What is the ruling for one who vows to circumambulate the Kaaba crawling on all fours?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
A person who vows to perform Tawaf (circumambulation) crawling on all fours must perform two complete Tawafs. This ruling is supported by Ibn Abbas. The evidence cited is the narration concerning Kabsha bint Ma'dikarib, the aunt of al-Ash'ath ibn Qays, who vowed to perform Tawaf crawling. The Messenger of Allah commanded her to perform seventy circumambulations while walking: seven as atonement for crawling with her hands and seven as atonement for crawling with her feet. Ibn Abbas similarly ruled that a woman who vowed to crawl should perform seven circuits for her hands and seven for her feet. The justification for two Tawafs is that vowing to crawl encompasses vowing to circumambulate using both hands and feet, thus the second Tawaf substitutes for the portion involving the hands.
Supporting text
The logical deduction (*Qiyas*) suggests that only one circumambulation while walking should be required, and the requirement to use the hands should be nullified because it is an unlawful act (*ghayr mashru'*). This is analogous to the sister of 'Uqbah who vowed to perform Hajj without covering her head, but the Prophet commanded her to perform Hajj while covering it. Furthermore, the Prophet commanded a man who had vowed various deeds to only fast, omitting the other vows. Thus, by analogy, only one Tawaf should be required.