During the hajj pilgrimage, the farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba is called Tawaf al-Wada.
The Arabic phrase means “farewell circumambulation.” It is performed near the conclusion of hajj, after pilgrims have completed the main rites and are preparing to leave Mecca. The ritual consists of circling the Kaaba seven times, moving counterclockwise.
Tawaf al-Wada is distinct from Tawaf al-Qudum, the arrival circumambulation, and Tawaf al-Ifadah, the essential circumambulation performed during hajj. It is also different from sa'i, which is the sevenfold journey between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Islamic legal schools differ on some details concerning the farewell circumambulation, including its precise legal status and exceptions. In general, menstruating women are traditionally exempted from performing it. The rite highlights the Kaaba’s central role in hajj and concludes a pilgrimage that Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to complete once in their lifetime.