valid, because he did not specifically intend this rite. So on what basis would he proceed?!

His statement, “or performs tawaf on the shadharwan”: the shadharwan is the marble ledge surrounding the Ka‘bah at its base, like a threshold. Previously, it was flat, such that people could perform tawaf upon it. If someone performs tawaf on it, his tawaf is invalid, because the shadharwan is part of the Ka‘bah. Allah, Exalted is He, says:

“And let them circumambulate the Ancient House.” [al-Hajj 22:29]

He did not say, “in the House.” Had He said, “in the House,” tawaf would have been valid without going around the Hijr and while walking upon the shadharwan. Rather, He said, “around the House,” and the preposition indicates comprehensiveness; thus, circumambulating the entirety of the Ka‘bah is obligatory.

However, one of the caliphs—may Allah reward him well—made it sloping, as can be seen today. Thus, it is not possible to perform tawaf upon it, for anyone who climbs onto it in order to do so will slip, since it is a slippery place.

But suppose that a foolish man were to say to his companion, “I will lean upon your shoulder and perform tawaf on the shadharwan.” His tawaf would not be valid, because it is part of the House. This may perhaps occur during times of crowding: a person may perform tawaf on the shadharwan while leaning upon people’s shoulders. But—praise be to Allah—as far as we know, this has not occurred.

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said: Performing tawaf on the shadharwan is valid, because the shadharwan is not part of the Ka‘bah; rather, it is like the foundation beneath the wall of the House, having been made as structural support for the House. It is therefore permissible to perform tawaf upon it.

His statement, “or the wall of the Hijr”: with the ha’ carrying kasrah and the jim carrying sukun. The Hijr is well known: it is the semicircular structure to the north of the Ka‘bah, and among common people it is called