Is performing Sa'i a fundamental pillar (Rukn) of Hajj and Umrah?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
One narration from Ahmad states that Sa'i is a pillar, and Hajj is incomplete without it. This is the view of Aisha, Urwah, Malik, and Al-Shafi'i, supported by Aisha's statement that Allah did not complete the Hajj of one who did not perform Sa'i, and a narration about the Prophet increasing his pace and commanding: 'Strive, for Allah has decreed Sa'i upon you.' It is reasoned that since it is a rite in Hajj and Umrah, it must be a pillar like the Tawaf.
Supporting text
Another narration from Ahmad, attributed to Ibn Abbas, Anas, Ibn Al-Zubayr, and Ibn Sirin, holds that Sa'i is Sunnah and not obligatory, citing the verse {So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah [and does not complete the rite], there is no blame upon him for him to circumambulate them both} (Quran 2:158). This verse negates obligation. Furthermore, some narrations cite a variant reading of this verse showing prohibition against performing it, which implies it is not a pillar. It is also argued that it is a rite with a specific count not tied to the Ka'bah, similar to the stoning of the Jamarat, thus not being a pillar.