If the individual pilgrim arrives on the ninth day, does he begin with the tawaf, or does he go to 'Arafah?

Question:
The individual pilgrim, Shaykh Salih, if he arrives on the ninth day, does he go to 'Arafah immediately, or does he perform tawaf around the House? What should he do?

Answer:
There is no objection, and it is better that he perform tawaf around the House. When he arrives in Makkah, it is better that he head to the House and perform tawaf al-qudum (the arrival tawaf). This is a confirmed sunnah (recommended practice). If he wishes to perform sa'y (walking between al-Safa and al-Marwah) while he is an individual pilgrim or one who has combined 'Umrah and Hajj, and he wants to perform the sa'y of Hajj in advance after tawaf al-qudum, there is no harm in that. And if he delays the sa'y of Hajj until after tawaf al-ifadah (the tawaf of departure), he may do so as well. Yes.