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Last Update: 10:08 GMT, Wednesday, Dec. 02, 2009

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Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner

Shams   - Poland

Title

Circumambulating the Ka`bah Counterclockwise: Why?

Date

22/Oct/2009

Question

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.

Why should pilgrims keep the Ka`bah on their left while performing Tawaf?

Jazakum Allah khayran.

Name of Counsellor

Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid

Topic

Tawaf (Circumambulating the Ka`bah)

Answer

Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Brother, we really do appreciate your question, which shows how interested you are in becoming well acquainted with Islam and its teachings. May Allah bless your efforts in the pursuit of knowledge!

The basic reason for keeping the Ka`bah on one’s left when performing Tawaf (circumambulation) is to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

In this regard, Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author states:

The basic reason for keeping the Ka`bah on one’s left when performing Tawaf (circumambulation) is to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Following the Prophet has been ordained in the Qur’an. Allah says, (Obey the Prophet so that you may be blessed with mercy.) (An-Nur 24: 56) We also read in the Qur’an, (Say (O Muhammad): if you really love Allah, then follow my example and Allah will love you and grant you forgiveness of your sins.) (Aal `Imran 3: 31)

Regarding the rituals of Hajj and `Umrah, the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said, "Follow my example in performing your rituals" (Al-Bukhari and An-Nasa’i).

This should suffice as the reason for a Muslim performing Tawaf around the Ka`bah in the way it is prescribed. Muslims by nature must believe, submit to and act according to what was authentically and duly recorded as the behavior or statements of the Prophet. If on top of this a reason or some relevant wisdom comes to light, then so be it, and all thanks is due to Allah. Otherwise, a Muslim submits to the order of Allah and His Prophet and, will accordingly, be recompensed for his obedience and good deeds.

Finally, we must note that circumambulation is an act specified only for the Ka`bah as part of worship and is not to be done in any other place or situation.

Excerpted with modifications from: www.islam-qa.com

Allah Almighty knows best.

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Allah Almighty knows best.

 

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