Why was the hadith, "Circumambulation (Tawaf) is prayer, except that Allah has permitted speech therein," not adopted for the condition of ritual purity (taharah) for Tawaf, and what is the extent of this hadith's authenticity?

Scholars have differed regarding the condition of purity for the validity of circumambulation (Tawaf), and the preponderant opinion among the majority is that it is a condition. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah argued that purity for Tawaf is desirable (mustahabb) and not obligatory (wajib), citing that no command from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was reported concerning it, and that his performing ablution for Tawaf does not indicate obligation. Furthermore, the hadith "Circumambulation of the House is a prayer" is weak and does not indicate that Tawaf is exactly like prayer, for speech is permitted during it, and what is not permissible in prayer is allowed in it. The madhhab of the majority remains more cautious.