Makkah: Malaysian pilgrims are reminded not to leave Makkah before performing the mandatory 'tawaf wada' as the last ritual of Hajj, where pilgrims go round the Kaaba seven times before leaving the holy site of Makkah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tabung Haji (TH) guidance operations director, Shahrin Awaludin, stated that, according to Imam Syafie's view, it is sinful and subject to a fine, especially for those performing the hajj. "Although there are differences of opinion, TH adopts the Hajj Muzakarah Resolution and Malaysian pilgrims are required to perform the farewell 'tawaf' when leaving the holy site of Makkah more than two marhalas, which is about 80-100 kilometres," he explained.

Shahrin emphasized the importance of performing the farewell tawaf, particularly for those visiting Makkah for the first time and who may not have the opportunity to return. He noted that exemptions exist for women who are menstruating and for pilgrims who are ill, but those without such obstacles must pay 'dam tertib dan taqdir' (fine) if they skip the ritual.

He further stated that the farewell tawaf must be completed within eight hours before leaving Makkah to ensure it is conducted calmly. TH Hajj Guidance team provides special briefings and review sessions to assist pilgrims in performing the farewell tawaf correctly.

Shahrin mentioned that the farewell tawaf can be performed without ihram clothes, with male pilgrims allowed to wear normal attire. "It is enough to perform seven rounds around the Kaaba with the intention of tawaf 'Wada'. This is a closing worship that symbolises farewell to the House of Allah and is the last practice before the pilgrims leave for their homeland," he added.