Propriety of combining the two rak'ahs (units of prayer) for every circuit (tawaf) immediately or delaying them?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
It is permissible to combine the two rak'ahs for every circuit of Tawaf and perform them after completing all circuits. This practice was done by Aisha and Al-Miswar ibn Makhrama, and held by 'Ata, Tawus, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, and Ishaq. The justification is that Tawaf is analogous to prayer, where combining or delaying parts is permissible. Furthermore, the Prophet's (PBUH) failure to perform an action does not necessitate its dislike, as he did not perform two or three complete circuits, which is agreed upon as permissible. The sequence between Tawaf and the two rak'ahs is not strictly required, evidenced by 'Umar praying them at Dhu Tuwa, Umm Salamah delaying them when praying while riding upon the Messenger of Allah's (PBUH) command, and 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz delaying them until sunrise.
Supporting text
The performance of the two rak'ahs immediately following each circuit is preferable, as it involves emulating the Prophet (PBUH) and avoids scholarly disagreement. Ibn 'Umar, Al-Hasan, Al-Zuhri, Malik, and Abu Hanifa disliked combining or delaying them because the Prophet (PBUH) did not do so, and delaying the rak'ahs disrupts the continuity (muwalat) between the Tawaf and the prayer.