Tawaf 1

1. 5 types of tawaf: (1) Welcome tawaf (Tawaf-al-Qudoom); (2) Umrah tawaf; (3) Tawaf for Haj (also known as Tawaf-al-Haj, Tawah-as-Ziayarah or Tawaf-al-Ifadah); (4) Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf-al-Widaa); (5) Nafl tawaf.

2. Welcome tawaf (Tawaf-al-Qudoom): performed by those performing the Ifrad and Qiran methods of Haj.

3. Ihram, having your right shoulder open (idtiba), and walking briskly during the first 3 rounds (ramal) are required for (1) and (2).

4. Ihram, idtiba and ramal  are NOT required for (3), (4) and (5).

5. Tawaf for Haj: one of the Pillars of Haj and must be performed by all pilgrims.

6. Farewell tawaf: last act to be performed before leaving Mecca. About the only acts performed after this tawaf are buying some snacks for your onward journey and easing yourselves. Other types of shopping or taking a nap are not done. Therefore, perform this tawaf one to two hours before your departure.

7. Nafl tawaf: can be performed any time and as many times as possible. Next to the congregational prayer, this is the best worship to perform in The Holy Mosque. It is superior to nafl salah in The Holy Mosque. During your stay in Mecca, try to perform as many nafl tawaf as possible. There is no sa'ee after nafl tawaf.

7. Wudhu  is required for tawaf.

8. Tawaaf begins and ends at Hajr-al-Aswad (The Black Stone) 

9. Tawaf proceeds in an anti-clockwise direction. Do not walk clockwise to reach the starting point of tawaf. Many do this and cause a lot of nuisance to others performing the tawaf. Walk anti-clockwise from your position to reach the starting line of the tawaf. This will ensure smooth movement of tawaf for everyone.

10. After finishing your tawaf, again do not walk clockwise to exit. Continue walking anti-clockwise until you reach your desired area and exit there. 

11. Be extra careful when pilgrims in wheelchairs are near to you. Some wheelchairs have sharp edges that can cause injury. I saw attendants cleaning up patches of blood that was caused by a cut on a pilgrim's foot. Always try to make way for pilgrims in wheelchairs.

12. Move away when you see human bulldozers! These are men who carry elderly or physically challenged pilgrims in boxes. They behave more like bulldozers trying to mow down a wall. They make noises to get pilgrims to make way for them. 

Their behaviour creates a ripple effect resulting in pilgrims getting pushed. I hope the authorities will educate these men on doing their job in a dignified manner.