Performing Sa`y before Tawaf in `Umrah

Q 1: A man was performing 'Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), but out of ignorance, he performed Sa`y (going between Safa and Marwah) before Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah). Should he perform Tawaf then Sa`y again?

A: He is not required to perform Sa`y again. It was reported by Abu Dawud in his Sunan with a good chain of transmitters that Usamah ibn Sharik said: "I went to perform Hajj along with the Prophet (peace be upon him). People would come to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: 'I performed Sa'y before performing Tawaf'; or I made some ritual in advance and put off another.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) would reply: 'There is no difficulty, there is no difficulty, except for a man who unjustly backbit a Muslim man. Indeed, this is the one in difficulty and destruction.'" (Part No. 11; Page No. 321) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.