Boundary of Sa`y

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

I asked Shaykh Amjad this question, and he replied that the landmarks associated with Hajj have been preserved from generation to generation and the entire umma has acted in accordance with what previous generations have passed down. The Saudi determinations of these landmarks must have been in accordance with this transmitted heritage and are therefore taken at face value.

The hills of Safa and Marwa therefore begin when the walkway between them begins to rise upwards: this rise is abrupt and can easily be discerned on the tiled floor. The minimum going-between Safa and Marwa (sa`y) is to cover the entire distance between the two hills and can be fulfilled by placing the heel of the foot at the base of the hill (i.e., where the tiles begin to rise) at the beginning and at the end of each pass (or by going up the hill in the slightest amount). In the absence of a crowds, it would be superior to climb further up the hills.

And Allah knows best.

Hamza.