Interrupting the Tawaf

Q: Last year, I performed Hajj. After finishing the rites of Hajj, I moved to the Haram (Sacred Mosque) to perform Tawaf-ul-Wada` (circumambulation of the Ka`bah on leaving Makkah), and I found the place very crowded. While I was completing the sixth round of tawaf, the Adhan (call to Prayer) of `Asr (afternoon) Prayer was called. However, I could not find any place in the area of Tawaf to perform Salah and thus, I preferred not to jostle against people. I came out of the house but only with great difficulty and ascended to the upper floor to complete the seventh round of Tawaf. I offered `Asr Prayer on this floor and drank some Zamzam water while completing the Tawaf. Are the Hajj and Tawaf I performed valid? Some people say that this Hajj is void, for it is impermissible to interrupt Tawaf with talking, eating, or drinking. I did these actions. Moreover, it is said that doing some rounds of Tawaf on the lower floor of the sacred Mosque and some rounds on the upper floor nullifies the Hajj. Please answer me, may Allah reward you best!

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, both Hajj and Tawaf are valid. There is nothing wrong with doing the seventh round of Tawaf on the upper floor of the Masjid and separating it from the first six rounds. You can offer Salah, drink, and talk between the rounds of Tawaf. (Part No. 11; Page No. 232) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.