Is ritual purity (Taharah) a prerequisite for performing Sa'i (running) between Safa and Marwah?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The majority of people of knowledge hold that purity is not stipulated for Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. This view is held by 'Ata, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the proponents of the opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y). The evidence for this is the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him, to 'Aisha when she began menstruating: 'Perform what every pilgrim performs, except that you do not circumambulate the House.' Furthermore, Sa'i is an act of worship not connected to the Ka'bah, thus resembling the standing at Arafah.
Supporting text
It is recommended, however, for one who is capable of purity not to perform Sa'i except while pure, and purity is recommended for all rites. Purity from minor or major impurity is not stipulated for Sa'i, because if purity from the major state (Hadath), which is more emphatic, is not stipulated, then purity from lesser states is less so. There is an unsubstantiated narration from some of our associates attributed to Ahmad suggesting that purity for Sa'i is like purity for Tawaf.