Is Sa'y Obligatory in Umrah? The Ruling on Sa'y
Sa'y means walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting from Safa: four times going and three times returning. This act of worship commemorates our mother Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail (peace be upon him) as she ran between these two hills.
The Ruling on Sa'y According to the Schools
- Hanafi school: Sa'y is wajib (obligatory). If omitted without excuse, a compensation (dam) is required, but the Umrah or Hajj remains valid.
- Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools: Sa'y is a rukn (essential pillar). If omitted, the Umrah is not considered complete.
Therefore, whichever school one follows, sa'y must be performed; the difference of opinion concerns only the consequence of omitting it.
How Sa'y Is Performed
- Sa'y is performed after the Umrah tawaf and starts at Safa.
- Upon ascending Safa, one faces the Kaaba, says takbir and makes dua.
- In the section marked with green lights, men walk quickly (harwala); women walk at a normal pace.
- Reaching Marwah counts as one circuit; the seventh circuit ends at Marwah.
- Ablution is not a condition for sa'y, but being in a state of ablution is recommended.
A Common Question: Is Sa'y Tiring?
The distance between Safa and Marwah is about 400 metres; seven circuits total nearly 3 kilometres. The route is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, and wheelchairs and electric carts are available. On Hisar Balkans tours, our elderly guests and those with health conditions receive the support they need.
