The Ṭawāf of Greeting the Mosque (Taḥiyyat al-Masjid) for the residents of Mecca, those staying there after performing ῾Umrah, or those waiting for Ḥajj, is to pray two units of prayer (rak῾ahs). They are not required to perform Ṭawāf every time they enter the mosque.

Firstly, this is because it has not been prescribed, and secondly, because it would be beyond one’s capacity to do so.

It is important to distinguish between the Ṭawāf of Greeting the Mosque and the Ṭawāf al-Qudūm (Ṭawāf of Arrival). The greeting of the mosque, as mentioned, is simply the two rak῾ahs. However, the Ṭawāf al-Qudūm has different rulings:

1. Ṭawāf al-Qudūm is intended for those who enter Mecca with the intention of performing Ḥajj or ῾Umrah. Some scholars even include those who enter Mecca for trade purposes upon their first arrival.
2. Scholars have different opinions regarding the ruling of Ṭawāf al-Qudūm:
   • The majority of scholars, including the Ḥanafīs, Shāfi῾īs, and Ḥanbalīs, consider it Sunnah (recommended).
   • The Mālikīs consider it obligatory if there is enough time to perform it.
3. Ṭawāf al-Qudūm is not required in certain situations, such as:
   • During menstruation, a woman is not required to perform it.
   • If someone goes directly to ῾Arafah without passing through the Haram.
   • For those performing ῾Umrah, whether it is a separate ῾Umrah or part of Ḥajj al-Tamattu῾, as their ῾Umrah Ṭawāf fulfills the requirement of Ṭawāf al-Qudūm.
   • For the residents of Mecca or those in similar circumstances, as explained earlier.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr