawaf in Islam:

  1. Tawaf Al-Qudum – Arrival Tawaf for pilgrims who do not reside in Makkah
  2. Tawaf Al-Ifadah – The primary Hajj Tawaf
  3. Tawaf Al-Wida – Farewell Tawaf when leaving Makkah
  4. Tawaf Al-Umrah – Performed during Umrah
  5. Tawaf An-Nafl – Done voluntarily at any time
  6. Tawaf Al-Nazr – If a person makes a vow to do Tawaf
  7. Tawaf Al-Tahiyyah – Greeting Tawaf when entering the Haram

Each is done for a different reason and has its own set of rules. Some are obligatory, while others are voluntary acts of worship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Ifadah" in Tawaf Al-Ifadah?

"Ifadah" is "to pour forth" or "to move in great numbers." It is the movement of pilgrims from Mina to Makkah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to carry out this significant ritual.

Is Tawaf Al-Ifadah performed in Ihram?

No. After stoning, sacrificing, and shaving/cutting hair, you may exit Ihram prior to performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah. You are then in a state of partial release from Ihram.

Can you do Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Tawaf Al-Wida together?

Yes, but only if you do Tawaf Al-Ifadah as the last ritual before departing Makkah. If you do anything else afterwards (e.g., shopping, hotel stay), then you have to do Tawaf Al-Wida separately.

Can Ihram be dropped before performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah?

Yes. Once you have thrown the stones, sacrificed the animal, and shaved/trimmed your hair, you leave the major part of Ihram. You can dress in normal clothing for Tawaf Al-Ifadah.

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They review steps, plan their route, and try to follow the Hajj guide closely. It’s a steady path from Tawaf al-Qudum to Tawaf al-Ifadah that goes through Mina, Arafah, and the rest.  All three Hajj paths are valid. Whether someone follows Ifrad, Tamattu, or Qiran, they’re walking the same route to the immense blessings of Hajj. For those coming from Saudi Arabia, Madinah, or far-off places, choosing the right method depends on planning.  The thought process behind choosing Hajj type is all about sticking to the method, having the right intention, and keeping steady from the first step in Makkah to the final rites at Masjid al-Haram.

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They can even be booked through a travel agent. In Hajj Ifrad, there is no need for animal sacrifice. A pilgrim can still choose to offer one, but it is not obligatory. Budget-focused pilgrims choose Hajj Ifrad for this reason. The duration of Ihram also sets them apart. In Hajj Ifrad, the pilgrim stays in Ihram for a continuous stretch. From the moment they enter until the completion of all Hajj rituals. This includes: no shaving no perfumes no intimacy no trimmed nails no stitched clothes for men These restrictions stay for several days. For some, they can become tiring. Especially for first-timers or Hajis with health limitations. In Hajj Tamattu, there is relief in between. After Umrah, the Ihram comes off. The break lets pilgrims rest, hydrate and reset mentally.  Hajj Tamattu gives an early experience. The pilgrim completes Umrah first. This helps them settle in, adjust to the crowd, get a feel for Makkah, and become familiar with the space. 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Closing Thoughts on Hajj al-Ifrad  To wrap it up, Hajj al-Ifrad is a direct form of Hajj. The pilgrim enters Ihram with the single goal of completing Hajj. Many who live near Masjid al-Haram or in places like Madinah choose Hajj Ifrad because it fits their timing. It works for those who can perform Umrah at other times. It’s not the most common option for those coming from far, but it remains valid. Every major Hajj guide explains the method. It stands next to Tamattu and Qiran as one of the three accepted paths. The appeal lies in its straight flow. If someone is thinking of performing Hajj through a method that avoids overlaps or layering, Hajj al-Ifrad is the path for them.

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Upon entering Makkah, they perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, complete the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and then shave or trim their hair, thus exiting Ihram. This concludes the Umrah portion. On the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims reenter Ihram, beginning the Hajj portion of the journey.  They travel to Mina, spend the day in Arafat, collect pebbles in Muzdalifah, and perform the symbolic stoning ritual at the Jamarat. The following steps include Tawaf al Ifadah, animal sacrifice, and later Tawaf al Wada before leaving Makkah. The word Tamattu comes from Arabic and means enjoyment or benefit. It refers to the pause between Umrah and Hajj, offering pilgrims a chance to recover and prepare spiritually. Because of this ease, Hajj al Tamattu is widely recommended by scholars and featured in every trusted Hajj guide. It differs from Hajj Ifrad, where only Hajj is performed, and from Hajj Qiran, where Umrah and Hajj are done together without exiting Ihram. The Types of Hajj have unique rulings; pilgrims should understand them using a reliable Umrah guide or introduction. Many pilgrims begin their journey in Madinah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque before traveling to Makkah. This route, often Madinah Makkah, is spiritually rewarding and historically significant. Whether you are making your Dhul-Hijjah departure from home or planning to travel with a group, it’s essential to learn how to perform Hajj with accurate knowledge. This includes understanding every tamattu step, from Ihram to stoning, and fulfilling each obligation correctly. Visual image-related searches, such as Hajj tamattu steps, Hajj tamattu step by step, and the seven steps of Hajj, can also help you prepare. These guides are often used alongside checklists for travel, Ihram, Kaaba, Tawaf, and other general preparations. Understanding the hajj general principles and rules, like avoiding smoking in Ihram, is essential for international pilgrims.  Knowing when and how to perform rituals like Tawaf al Wada and what it means to be a person who completed Hajj al Tamattu deepens both your faith and your understanding. What does "Tamattu" mean? "Tamattu" comes from the Arabic word meaning enjoyment or benefit. In this context, it reflects the benefit of separating Umrah and Hajj, allowing pilgrims a short rest period in between. This rest is a blessing and makes the spiritual journey more manageable, especially for those unfamiliar with the local climate or long rituals. Step-by-step guide on how to perform Hajj al-Tamattu Here is a Hajj guide following the complete process: Before Dhul-Hijjah, travel to Madinah and Makkah to perform Umrah and Hajj. At the Miqat, enter Ihram and declare intention for Umrah. Upon arrival in Makkah, perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. Perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. Cut hair and exit Ihram to complete Umrah. On 8th Dhul-Hijjah, re-enter Ihram for Hajj. Travel to Mina and stay overnight. On the 9th, go to Arafah for wuquf (standing). After sunset, head to Muzdalifah and spend the night. On the 10th, perform stoning at Jamarat, offer sacrifice, and cut hair. Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and another Sa'i for Hajj. Return to Mina for stoning over 2 or 3 days. Perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell) before departing. This accurately reflects the official Hajj tamattu steps and includes the seven Hajj steps. How does Hajj Qiran differ from Tamattu? Hajj Qiran requires the pilgrim to perform Umrah and Hajj without exiting Ihram in between. In contrast, Hajj al-Tamattu allows the exit from the Ihram after Umrah. The sacrifice (had’y) is required in both cases. Hajj Ifrad, another form, involves Hajj only, with no Umrah. These are the main types of Hajj, each with unique procedures. What is a person called after completing Hajj al-Tamattu? A Muslim who completes any form of Hajj, including Hajj al-Tamattu, earns the title of "Hajji." It is a mark of respect and spiritual accomplishment. Completing Hajj al-Tamattu is seen as fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam, connecting the believer deeply with their faith. Frequently Asked Questions When to wear Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu? Wear Ihram for Umrah at the Miqat before entering Makkah. After completing Umrah, exit Ihram and re-enter it on 8th Dhul-Hijjah for Hajj. Can I smoke in the Ihram?  No, smoking is discouraged during Ihram. It violates the spirit of purity required during the Hajj rituals. How many Tawafs for Hajj al-Tamattu?  You perform three Tawafs: one for Umrah, one Tawaf al-Ifadah, and one Tawaf al-Wada. What are the different types of Hajj?  There are three: Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj Qiran, and Hajj Ifrad. Each has its own process and rules. Summary - Hajj al-Tamattu Hajj al-Tamattu is ideal for Hajj pilgrims coming from abroad. It allows one to perform Umrah and Hajj more flexibly. This form of Hajj is structured and spiritually fulfilling from the Miqat to Tawaf, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah. Understanding how to perform Hajj, especially the Hajj tamattu step by step, ensures the pilgrim completes every ritual correctly.  It is ideal for those seeking a complete Hajj introduction with spiritual depth and clarity in Makkah and Madinah.

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