We kindly request a clarification on the wisdom behind the legislation of ṭawaf (circumambulation of the Kaʿbah) and an explanation of its virtue.

Tawaf is one of the most virtuous acts of worship, a noble form of drawing closer to Allah, and a lofty expression of obedience. It comes in compliance with the command of Allah Almighty who said, “Then let them perform the rites of purification and circumambulate the Ancient House”
(Quran, 22:29). It is sufficient honor for a Muslim to circumambulate the Sacred House, which Allah, glorified and exalted is He, has attributed to Himself saying, “And purify My House for those who perform ṭawaf, those who stand [in prayer], and those who bow and prostrate”
(Quran, 22:26).

Ṭawaf comes in several forms:

• Ṭawaf al-Ifaḍah, which is a pillar of Hajj.
• Ṭawaf of ʿUmrah, which is a pillar of ʿUmrah.
• Voluntary ṭawaf, such as the ṭawaf offered as a greeting to the Sacred Mosque.

The person who performs ṭawaf receives a great reward and abundant merit from Allah Almighty. Al-Ḥajjaj Ibn Abu Ruqaya narrated, “I was performing ṭawaf around the Kaʿbah when I encountered Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both), and he said,
‘O son of Abu Ruqayah! Increase your ṭawaf, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say,
‘Whoever performs ṭawaf around this House until his feet ache, it is a right upon Allah to grant relief for them in Paradise’”
(recorded by Imam al-Fakihi in Akhbar Makkah).

Moreover, individuals who perform ṭawaf will have their ranks elevated, their sins erased, and their good deeds increased with every step they take. ʿAbduallah Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say,
‘Whoever performs ṭawaf around the House, for every time they lift one foot and put down the other, a good deed is recorded for them, a sin is erased, and their rank is raised’”
(recorded by Ibn Khuzaymah in his Ṣaḥiḥ and Ibn Abu Shayba in his Muṣannaf).

In another narration, ʿAbduallah Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, “I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say, ‘Whoever performs tawaf seven times, counting them carefully, and prays two rak’as (units of prayer), it is as if he has freed a slave’”
(recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad (with this wording), ʿAbd al-Razzaq in his Muṣanaf, and Ibn Shahin in Al-Targhib fi Faḍaʾil al-Aʿmal).

The wisdom behind the legislation of ṭawaf as an act of worship, lies in establishing the remembrance of Allah Almighty. It was narrated from ʿAʾisha, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Indeed, ṭawaf around the House, walking between al-Ṣafa and al-Marwah, and the stoning of the jamarat were only legislated for the establishment of the remembrance of Allah Almighty”
(recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad, Abu Dawud in his Sunan, al-Tirmidhi in his Jami’ — who graded it authentic, Ibn Khuzaymah in his Ṣaḥiḥ, and al-Ḥakim in his Mustadrak, who said its chain is authentic).

And Allah Almighty knows best