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