Standing at the Black Stone during Tawaf is a common practice that often leads to congestion and difficulty for fellow pilgrims. Many worshippers pause at the starting line to make lengthy supplications or verbalize their intentions, inadvertently blocking the flow of the circumambulation. This article clarifies the Islamic ruling on this behavior and the correct method for commencing Tawaf.
The Ruling on Blocking the Flow
Islamic scholars emphasize that causing annoyance or harm to other Muslims is prohibited. Standing for a long time at the line marking the Black Stone (the start of Tawaf) obstructs the path and creates unnecessary congestion.
Prominent scholars have ruled that a pilgrim should not stand at this location for any significant length of time. The correct procedure is swift and fluid to maintain the movement of the crowd.
The Correct Method for Starting Tawaf
The Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet) provides a clear and efficient method for acknowledging the Black Stone:
- Face the Stone: The pilgrim should briefly face the Black Stone.
- Gesture and Takbir: If unable to kiss or touch it due to crowds, one should simply point towards it with the right hand and say “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
- Keep Moving: Immediately after the gesture, the pilgrim should continue walking to begin the circuit. There is no requirement to stand still.
Verbalizing the Intention (Niyyah)
A primary reason some pilgrims delay at the starting line is to verbally declare their intention, saying phrases such as “I intend to perform Tawaf for the sake of Allah, seven circuits…”
Scholars clarify that this practice is based on a mistaken notion.
- The Place of Intention: The intention (Niyyah) resides in the heart. Allah Almighty knows what is in the heart of the worshipper.
- Innovation (Bid’ah): Pronouncing the intention aloud for acts of worship—such as prayer or Tawaf—is considered an innovation in religion. It was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor his Companions.
Therefore, a pilgrim should formulate the intention internally and proceed without verbal announcements, ensuring a smooth and spiritually compliant performance of the ritual.
