اللهم إني أُريد أن أعمل العمرة فَيَسِّرْهَا لي وتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
O Allah, I intend to perform tawaf, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Istelam is an important step during Tawaf al-Umrah. It refers to the act of touching or kissing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) at the beginning and end of each circuit around the Kaaba. Performing Istelam is a symbolic gesture of seeking blessings and closeness to Allah.
Tawaf is a fundamental ritual of the pilgrimage of Umrah, starting with Istelam (a gesture of reverence) towards the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Pilgrims then move in an anti-clockwise direction around the Kaaba, completing the first circle. They continue to repeat the process of Istelam and circling the Kaaba for a total of seven circles. Tawaf signifies the unity of the Muslim community and the spiritual connection with Allah, as pilgrims engage in this sacred act of devotion.
During Tawaf, it is customary for pilgrims to offer two Rakat of Wajib prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. However, if space is not available behind Maqam Ibrahim, pilgrims are permitted to perform this prayer anywhere within Masjid al-Haram. This flexibility ensures that individuals can fulfill the obligatory prayer with devotion and sincerity, even if they are unable to find a spot directly behind Maqam Ibrahim.
Drinking Zamzam water after Tawaf is a blessed tradition that replenishes and spiritually uplifts pilgrims in Masjid al-Haram.