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Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa Hills

Sa’i is one of the essential rituals of both the Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimage, performed by walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. Both the hills, Safa and Marwa, are located within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

Sa’i is a sacred act that recalls and reflects the unwavering faith, trust, and patience of Hajar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The ritual of Sa’i honours the perseverance and faith of Hajar (RA) as she ran between Safa and Marwah in search of water for her infant son, Ismail (AS).

Historical and Spiritual Significance Of Sa’i

The historical origin of Sa’i is connected with the time when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Hajar (RA) with infant son, Ismail (AS) in the barren valley of Makkah by Allah’s command. Their water supply soon ran out, and in desperation, Hajar (RA) ran repeatedly between Safa and Marwa hill seeking help and placing complete trust in Allah.

Allah honored her struggle by causing the spring of Zamzam to emerge, and He immortalized her sacrifice by making Sa’i a permanent act of worship for all pilgrims.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

Sa’i is therefore not just physical movement; it is an act of remembrance, reliance, and submission to Allah.

Sa’i In Hajj and Umrah

The ritual of Sa’i is an essential obligation in Hajj, and it is a pillar (Rukn) of the Umrah pilgrimage. Without completing Sa’i, the pilgrimage is invalid. Sa’i is performed after performing Tawaf (Tawaf al-Qudum, Tawaf al-Ifadah, or Tawaf of Umrah).

How to Perform Sa’i

Begin at Safa
1. Face the Kaaba
2. Praise Allah and make du‘a
Walk Towards Marwa
1. Walk at a normal pace
2. Men jog lightly between the two green markers
3. Women walk normally throughout
Reach Marwa
1. Make du‘a and remembrance of Allah
Repeat the Process
1. One trip from Safa to Marwa is counted as one-way or one lap.
Safa to Marwa: 1st trip
Marwa to Safa: 2nd trip
You continue this back-and-forth until you complete 7 total trips, which will end at Marwa.

Conditions and Etiquettes In Sa’i

Taharah (purity) is recommended but not mandatory
Sa’i must be performed after Tawaf
There is no specific du‘a fixed; personal supplications are encouraged
Maintain humility, patience, and remembrance of Allah
Women do not run between the green markers
Women in menstruation may perform Sa’i

Sa’i: A Sacred Act of Tawakkul

The Sa’i ritual teaches pilgrims how to embrace patience during hardship, have complete reliance on Allah, and that sincere effort is always honored by Allah SWT.

Every step you take between Safa and Marwa is a reminder that ease follows hardships and that Allah never abandons those who trust Him. Sa’i transforms a moment of struggle into an eternal act of worship.