Can you wear shoes while performing tawaf?
Tawaf is one of the most prominent rites of the Umrah pilgrimage. Pilgrims arriving in Makkah through their Umrah packages not only have to undertake Tawaf rituals necessarily but also fulfil all of its requisites.
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Meaning of Tawaf.
Tawaf can be defined as the concept of walking/circling the Holy Kaabah in a counter-clockwise direction for seven complete rounds. Therefore, proceeded in a manner that the Holy Kaabah remains on the left-hand side of pilgrims.
The boundary of Tawaf.
Tawaf must be performed by the pilgrims within the boundary of Masjid-al-Haram only. Note that your Tawaf is valid if the view of the Holy Kaabah is impeded by the walls, pillars, or other objects for you as long as it is done within the premises of Masjid-al-Haram.
One of the most significant things to consider in this regard is that Hateem or Hijr-Ismail i.e., a small area adjacent to Holy Kaabah remains a part of its structure. Therefore, it is not allowed for the pilgrims to pass through it while performing Tawaf. Otherwise, it would be invalid.
Things to consider for Tawaf’s performance.
- Tawaf must be performed in a state of purity.
- Pilgrims must have their awrah covered with appropriate clothing for Tawaf rituals.
- If your wudu is nullified while performing Tawaf, you are allowed to make an ablution again and then start Tawaf from the exact place where it was left off.
- Menstruating women or those going through post-natal bleeding are not allowed to perform Tawaf.
- Though it is recommended to complete Tawaf consecutively, one can take small breaks in between the rounds (if necessary).
- Tawaf can be performed voluntarily as well i.e., outside of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
- One can recite Holy Quran, read Duas and even make supplications while performing Tawaf.
Wearing shoes for Tawaf; permissible or not?
Considering the sanctity of Masjid-al-Haram, it is not permissible for the pilgrims to wear shoes during the Tawaf performance. It is recommended for all of the pilgrims to first attain the purity necessary to perform Tawaf, dress in appropriate clothes for the Ibadah, and then proceed with the Tawaf performance barefoot. This must be done in order to show signs of respect and humility because removing shoes prior to entering the Tawaf area is a symbolic gesture of acknowledging the fact that one is entering a sacred space.
We all know that Masjid Al Haram is the most sacred place among all the holy sites. According to the Hadith you can wear shoes during the Tawaf but some Muslim Scholars suggest that you should not wear the shoes during the Tawaf due the respect. You may get brochures of any Umrah Travel Agency to know about this Query. In another case you can also consult to any authentic Muslim Scholars. They will guide you properly about this query.
That is why when pilgrims arrive at the Masjid al-Haram, they will see that there are designated areas built where they can leave their shoes i.e., in the form of shoe racks and/or designated shoe storage spaces. Pilgrims can safely store their shoes here and then enter the Tawaf area.
Additionally, the spiritual and religious significance associated with this practice of removing your shoes for Tawaf is that it helps maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the space, while also upholding the historical traditions as well as customs associated with Tawaf.
Exceptions.
The only exception for wearing footwear while performing Tawaf is for those who have valid reasons for doing so. Such as medical conditions and/or difficulties in walking barefoot. In these conditions you can wear the shoes because Islam does not want to give pain to its followers.
Yet, for such cases, it is advised for the pilgrims to seek religious guidance from knowledgeable scholars first and then act upon the things recommended by them for your individual queries. You can consult to the Holy Book Quran and six most authentic books of Hadiths. And this most appropriate and suitable way for guidance. Furthermore, discuss with you sheikh which guides you. You can also consult to the Scholars of Dawat-e-Islami. They will guide you and provide you the full references from Quran and Hadith Books.
Note that if a scholar permits you to wear footwear while performing Tawaf based on Islamic rules and regulations expressed in Shariah, make sure that your footwear is also clean and free from any impurities. Only then you are allowed to wear it inside.
So, remember that the sole purpose of Tawaf is to please Allah Almighty by engaging in a sacred act of worship. While Adhering to the customary practices of performing Tawaf barefoot is necessary, exceptions are also available under valid conditions. So, know of your condition better by consulting religious scholars in this regard as opinions may vary.
