Tawaf al-Qudum is the initial Tawaf carried out by the pilgrim upon entering Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca. It is performed instead of Tahiyyat Al-masjid (prayer of greeting the mosque).
The majority of scholars agree on its being sunnah for those coming from outside Mecca. The Maliki School sees it is obligatory.
The time of Tawaf Al-Qudum ends upon staying at ‘Arafat according to Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi‘i schools and one of two opinions of the Hanbali School. According to this opinion, the pilgrim entering Mecca after the day of staying at ‘Arafat does not have to perform Tawaf Al-Qudum, and no penalty is required for default according to all except the Malikis who require a blood sacrifice.