Is the Farewell Circumambulation obligatory for one leaving Mecca?
Chapter on the Description of Hajj
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
For one leaving Mecca, it is not permitted to depart until performing the Farewell Circumambulation, which involves seven circuits around the House. This circumambulation is obligatory, and abandoning it necessitates a penalty (Dham). This is the view held by Al-Hasan, Al-Hakam, Hammad, Al-Thawri, Ishaq, and Abu Thawr. The basis for its obligation is the report from Ibn Abbas that the people were commanded to make their last act the circumambulation of the House, though it was made easier for the menstruating woman. Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded, 'No one should depart until his last act is the House.' The exemption for the menstruating woman does not imply that it is non-obligatory for others; rather, singling her out for exemption proves its obligation upon others. If it is obligatory, it is not a pillar (*rukn*) of Hajj, as evidenced by its being waived for the menstruating woman, unlike the Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds in one opinion that no penalty is due upon abandoning it because it is waived for the menstruating woman, making it non-obligatory, similar to Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf). He likens it to a greeting for the House, thus resembling Tawaf al-Qudum.