Is wudu' obligatory for tawaf?

Question : Peace be upon you. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy. May Allah preserve you, Shaykh. Your father's question regarding tawaf, may Allah preserve you: Is wudu' a condition for it?

Answer : The majority of scholars hold that wudu' is necessary for tawaf. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) chose the position that wudu' is not a condition for tawaf. If a person intends to perform tawaf, there is no doubt that it is better for him to be in a state of wudu' as a precaution, and because when he finishes his tawaf, it is prescribed for him to pray two rak'ahs, and if he is not in a state of wudu', he will not be able to pray those two rak'ahs. May Allah bless you, Shaykh.