Ruling on performing Tawaf around a Masjid seven times after the completion of its building

(Part No. 2; Page No. 505) A: Performing Tawaf around a Masjid seven times is an abominable act of Bid`ah, whether this is done on the opening day or any other day. Tawaf is only lawful when performed around the Ka`bah (in Makkah) and nowhere else. Therefore, performing it seven times around any place other than the Ka`bah is equating it to the Ka`bah and this has not been permitted by Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) built Masjid Quba' and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah), and the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) also built Masjids in many Muslim countries, but it is not known that any of them performed Tawaf around the Masjids they built seven times, or more or less times than that. They only made the seven rounds of Tawaf around the Ka`bah during Hajj and `Umrah for Allah (Glorified be He) and to worship Him; and all good lies in following their examples.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.