Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I have gone through the Archives in your helpline and read Question No 200 regarding the Kabah which I found very informative

but you have not explained about the Tawaaf of Kabah 7 (seven )times Who fixed that number, Allah or his Rasool.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Who fixed the number seven for tawaf

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 22 Surah Hajj verses 26-30:

26 Behold! We gave the site to Abraham of the (Sacred) House (saying): "Associate not any thing (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate (tawaaf) it, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).

27 And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;

28 That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them and celebrate the Name of Allah through the Days appointed over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.

29 Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them perform their vows and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House."

30 Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord.

In light of the above guidance of the Glorious Quran it is evident that it was Allah Subhanah Himself who taught the rites of the pilgrimage to Hadrat Ibraheem (a.s.), who in turn taught it to the believers….thus it would be absolutely safe to assume that it was Allah Subhanah Himself Who fixed the number of circumambulation (tawaaf) of the Sacred House to seven and guided Prophet Ibraheem (a.s.) to perform them.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan