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How many floors are in Tawaf?

Published in Islamic Pilgrimage 2 mins read

The Tawaf area around the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca does not have floors in the conventional sense. It's primarily a single, ground-level space known as the Mataf where pilgrims perform the circumambulation.

While the Mataf is primarily a ground-level space, it's important to clarify some aspects related to access and facilities:

  • Mataf Expansion Projects: Over the years, expansion projects have modified the Mataf area. These projects aim to increase the capacity and accessibility for pilgrims.

  • Accessibility Provisions: To accommodate the elderly and those with disabilities, there may be designated areas with ramps or elevators, though the fundamental tawaf is performed on the ground level. These accessibility features should not be interpreted as separate "floors" in the architectural sense.

  • Upper Levels: The Masjid al-Haram itself has upper levels, but the tawaf itself is ideally performed on the Mataf (ground level) around the Kaaba. Upper levels are primarily for prayer and provide an overview of the Kaaba.

In summary, when discussing the tawaf and the immediate area where it is performed (the Mataf), there aren't "floors" in the multi-story building sense. It's essentially a ground-level area designed for circumambulation.

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