Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid offered for Al-Masjid Al-Haram

Q 2: Does Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) replace Salah (Prayer) in Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque) offered for Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah)?

A: Yes, Tawaf is the way to offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid for Al-Masjid Al-Haram by the non-residents of Makkah. However, it is permissible for anyone who could not offer Tawaf, to offer a two-Rak`ah Salah (Prayer consisting of two units) before they sit. This is based on the general applicability of the ruling in the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): When anyone among you enters the Masjid (mosque), he should not sit until he has offered two Rak`ahs. Residents of Makkah offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid for Al-Masjid Al-Haram by praying a two-Rak`ah Salah as they do upon entering any other Masjid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.