Is Your Umrah Valid Without Sa’i? Understanding the Requirements

Umrah Validity: What Happens If Sa’i Was Not Completed?

Question: Seventeen years ago in Saudi Arabia, I performed Umrah but did not complete the Sa’i out of ignorance. We then fed three needy people. Was our Umrah valid?

Answer: There are different opinions among scholars regarding the requirement of Sa’i in Umrah. Some consider it obligatory, while others see it as a pillar of Umrah. The latter view seems stronger, and if Sa’i is a pillar, the Umrah would not be complete without it. Feeding three people was not the correct solution. However, since you likely performed another Umrah later, that Umrah will suffice as a replacement, and any prohibited actions you may have done unknowingly are overlooked.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail