Performing السعي in a wheelchair or mobility scooter is جائز for those who have a genuine need, such as the elderly, disabled, or ill. The السعي is fully valid when performed while riding, as النبي permitted riding during الحج rites. All four schools of jurisprudence agree on this. The rider must complete all seven laps between الصفا and المروةh for the السعي to be valid.
Performing السعي between الصفا and المروةh while riding in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or being carried is جائز and valid عند all four schools of jurisprudence. This ruling applies to anyone with a genuine need — the elderly, those with disabilities, those who are ill, and anyone who cannot walk the distance (which is approximately 3.15 km for seven laps). الشيخ ابن باز explicitly stated that السعي performed while riding is valid for those with a legitimate excuse.
The evidence for this ruling is strong. The Shafi'i school, in particular, holds that السعي while riding is جائز even without an excuse, though walking is more virtuous for those who are able. This is based on the fact that النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed his Farewell الحج rites while riding, and the general principle that the form of locomotion does not affect the validity of the rite. ابن عثيمين confirmed that the الحاج on a wheelchair or scooter earns the same reward as one who walks, and may even earn additional reward due to their patience with their condition.
Practically, the Mas'a (السعي corridor) in المسجد الحرام has dedicated lanes for wheelchairs and mobility scooters to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. The الحاج being pushed in a wheelchair should face the direction of movement and ensure all seven complete laps are performed — starting at الصفا and ending at المروةh. The person pushing the wheelchair may intend their effort as an act of worship and assistance.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed السعي between الصفا and المروةh while riding his camel so that the people could see him and ask him questions.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed السعي between الصفا and المروةh while riding his camel so that the people could see him and ask him questions.
A woman from Khath'am said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the obligation of الحج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform الحج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
A woman from Khath'am said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the obligation of الحج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform الحج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
السعي while riding is جائز with a valid excuse. Walking is preferred for those who are able. The Hanafi school validates السعي performed in a wheelchair or while being carried.
Al-Hidayah: riding during السعي is permitted for those with a valid excuse.
The Maliki school permits السعي while riding for those with a genuine need. Walking is preferred but not required. No penalty is due for riding during السعي.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik permitted riding during السعي for those unable to walk.
The Shafi'i school permits السعي while riding even without an excuse, though walking is more virtuous. This is the most lenient position among the four schools on this issue.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: 'السعي while riding is جائز without excuse in the correct opinion.'
السعي while riding is جائز with a valid excuse. The Hanbali school requires a genuine need for riding, but validates the السعي fully when done with an excuse.
Al-Mughni by ابن قدامة: السعي while riding is valid for those with a legitimate excuse.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed السعي between الصفا and المروةh while riding his camel so that the people could see him and ask him questions.
Sahih Muslim #1273 (sahih)A woman from Khath'am said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the obligation of الحج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform الحج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1513 (sahih)