Is it better to repeat the tawaf or to perform voluntary prayer?

The questioner : This questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, is it better to repeat the tawaf or to perform voluntary prayer? Yes, he says: Is it better to repeat the tawaf or to perform voluntary prayer?

The Shaykh : As for the times of the seasons, it is better to engage in prayer so that the area around the Ka'bah is cleared for the worshippers, that is, for those who are performing Hajj or 'Umrah. As for other than the seasons, on days when the area around the Ka'bah is empty, that is, not crowded, then the better option is whatever is more humble and more devoted to Allah. If the tawaf is more humble for him and more devoted to Allah, then it is better than the prayer. And if the prayer is more humble and more devoted, then it is better than the tawaf, because the purpose of acts of worship is to draw near to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and to rectify the hearts. And whatever is more humble, more present in the heart, more obedient to Allah, and more devoted is better, provided that it is not in...