The majority of scholars do not permit performing tawaf by proxy as an independent act separate from a complete Hajj or Umrah by proxy. If a person is unable to perform tawaf themselves (due to illness, disability, etc.), they should be carried or wheeled during tawaf. Proxy is permitted for the complete Hajj or Umrah — not for individual rites like tawaf alone. If a person cannot be carried at all, they appoint a proxy for the entire pilgrimage.
The question of performing tawaf by proxy for someone who is unable to perform it themselves is a nuanced one. The majority of scholars — including Ibn Baz and the Permanent Committee — hold that tawaf cannot be delegated as an isolated act. If a pilgrim is present in Makkah but unable to walk, they should be carried in a wheelchair or on a stretcher during tawaf, as the Prophet himself performed tawaf while riding. The tawaf performed while being carried is fully valid.
However, if a person is completely unable to perform tawaf even while being carried — for example, due to severe illness, unconsciousness, or a condition that prevents any movement — scholars differ. Some scholars hold that a companion may perform tawaf on their behalf while they remain in their lodging, but this is a minority view. The majority position, held by Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen, is that tawaf cannot be delegated separately from the entire Hajj. Instead, if a person cannot perform the rites at all, they should appoint a proxy for the entire Hajj or Umrah, not for individual rites.
The exception is Tawaf al-Ifadah for a person who performed all other Hajj rites but then became unable to perform this tawaf. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen stated that such a person should wait until they recover, even if it takes time, because Tawaf al-Ifadah is a rukn (pillar) of Hajj and cannot be waived. If recovery is not expected, they remain in a state of partial ihram until they can perform it or delegate it — though the permissibility of delegating it alone remains disputed.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Tawaf around the Ka'bah during the Farewell Hajj while riding his camel.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Tawaf around the Ka'bah during the Farewell Hajj while riding his camel.
I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tawaf behind the people while riding.'
I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tawaf behind the people while riding.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Tawaf cannot be delegated as a standalone act. The sick should be carried during tawaf. If completely unable, proxy for the complete Hajj is the solution.
Al-Hidayah: tawaf is a physical act of worship that must be performed by the person themselves or as part of a complete proxy Hajj.
The Maliki school does not permit proxy tawaf as an isolated act. The person should be carried if unable to walk. For complete inability, a proxy performs the entire Hajj.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik required the person to perform tawaf themselves, even if carried.
The Shafi'i school holds that tawaf cannot be delegated separately. The sick person should be carried. If they cannot be carried, they wait until recovery for Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: tawaf is a physical act that does not accept delegation except as part of a complete proxy pilgrimage.
The standard Hanbali position does not permit standalone proxy tawaf. Some Hanbali scholars, however, discussed the permissibility of proxy Tawaf al-Ifadah for a severely incapacitated person.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: the general principle is that tawaf must be performed personally.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Tawaf around the Ka'bah during the Farewell Hajj while riding his camel.
Sahih Muslim #1273 (sahih)I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tawaf behind the people while riding.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1633 (sahih)