What is the legal status of the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Ziyarah) in Hajj?
Chapter on the Description of Hajj
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The Tawaf al-Ziyarah is an essential pillar (*rukn*) of Hajj, without which the Hajj is incomplete. If a pilgrim returns to their home country before performing it, their state of *ihram* (sanctification) remains in effect, and they must return while still in *ihram* to perform it. This view is held by 'Ata', al-Thawri, Mālik, al-Shāfi'ī, Isḥāq, Abū Thawr, the Companions of Ra'y (Hanafis), and Ibn al-Mundhir. The evidence supporting its necessity is the Prophet's response when informed that Safiyyah experienced menstruation: "Is she detaining us?" When told she had already performed the *ifāḍah* (the major release from *ihram*) on the Day of Sacrifice, the Prophet commanded, "Then let her depart." This indicates the Tawaf is indispensable and prevents a person from fully exiting *ihram*.
Supporting text
Al-Hasan is reported to have held that if one omits it, they must perform Hajj the following year. A second opinion attributed to 'Ata' suggests coming back the next year for Hajj or 'Umrah.