The ruling for expanding the mas'a

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

The ruling for expanding the mas'a

Question

-What is the ruling for performing sa'y in the new mas'a [the area between as-Safa and al-Marwa] that was established by the Saudi government for the purpose of expanding the area between as-Safa and al-Marwa?

-What is the ruling regarding this expansion? Some people have maintained that the width of the mas'a is defined and known and therefore any expansion is impermissible and is considered a violation and modification of Islamic law?

Answer


It is valid to perform sa'y in the new mas'a and this fulfills the obligation. God the Almighty says,

Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of God. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,— be sure that God is He Who recogniseth and knoweth. [Al-Baqarah, 158]

In this holy verse, God Almighty commands pilgrims to make sa'y between as-Safa and al-Marwa and this demonstrates that the entire area between them is a place where the rite may be performed. This is because the verse is general and did not specify a certain area or exclude another. The new mas'a lies between the two mounts [of as-Safa and al-Marwa].

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