Q 1: A man goes from Al-Ta'if or Jeddah to Makkah Al-Mukarramah (Makkah, the Honored) for Salah (Prayer). Does he have to make Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) if he is not on Umrah (lesser pilgrimage)? A 1: The Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) for the one who travels to Makkah is to start with Tawaf even if they are not in Ihram (the ritual state for Hajj and Umrah) for either Hajj or Umrah. If they do not make Tawaf or if it was at a time when it is not possible for them to perform it and they pray two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer), then there is nothing upon them. However, it is preferable not to do so since (Part No. 10; Page No. 170

A 1: The Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) for the one who travels to Makkah is to start with Tawaf even if they are not in Ihram (the ritual state for Hajj and Umrah) for either Hajj or Umrah. If they do not make Tawaf or if it was at a time when it is not possible for them to perform it and they pray two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer), then there is nothing upon them. However, it is preferable not to do so since (Part No. 10; Page No. 170) the Tawaf is the Tahiyyat (greeting) of the Ka`bah while Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque) is a greeting for the Masjid (mosque). The two Sunnah Rak`ahs performed after Tawaf fulfill this obligation. However, if this is at a time when they fear that the time for a certain prescribed Salah will end, that they will miss congregational Salah ) or will miss Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units), then they are to start performing the Salahs mentioned above. The same applies to the residents who enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah). It is recommended for them to start by making Tawaf if this is possible. Otherwise, they are to perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid before sitting down as in any other Masjid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.