The majority of scholars do not permit performing tavaf by proxy as an independent act separate from a complete Hac or Umre by proxy. If a person is unable to perform tavaf themselves (due to illness, disability, etc.), they should be carried or wheeled during tavaf. Proxy is permitted for the complete Hac or Umre — not for individual rites like tavaf alone. If a person cannot be carried at all, they appoint a proxy for the entire hac ibadeti.
The question of performing tavaf 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 tavaf cannot be delegated as an isolated act. If a haci is present in Mekke but unable to walk, they should be carried in a wheelchair or on a stretcher during tavaf, as Hz. Peygamber himself performed tavaf while riding. The tavaf performed while being carried is fully valid.
However, if a person is completely unable to perform tavaf 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 tavaf 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 tavaf cannot be delegated separately from the entire Hac. Instead, if a person cannot perform the rites at all, they should appoint a proxy for the entire Hac or Umre, not for individual rites.
The exception is Tavaf al-Ifadah for a person who performed all other Hac rites but then became unable to perform this tavaf. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen stated that such a person should wait until they recover, even if it takes time, because Tavaf al-Ifadah is a rukn (pillar) of Hac 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.
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) performed Tavaf around the Kabe during the Farewell Hac while riding his camel.
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) performed Tavaf around the Kabe during the Farewell Hac while riding his camel.
I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tavaf behind the people while riding.'
I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tavaf behind the people while riding.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Tavaf cannot be delegated as a standalone act. The sick should be carried during tavaf. If completely unable, proxy for the complete Hac is the solution.
Al-Hidayah: tavaf is a physical act of worship that must be performed by the person themselves or as part of a complete proxy Hac.
The Maliki school does not permit proxy tavaf as an isolated act. The person should be carried if unable to walk. For complete inability, a proxy performs the entire Hac.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik required the person to perform tavaf themselves, even if carried.
The Shafi'i school holds that tavaf cannot be delegated separately. The sick person should be carried. If they cannot be carried, they wait until recovery for Tavaf al-Ifadah.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: tavaf is a physical act that does not accept delegation except as part of a complete proxy hac ibadeti.
The standard Hanbali position does not permit standalone proxy tavaf. Some Hanbali scholars, however, discussed the permissibility of proxy Tavaf al-Ifadah for a severely incapacitated person.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: the general principle is that tavaf must be performed personally.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) performed Tavaf around the Kabe during the Farewell Hac while riding his camel.
Sahih Muslim #1273 (sahih)I complained to the Messenger of Allah that I was ill. He said: 'Perform Tavaf behind the people while riding.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1633 (sahih)