Combining the Tawaf of Departure and the Farewell Tawaf

Question:
In a previous question, it was stated that the tawaf of departure (tawaf al-ifaadah) suffices in place of the farewell tawaf (tawaf al-wada'). However, in the answer to another question on the same subject, you stated that the farewell tawaf is a pillar (rukn) and that it should be the last act performed at the House. We ask Your Eminence to provide us with a comprehensive answer; for the pilgrim is often tied up with women and children, and it is difficult to reach the Haram, even if he goes alone?

Answer:
The farewell tawaf is obligatory according to the majority of scholars; it is merely obligatory, not a pillar. The tawaf of departure is the pillar. The tawaf of Hajj is the tawaf of departure after descending from 'Arafah. Is it called the tawaf of departure? The pillar of Hajj is essential, and it is better to perform it during the days of the festival. Then, one performs the farewell tawaf afterwards when he intends to travel, thereby combining the two matters. So, if he performs the tawaf of departure, which is the pillar, and continues until the time of departure after he has finished stoning the pillars, it suffices for him in place of the farewell tawaf. The greater act takes the place of the lesser, and the farewell tawaf is the lesser, so this takes the place of that, because it has become his last act at the House.