Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Every step around the Ka’bah is rewarded
Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Umar Radiyallahu Anhuma reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Whoever circles the Ka’bah seven times and prays two Rakaats thereafter, will be rewarded as if he had freed a slave. A person does not raise his foot, nor bring it back down, except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees.” (Musnad Ahmad)
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Question and Answer:
- What is the ruling on engaging in conversation, replying to a greeting (Salaam), or answering a mobile phone call while performing Tawaaf?
- Tawaaf is an act of worship, and some of its rulings resemble those of Salaah, such as the requirement of remaining in the state of Wudhu. However, unlike Salaah, certain actions that invalidate the prayer do not invalidate the Tawaaf. For example, engaging in necessary conversation, replying to Salaam, or answering a phone call does not render the Tawaaf invalid.
Nevertheless, a believer should remember that Tawaaf is a great act of worship and should therefore be performed with the utmost devotion, dignity, and reverence. One should turn one’s heart towards Allah Ta’ala, keep one’s tongue occupied with His remembrance, and avoid unnecessary speech, especially discussions relating to worldly affairs or business matters, so that one may attain the maximum spiritual benefit from the Tawaaf.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said: “Tawaf around the Ka’bah is like Salaah, except that you speak during Tawaf. Whoever speaks during Tawaf, let him speak nothing but good [i.e. dhikr or beneficial knowledge]”. [Sunan Tirmidhi]
For this reason, the Fuqahaa have stated that engaging in worldly conversation, business discussions, and similar matters during Tawaaf is Makrooh (reprehensible).
Regarding mobile phones, it is best to avoid carrying or using them during Tawaaf unless there is a genuine need. If one does carry a mobile phone, it should ideally be kept on silent so that neither the worshipper nor others performing Tawaaf are disturbed. [Hindiyyah 1/227]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
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