ভূমিকা
Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Guidebook for Women on Rites of Hajj Philosphy of Circumambulation (Tawaf) Oneness of Allah (swt) {Tawhid} Circumambulation around Kaba does not mean that the body goes around in circles. The real reason for this rite is that the heart and soul of the pilgrim should move around the House of Allah (swt) and his love for Allah (swt) should become so great that no worldly attraction should distract him from this path.
Neither east nor west should distract him only Tawhid should attract him. Unity The pilgrims were residing in different countries of the world. They all gathered in Makkah then moved to Masjid al-Haram and with great love and enthusiasm started circumambulating around Kaba. This makes them realize that they were like a drop of water but now this gathering has made them part of a huge ocean. Act of Angels The angels circumambulate in the heavens likewise pilgrims do it on the earth.
Earth dwellers are compared to heaven dwellers, because pilgrims circumambulate around Kaba on the earth and exactly above this is Bait-ul-Mamur in the heavens where angels are doing the same. During circumambulation it is a must that Kaba should be towards ones left side. The reason might be that the heart is also on the left side of the body. Heart is the House of Allah (swt) so it should always be completely attentive to House of Allah.
Rules of Circumambulation Circling seven times around Kaba is called one Tawaf. There are several conditions for tawaf. Niyyat: Tawaf is invalid if there is no intention to perform it for the purpose of attaining closeness and obedience to Allah (SWI). In addition one must mention for which Umra or Hajj tawaf is being performed and whether it is an obligatory or recommended tawaf.
Taharah (Cleanliness): Cleanliness both major (such as jinabat, haidh and nifas) and minor causes of impurities (such as urine and excrement) is compulsory. If one performs tawaf despite such uncleanliness, whether deliberately, out of ignorance, or inadvertently, the tawaf is invalid.