Mistakes in the two Rak‘ahs of Tawaaf

08/09/2010| IslamWeb

1.     Some pilgrims think that it is obligatory to perform two Rak‘ahs (units of prayer) directly behind or near the Station of Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, and they overcrowd to do so. Nevertheless, this is an act of Sunnah (tradition) that can be done if possible. Otherwise, it is permissible to perform these two Rak‘ahs at any place in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque).   

2.     Performing two long Rak‘ahs after Tawaaf. This is a mistake. The Sunnah is that one should perform two short Rak‘ahs. The Prophet performed these two Rak‘ahs and recited the Surahs (chapters) Al-Faatihah and Al-Kaafiroon in the first Rak‘ah and Al-Faatihah and Al-Ikhlaas in the second Rak‘ah.

3.     After performing the two Rak‘ahs of Tawaaf, some pilgrims stand at the Station of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, and supplicate with a certain supplication called (the supplication of the Station). This is an innovated act in religion. Moreover, this supplication does not have an origin in Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation).   

4.     Some pilgrims perform more than two Rak‘ahs for Tawaaf. Such an act is against the Sunnah of the Prophet .