The Ruling on the Farewell Tawaf and Supplication at the Prophet’s Grave

Question:
A questioner asks: Is the farewell tawaf obligatory, whether for the one performing Hajj or 'Umrah, and whether for men or women? This is regarding Makkah and Madinah during the visit. Is the farewell greeting also obligatory? And is it permissible to make du'a' (supplication) at the grave of the beloved Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), dedicating its reward to his pure soul, and asking for good in this world and the Hereafter?

Answer:
As for Hajj, the farewell tawaf is obligatory for it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): The farewell tawaf is obligatory for Hajj. As for 'Umrah, the farewell tawaf is not obligatory for it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not order the people performing 'Umrah to perform the farewell tawaf; he only ordered it for the people performing Hajj. However, if one performs the farewell tawaf as an addition of good, there is no harm in it; it is an addition of good. But as for obligation, the farewell tawaf is not obligatory for the one performing 'Umrah. As for making du'a' at the grave of the Messenger or at any other grave, it is not permissible, because this is a means to shirk (associating partners with Allah). If you want to call upon Allah, do not call upon Him at the grave, neither the grave of the Messenger nor any other grave. Rather, call upon Him in a place away from the grave. Making du'a' at the grave and praying at the grave is prohibited because it is a means to shirk. Yes, but what is prescribed is to greet the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) when you arrive from a journey; you should greet him when you arrive from a journey, and also greet his two companions. It is permissible to visit the graves of Muslims, greet them, and make du'a' for them.
As for when departing, you do not bid farewell to the grave of the Messenger. There is no report that the grave of the Messenger is bid farewell to. What is bid farewell to is the Ka'bah after Hajj. As for the grave of the Messenger, it has no farewell tawaf; rather, you greet him when you arrive from a journey.