Performing sa'i in a wheelchair or mobility scooter is permissible for those who have a genuine need, such as the elderly, disabled, or ill. The sa'i is fully valid when performed while riding, as نبی کریم permitted riding during حج rites. All four schools of jurisprudence agree on this. The rider must complete all seven laps between Safa and Marwah for the sa'i to be valid.
Performing sa'i between Safa and Marwah while riding in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or being carried is permissible and valid according to 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). Sheikh Ibn Baz explicitly stated that sa'i 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 sa'i while riding is permissible even without an excuse, though walking is more virtuous for those who are able. This is based on the fact that نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) performed his Farewell حج rites while riding, and the general principle that the form of locomotion does not affect the validity of the rite. Ibn Uthaymeen confirmed that the حاجی 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 (sa'i corridor) in مسجد الحرام has dedicated lanes for wheelchairs and mobility scooters to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. The حاجی being pushed in a wheelchair should face the direction of movement and ensure all seven complete laps are performed — starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. The person pushing the wheelchair may intend their effort as an act of worship and assistance.
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) performed sa'i between Safa and Marwah while riding his camel so that the people could see him and ask him questions.
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) performed sa'i between Safa and Marwah 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 حج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform حج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
A woman from Khath'am said: 'O Messenger of Allah, the obligation of حج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform حج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
سعی while riding is permissible with a valid excuse. Walking is preferred for those who are able. The Hanafi school validates sa'i performed in a wheelchair or while being carried.
Al-Hidayah: riding during sa'i is permitted for those with a valid excuse.
The Maliki school permits sa'i while riding for those with a genuine need. Walking is preferred but not required. No penalty is due for riding during sa'i.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik permitted riding during sa'i for those unable to walk.
The Shafi'i school permits sa'i 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: 'سعی while riding is permissible without excuse in the correct opinion.'
سعی while riding is permissible with a valid excuse. The Hanbali school requires a genuine need for riding, but validates the sa'i fully when done with an excuse.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: sa'i 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.
نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) performed sa'i between Safa and Marwah 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 حج has become due on my father, but he is an old man who cannot sit firmly on a riding animal. Shall I perform حج on his behalf?' He said: 'Yes.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #1513 (sahih)