When we speak of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, the term Tawaf invariably comes to mind. Tawaf, the circumambulation of the sacred Kaaba, stands as a significant pillar of these Islamic rites. However, for some individuals, it might be physically challenging or impossible to perform Tawaf. As such, the question arises: Can one perform Tawaf for someone else?
This article aims to explore the concept of performing Tawaf on behalf of another person. We will delve into the differing opinions on the permissibility of performing Tawaf for someone else. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the intricacies of one of Islam’s most revered rituals.
Whether you’re preparing for your first Hajj or Umrah, or simply seeking to broaden your knowledge about Islamic practices,
this article will provide valuable insights. So, let’s dive in.
Can I Perform Tawaf for Someone Else?
The question of whether you can perform Tawaf for someone else is a matter of discussion among Islamic scholars. There are differing opinions, and the answer may depend on various factors,
such as the person’s physical ability and the type of Tawaf in question. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
On one hand, some scholars argue that Tawaf, being a physical act of worship, cannot be performed on behalf of someone else.
They base this view on the Hadith reported by Ibn Abbas, in which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated that “a man cannot carry another man’s load (of sins).”
This perspective suggests that since each individual is responsible for their own actions,
Tawaf should be performed by the person themselves if they are physically capable.
This view is further supported by the fact that Tawaf involves physical movement around the Kaaba.
Likened to the Salat (prayer), which is considered a personal obligation that cannot be performed on behalf of another person.
On the other hand, there is another perspective that suggests it may be permissible to perform Tawaf
on behalf of someone else under certain circumstances. We will explore this differing viewpoint in the following section, Another Perspective on Performing Tawaf for Someone Else.
The basic ruling is that no one can do tawaf on behalf of someone else unless he is doing Hajj or ‘Umrah on his behalf
Read More: Can You Do Tawaf for Someone Else?
Reasons for Not Performing Tawaf for Someone Else
There are several reasons put forth by Islamic scholars as to why performing
Tawaf for someone else might not be permissible. Here are some of the main arguments:
- Personal Obligation: Tawaf, like Salat (prayer), is considered a personal obligation. It involves a physical action that should be carried out by the individual themselves, similar to the way a person cannot delegate their prayers to someone else.
- Physical Requirement: Tawaf requires physical movement around the Kaaba.
This is viewed as a physical act of worship that should be fulfilled by the individual if they are physically capable. If a person is unable to perform Tawaf due to :
- Old age.
- Sickness.
- Disability.
they are excused from this obligation.
- Direct Connection with Allah: Tawaf is a form of worship that fosters a direct connection between the individual and Allah. When a person performs Tawaf, they are engaging in a personal conversation with Allah, expressing their love, devotion, and submission to Him. This intimate connection is thought to be diluted if Tawaf is performed on behalf of someone else.
Another Perspective on Performing Tawaf for Someone Else
While the perspective we just explored suggests that Tawaf should be an individual’s personal act of worship,
there’s another viewpoint held by some Islamic scholars that allow for the performance of Tawaf on someone else’s behalf under certain circumstances.
These scholars base their viewpoint on the principle of necessity and the concept of vicarious performance of Hajj or Umrah.
They argue that if a person is physically incapable of performing Tawaf due to old age, illness, or disability, someone else may perform Tawaf on their behalf.
This is similar to how Hajj or Umrah can be performed on behalf of someone who is unable to undertake the pilgrimage themselves.
The basic rule is to use a wheelchair or carry the disabled or sick pilgrim to perform Tawaf
Read More: Detailed ruling on appointing a proxy for Tawaf or Sa‘i
However, there are certain conditions that must be met for this vicarious Tawaf to be valid:
- Physical Incapacity: The person on whose behalf the Tawaf is being performed must be physically incapable of performing it themselves and this incapacity must be expected to be permanent.
- Permission: The person on whose behalf the Tawaf is being performed must give their permission. If the person is deceased, it is generally accepted that their next of kin may grant permission.
- Ihram: The person performing the Tawaf must be in a state of Ihram for the person on whose behalf they are performing the Tawaf.
It’s important to note that this is a matter of interpretation and different scholars may have different views. If you’re considering performing Tawaf for someone else. it’s recommended to consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar to get guidance based on your specific circumstances.
How to Perform Tawaf for Someone Else?
If it is deemed permissible by a knowledgeable Islamic scholar to perform Tawaf for someone else, how does one go about doing it? The process is similar to performing Tawaf for oneself, with a few added steps.
Firstly, the person performing the Tawaf must be in a state of Ihram, just as they would be if they were performing Tawaf for themselves. They should make the intention (Niyyah) to perform Tawaf on behalf of the person for whom they are performing it. This intention can be made silently in the heart or verbalized.
Next, they should perform the Tawaf following the same regulations as a regular Tawaf. This includes circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, starting and ending each circuit at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
After completing the seven circuits, they should pray two Rak’ahs behind the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim), if possible. If it is not possible to pray there due to crowd or other reasons, they can pray anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram. It is recommended that they recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second Rak’ah.
Finally, they should drink Zamzam water if it is available and make supplication to Allah. The person on whose behalf the Tawaf is being performed may also make supplication at this time.
Remember, the key principle when performing Tawaf for someone else is that the performance should be as much like the regular Tawaf as possible, with the added intention of performing it on behalf of someone else. For more information on how to perform Tawaf, you can refer to this article on the “Rituals of Tawaf: All You Need to Know“.
Key Takeaways
- Personal Obligation: Tawaf, like Salat, is generally considered a personal obligation that should be fulfilled by the individual themselves. This is based on Islamic teachings that emphasize personal responsibility for one’s own acts of worship.
- Performing Tawaf for Someone Else: The question of whether one can perform Tawaf for someone else is a matter of scholarly debate. Some scholars argue that Tawaf should be performed by the individual themselves if they are physically capable. Others suggest it may be permissible to perform Tawaf on behalf of someone else under certain conditions.
such as if the person is physically incapable of performing Tawaf due to old age, illness, or disability.
- Consultation: If you’re considering performing Tawaf for someone else, it’s recommended to consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar to get guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tawaf stands as a significant ritual in Hajj and Umrah, embodying a physical manifestation of the believer’s spiritual orbit around Allah. The question of whether one can perform Tawaf for someone else is layered and multifaceted.
drawing upon various interpretations from Islamic scholars.
While some scholars argue that Tawaf is a personal obligation that should be fulfilled by the individual themselves. others suggest that under certain conditions, performing Tawaf on behalf of someone else may be permissible. These conditions often revolve around physical incapacity due to factors like old age, illness, or disability.
