Is circumambulation valid if it is performed counter-clockwise, even if I face the Kaaba with my chest or turn my back to it occasionally to push through crowds or facilitate departure?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Making the Kaaba to the left of the circumambulator is a condition for the validity of the circumambulation according to the majority of scholars. If this is reversed, it is not valid. They cited the action of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his saying: "Take your rituals from me."
Abu Hanifa disagreed with this, saying: If he is in Mecca, he should repeat it. But if he has returned to his homeland and does not repeat it, he owes a compensatory sacrifice (dam) and his circumambulation is valid.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/109009
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 109009
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy