Some people say that Sa`y is not obligatory

Q: I performed Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) with my mother who is sixty-five years old. Al-hamdu lillah (All praise is due to Allah), the Hajj was very comfortable. After finishing Tawaf-ul-Ifadah (final obligatory circumambulation of the Ka`bah in Hajj), I heard some people saying that Sa`y (going between Safa and Marwah during Hajj and `Umrah) is not obligatory. I asked a shaykh dressing like a scholar and carrying a radio set. I trusted him when I saw many pilgrims asking him. I went to him and asked if I had to perform Sa`y and he asked whether I was a Mutamatti` (pilgrim performing `Umrah during the months of Hajj, followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) and I replied in the affirmative. He said that it was not obligatory for me to perform Sa`y, and so I did not as I was convinced by his opinion.I hope Your Eminence will clarify this issue for me since my mother is old and she is unable to perform Hajj again because of her age and poor health. May Allah safeguard you and all Muslims! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

A: Both you and your mother must return to Makkah to perform the prescribed Sa`y. Your mother can even perform Sa`y while being carried or riding a wheelchair. This is the correct opinion that is adopted by Jumhur (dominant majority of scholars), supported by the authentic Sunnah (acts, sayings or approvals of the Prophet), and practiced by the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) who performed Tamattu` Hajj following the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him). If you had sexual intercourse with your wife after Hajj, you must slaughter in Makkah any animal suitable as Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) for the poor. If your mother is married and did the same, she must also offer a sacrifice (Part No. 10; Page No. 266) as mentioned. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.