The Islamic Ruling on Starting Tawaf from the Rukn Yamani

Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba is one of the essential rites of Hajj and Umrah. It holds great spiritual significance and is a physical expression of a believer’s devotion to Allah. However, like all acts of worship in Islam, Tawaf must be performed according to the correct method as prescribed in the Shari’ah. One question that sometimes arises is whether it is permissible to begin Tawaf from Rukn Yamani (رکن یمانی)instead of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). This article explores the Islamic ruling on this matter based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the consensus of scholars.

Understanding the Rukn Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad

The Kaaba has four corners, each known as a "Rukn." The Rukn Yamani is the corner that faces roughly towards Yemen. The Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is fixed in the eastern corner of the Kaaba and holds a special position in Tawaf, as it is the starting and ending point of each circumambulation.

The Prescribed Starting Point of Tawaf

According to authentic Hadith and scholarly consensus, Tawaf must begin from the Hajar al-Aswad. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have started each circuit of his Tawaf from the Black Stone. In Sahih Muslim and Sahih al-Bukhari, multiple narrations confirm this practice.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA):

“The Prophet ﷺ began his Tawaf from the Black Stone.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1604)

This is a clear indication that starting Tawaf from any other point, including the Rukn Yamani, is not in accordance with the Sunnah.

What is the Ruling on Starting Tawaf from Rukn Yamani?

Scholars unanimously agree that Tawaf must start from the Hajar al-Aswad. Starting from Rukn Yamani or any other point invalidates that round of Tawaf unless it is corrected by returning to the proper starting point.

Ibn Qudamah (RH) in al-Mughni stated:

“If a person starts Tawaf from a point other than the Black Stone, such as Rukn Yamani, then the part between the Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone will not count, and he must go back to the Black Stone to start correctly.”

Shaykh Ibn Baz (RH) also affirmed:

“Tawaf must begin from the Black Stone. If someone starts from any other point, their Tawaf is invalid until they complete the circuit correctly from the designated starting point.”

Thus, starting Tawaf from Rukn Yamani is not valid according to Shari’ah, and such an act contradicts the prophetic method (Manhaj al-Nabawi).

The Wisdom Behind Starting from the Black Stone

The act of beginning Tawaf from the Hajar al-Aswad is not arbitrary. It is an act of worship that reflects submission to Allah’s command, even if the wisdom is not entirely understood. The Prophet ﷺ kissed the Black Stone and instructed his followers to do the same or point toward it, establishing a sacred ritual to be followed until the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting Tawaf from Rukn Yamani is not permissible according to Islamic law. The only valid starting point for Tawaf is the Hajar al-Aswad, as practiced and taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Muslims should strive to perform all acts of worship in strict accordance with the Sunnah to ensure their deeds are accepted by Allah. Any deviation from the prescribed method, even if done with good intention, does not align with the principles of correct Islamic worship.