Section
As for his circumambulation of the House upon arrival, there is disagreement over whether he performed it on foot or riding.
Sahīh Muslim (1) relates that ‘Ā’ishah said:
“During the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) circumambulated the Ka‘bah on his camel, touching the corner, because he did not want people to be struck to clear a path for him.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd (2) relates that Ibn ‘Abbās said:
“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in Mecca while suffering from an ailment, and circumambulated on his mount. Whenever he came to the corner, he touched the corner (3) with a hooked staff. When he finished his circumambulation, he made his camel kneel and prayed two rak‘ahs.”
Abū al-Tufayl said:
“I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) circumambulating the House on a camel, touching the Black Stone with his hooked staff (4), then kissing the staff.”
Muslim related this (5) without mentioning the camel. Al-Bayhaqī (6) related it through Muslim’s chain of transmission, including mention of the camel. This—and Allah knows best—concerned the main circumambulation of Hajj, not the circumambulation on arrival, for Jābir reported that he jogged during the first three circuits, which could only have been done on foot.