Hadith on Tawaf Being a Form of Prayer
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Tawaf around the Ka‘bah is like prayer, except that Allah has permitted you to speak during it. So, whoever speaks should only say good words.”
[Mustadrak Al-Hakim]
✔ Verification and Referencing:
✔ Sources: Sunan At-Tirmidhi (460), Ibn Hibban (998), Al-Bayhaqi (5/85), Mustadrak Al-Hakim (1/459), Musnad Ahmad (4/64).
✔ Hadith Classification: Sahih (Authentic) – Imam Al-Hakim authenticated it, and Imam Adh-Dhahabi agreed with him.
Key Points Derived from the Hadith
✔ Tawaf is an essential part of Hajj, and without it, Hajj is incomplete.
✔ Tawaf consists of completing seven circuits around the Ka‘bah.
✔ It is permissible to speak during Tawaf, but only in good words, such as making dua, dhikr, or guiding others. Idle talk and jokes should be avoided.
✔ This hadith also indicates that some acts of worship resemble prayer but allow exceptions.
- For example, in Jumu‘ah prayer, the Imam speaks during the sermon.
- During prayer, asking the Imam to make dua or seeking clarification about an issue is allowed.
✔ Actions that do not contradict the essence of worship are permissible. - For example, in prayer, killing a harmful snake or scorpion is allowed.
- If a person passes in front of a praying individual, it is allowed to stop them.
- If an additional worshipper joins a two-person congregation, the Imam and first follower can adjust their positions accordingly.
- In congregational prayer, if the Imam forgets a verse, the followers can correct him.
- Men may say “SubhanAllah” and women may clap to alert the Imam of a mistake.
- Carrying a child while praying is also permitted.
Is Hajj Valid Without Tawaf?
No, Hajj is incomplete without performing Tawaf because:
Tawaf is a fundamental pillar (Rukn) of Hajj.
It is obligatory (Fard) to perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah after standing at Arafat, without which Hajj is invalid.
If someone cannot perform Tawaf due to illness or other legitimate reasons, they must make arrangements such as being carried.
📖 [This content is taken from the book Diya’ Al-Islam Fi Sharh Al-Imam Bi Ahadith Al-Ahkam by Sheikh Taqi Al-Din Abu Al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]
