Priority between performing obligatory/missed prayers and performing Tawaf upon entering the mosque
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The obligatory prayer (Fard) or a missed obligatory prayer takes precedence over performing Tawaf upon entering the mosque, or if the prescribed prayer (Muqattah) begins. This is because the obligatory prayer is a requirement (Fard), while Tawaf is merely a greeting (Tahiyyah). Furthermore, if the prayer is established during one's Tawaf, the Tawaf must be interrupted for the prayer, meaning commencing with the prayer first is more appropriate.