Is it valid for pilgrims to perform sa’y (traversing between the Mounts of Safa and Marwa) in the new mas’a?
Question
Is it valid for pilgrims to perform sa’y (traversing between the Mounts of Safa and Marwa) in the new mas’a?
Answer
It is valid to perform sa’y in the new mas’a which the Saudi government established to expand the area where sa’y is performed between As-Safa and Al-Marwa. The fatwa stated that the sa’y performed in the new mas’a is valid and fulfills the obligation.
The verses of the Holy Qur`an demonstrate that the whole area between the two mounts is a place where sa’y may be performed. Moreover, the verses are general and do not specify a certain area or exclude another concerning the area between the two mounts and that the new mas’a lies between As-Safa and Al-Marwa.
The fatwa further added that sa’y is accomplished by spanning the entire distance between As-Safa and Al-Marwa, signified by the end of the railing at the beginning of the ascension point of the mounts. This is the beginning for both As-Safa and Al-Marwa.
Walking the whole distance between the two mounts is a duty according to Hanafi scholars; therefore, neglecting to span the entire distance does not invalidate sa’y but obligates the pilgrim to slaughter in expiation.