What is better: the tarawih prayer or tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah)?

Question : The questioner asks: Which is better, tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah) or the tarawih prayer?

Answer : We say that the tarawih prayer is better. If one leaves it to perform tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah), he misses it with the congregation and the imam, and he misses the standing in night prayer entirely. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: As for tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah), its time does not pass. He can go and perform tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah) after finishing the tarawih prayer, or he can perform it during the day. It does not have a specific time that is missed if one delays it. Therefore, we say that it is better for a person to pray with the imam so that the standing of the night is recorded for him.