Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival tawaf) is a Sunnah (recommended) act according to the majority of scholars, including the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools. The Maliki school considers it wajib (obligatory) and requires a dam (sacrifice) for omitting it. Those who perform tamattu Hajj do their Umrah tawaf upon arrival, which suffices. Menstruating women and those who arrive late are exempt from Tawaf al-Qudum without penalty.
Tawaf al-Qudum, also known as Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (greeting tawaf), is the first tawaf a pilgrim performs upon arriving in Makkah. The majority of scholars — Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali — consider it a Sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized recommended act), meaning it is highly recommended but not obligatory, and no penalty is due for omitting it. The Maliki school, however, considers it wajib (obligatory) and holds that a dam (sacrificing a sheep) is required for deliberately skipping it without a valid excuse.
Sheikh Ibn Baz explained that Tawaf al-Qudum applies specifically to pilgrims performing Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj alone) or Hajj al-Qiran (combined Hajj and Umrah). Pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu do not need a separate Tawaf al-Qudum because their Umrah tawaf upon arrival serves this purpose. Additionally, those who arrive in Makkah after the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (after Arafat) are exempt from Tawaf al-Qudum according to all scholars, as the time for it has passed.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen noted that menstruating women who arrive in Makkah for Hajj and cannot perform tawaf before going to Arafat are excused from Tawaf al-Qudum without any penalty, even according to those who consider it obligatory. He emphasized that Tawaf al-Qudum, whether Sunnah or wajib, is waived for anyone with a valid excuse, and the obligation of Tawaf al-Ifadah (the essential Hajj tawaf) remains unaffected.
The first thing the Prophet (peace be upon him) did when he arrived in Makkah was to perform wudu, and then he performed tawaf around the Ka'bah.
The first thing the Prophet (peace be upon him) did when he arrived in Makkah was to perform wudu, and then he performed tawaf around the Ka'bah.
The Prophet said to her when she began menstruating before arriving in Makkah: 'Do everything the pilgrims do, but do not perform tawaf around the House until you are purified.'
The Prophet said to her when she began menstruating before arriving in Makkah: 'Do everything the pilgrims do, but do not perform tawaf around the House until you are purified.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah mu'akkadah. Omitting it incurs no penalty. It applies to pilgrims of Ifrad and Qiran, not Tamattu.
Al-Hidayah: Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah for the one performing Hajj, not an obligation.
The Maliki school considers Tawaf al-Qudum wajib (obligatory). Deliberately omitting it requires a dam (sacrifice of a sheep). Menstruating women and latecomers are excused.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik considered Tawaf al-Qudum obligatory upon arrival, based on the Prophet's consistent practice.
Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah, not an obligation. No penalty is due for omitting it. It is for pilgrims of Ifrad and Qiran upon arrival in Makkah.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: 'Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah by consensus of the Shafi'i school.'
Tawaf al-Qudum is a Sunnah mu'akkadah in the Hanbali school. No penalty for omitting it. Menstruating women are excused and proceed to Arafat.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: 'Tawaf al-Qudum is Sunnah, and no dam is required for omitting it.'
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
The first thing the Prophet (peace be upon him) did when he arrived in Makkah was to perform wudu, and then he performed tawaf around the Ka'bah.
Sahih al-Bukhari #1614 (sahih)The Prophet said to her when she began menstruating before arriving in Makkah: 'Do everything the pilgrims do, but do not perform tawaf around the House until you are purified.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1650 (sahih)