The ruling on praying the two rak'ahs of tawaf before completing the seven circuits

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is it permissible for a person to pray the two rak'ahs of tawaf even if he has not completed the seven circuits? For example, if he performs five circuits and then prays?

Answer:
No, this is not prescribed because he has not completed the tawaf. The prostration, meaning the two rak'ahs of tawaf, is for the one who has completed it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: One is not said to have performed tawaf until he completes the tawaf. As for the one who has not completed the tawaf, he is not said to have performed tawaf. Yes. Just as the one who does not complete the prayer is not said to have prayed. Yes.