Is circumambulation (Tawaf) recommended upon arriving in Mecca?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
It is recommended for one who arrives in Mecca to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. This is because Tawaf around the House is considered a prayer, and Tawaf is superior to formal prayer (Salat), with the formal prayer being performed afterwards. This view is supported by the report from Ibn Abbas, who stated that Tawaf is for the people of Iraq, and Salat is for the people of Mecca.
Supporting text
Ataa stated that Tawaf is for the strangers (ghuraba), and Salat is for the residents of the city. Some people maintain that one should visit the House every day during the Days of Mina. Others prefer staying in Mina because those days are the Days of Mina.