The journey of Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is a fundamental ritual performed during Umrah, symbolizing faith, endurance, and devotion. This practice involves walking seven times back and forth between two small hills located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Rooted in a historical and spiritual story, Sa’i reflects a deep connection to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s family and their reliance on Allah.
The path of Sa’i lies entirely inside the mosque complex, clearly marked and facilitated to accommodate the flow of pilgrims. Though Safa and Marwa are now enclosed within the mosque’s expanded structure, the ritual faithfully preserves the memory of Lady Hajar’s desperate search for water for her son Ismail in the barren valley. Each step taken between these two points is both a physical act of worship and a moment for personal reflection and prayer.
Performing Sa’i is an integral part of Umrah, typically following the Tawaf around the Kaaba. It is a time for pilgrims to engage in supplication, remembrance, and gratitude while moving in the footsteps of this profound narrative. The discipline and intention behind every lap reinforce the spiritual journey that Umrah represents for Muslims worldwide.
Sa’i Ritual Overview
Sa’i involves walking or lightly jogging seven laps between the hills of Safa and Marwa, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Each lap consists of traveling from one hill to the other, and upon reaching each hill, pilgrims pause briefly to offer prayers and thanks to Allah. Men have a designated area where they may run between two green markers to emulate the quick pace Hajar took during her search, while women walk at a regular pace throughout.
The hills themselves are now marked inside the mosque, with clear signs indicating the original locations of Safa and Marwa, though the hills no longer physically exist as distinct elevations due to the mosque’s renovations. The entire path is indoors, sheltered, and organized to handle the large numbers of pilgrims performing the ritual daily.
Before starting Sa’i, pilgrims make their intention (niyyah) silently and offer prayers facing the Kaaba. The ritual reflects patience and trust in Allah’s mercy, as pilgrims remember the perseverance of Hajar. Completing all seven laps is mandatory to fulfill this pillar of Umrah properly.
Significance in Umrah
Sa’i is a symbolic act that commemorates the efforts of Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who searched tirelessly for water for her infant son in a harsh desert environment. This story is not only historical but also spiritual, representing reliance on divine providence and steadfast faith in hardship. The Qur’an explicitly mentions Safa and Marwa as symbols of Allah, affirming the ritual’s sacred status.
Through Sa’i, pilgrims physically embody patience and hope, qualities that are essential in a believer’s life. The act reminds Muslims of Allah’s mercy and the importance of persistence in their spiritual and worldly challenges. As such, Sa’i deepens the transformative experience of Umrah by connecting the past with the present in a tangible form of worship.
Moreover, Sa’i is a required rite within Umrah and Hajj; without completing it, the pilgrimage is considered incomplete. It is a moment where worshippers not only remember a key prophetic event but also renew their commitment to faith through repetitive devotion, prayer, and reflection along the path between Safa and Marwa.
The journey of Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is a profound element of the Umrah pilgrimage that combines physical effort with spiritual meaning. It honors an important moment in Islamic history while offering pilgrims a chance to demonstrate resilience and trust in Allah. As they move between these sacred sites, pilgrims join a timeless tradition of faith, hope, and submission that continues to inspire millions around the world.