Choosing the right time will help you have an easier and more enjoyable experience. Here are regular time slots to consider to make the tawaf more enjoyable based on habits:
- After Fajr (pre-dawn prayer until mid-morning): In general, this is one of the quieter periods in the Haram, with slightly cooler weather and fewer people, especially during the week.
- Late at night (11 p.m. until 2 a.m.): Many pilgrims return to their accommodations after the Isha prayer, leading to fewer pilgrims during this window.
- After Zuhr (early afternoon): Slightly more crowded and warmer than Fajr, but many people take a break to rest or eat lunch and there are often fewer people during this time.
As a rough rule of thumb, perform Tawaf away from peak times such as right after Maghrib and Friday prayer times. Avoiding these periods can help you dodge congestion.
Getting a Sense of Mecca Crowds
The number of pilgrims you will encounter while in Mecca will vary depending on the time of year, month, day of the week, and hour of the day. Here are some important highlights regarding Mecca crowds:
- Although Hajj and Ramadan represent the most occupied months in the calendar year to be in Mecca, if possible schedule your Umrah during months that are not as busy such as the month of Safar or the month of Rajab.
- Local attendees flock to the mosque on Thursdays and Fridays, creating a greater crowd density.
- School holidays in Muslim countries often result in a much higher density of attendance.
Being aware of these factors will help you decide better on when to do Tawaf and manage your expectations.
Tawaf Guide
A good experience starts with an understanding of how it works; here's a short Tawaf guide for first-timers:
- Intent (niyyah) should be made before entering the mosque.
- Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and go around the Kaabah anticlockwise.
Perform seven circumambulations.
- Take the opportunity to do personal du'a and remembrance during every circumambulation.Keep calm and respect other pilgrims.
- If performing Tawaf as part of Umrah, remember to follow the Tawaf with Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and conclude with cutting or shaving your hair.
Safety Tips for Families, the Elderly, and Children
Safety should always be a primary concern, especially when you are in large crowds in Mecca with vulnerable individuals. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use upper levels of the Haram as they are less likely to be busy.
- Choose cooler, quieter times like early morning or late at night.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.
- If needed, consider using a wheelchair or electric cart (for the elderly).
- Try to avoid peak hours in the summer when it is hot.
The Role of Seasons in Tawaf Time
Depending on the season, the Tawaf time experience can also be different:
Supportive Services for Hajj and Umrah During Busy Times
To help make the experience of performing Hajj and Umrah easier and more peaceful, many Hajj and Umrah service providers offer specialized support to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience for pilgrims during crowded times at Mecca. The following are some examples of these services:
- Proximity to the Haram: Hotels like Makarem Hotels, are close to the Grand Mosque, limiting walking through congested areas.
- Guided group Tawaf options: Group Tawaf is typically offered through specific service packages, which help pilgrims perform their rituals at the best of times, with an experienced guide.
- Live crowd updates: Many accommodations provide online or mobile applications that have live monitoring of crowds, and prayer time suggestions.
- Shuttle transportation: This enables easy direct shuttled transfers between hotels and the Haram during calmer periods, minimizing delays.
- Special assistance for the elderly and families: This includes wheelchairs, staff escorts and priority access for immobile guests.
These supporting services not only help you cope with the stresses of being in a crowded environment, but help you focus more positively when worshipping during Umrah or Hajj.
