Yes, wudu (ablution) is required for tawaf.
Tawaf, the act of circling the Kaaba in Mecca, is a significant ritual in Islam, particularly during Hajj and Umrah. One of the essential conditions for a valid tawaf is being in a state of ritual purity, which necessitates performing wudu.
Here's a breakdown:
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Ritual Purity: Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness when performing acts of worship. Tawaf falls under this category.
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Requirement of Wudu: To perform tawaf, you must be free from hadath asghar (minor impurity). This means you must perform wudu if you have broken it (e.g., by passing urine, stool, wind, or falling asleep).
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Evidence: The need for purity is derived from various Islamic sources, including interpretations of Quranic verses and the practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The reference mentioned earlier clearly states, "a person who intends to do the tawaf must make sure that he has removed any impurity from himself or the garments he is wearing, and he should perform the ablution, or wudu."
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Consequences of Performing Tawaf Without Wudu: Performing tawaf without wudu renders the tawaf invalid, necessitating its repetition after performing wudu, if you are still within the vicinity of the Masjid al-Haram.
In summary, performing wudu is a mandatory prerequisite for tawaf to ensure the validity of this important ritual.
