How must the Tawaf (circumambulation) be performed by an incapacitated person?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a person is able to walk for Tawaf, they must walk. Otherwise, they are to be carried or ridden upon. This is supported by the precedent of Abu Bakr performing Tawaf around Ibn al-Zubayr while carrying him in a cloth. Since Tawaf performed while being carried is permissible for an adult with an excuse, it is more fitting for a child. The status of the carrier—whether they have fulfilled their own obligations or not—does not affect the validity of the Tawaf for the one being carried, as the Tawaf is for the carried individual, not the carrier. The intention (*niyyah*) of the person performing the Tawaf on behalf of the carried individual is required.
Supporting text
There are several possibilities regarding the intention when the carrier intends the Tawaf for themselves and the carried child: it may count only for the carrier; it may count only for the child, as the carried person is prioritized; or it may be invalidated due to lack of specific designation, as Tawaf cannot be performed for an unspecified person.