The Sa’i: Between Safa and Marwa

The Sa’i (السعي) is the second major rite of Umrah, after Tawaf. It commemorates the running of Hajar, mother of Ishmael, who ran between the two hills in search of water for her son in the desert. Allah answered her by making the Zamzam spring gush forth.

The Spiritual Significance

The Sa’i teaches us tawakkul — absolute trust in Allah — and perseverance. Hajar ran alone, without resources, but with unwavering faith. This rite is a reminder that human effort, however modest, combined with faith, attracts divine mercy.

How Sa’i Is Performed

Prerequisites

• Perform Sa’i after Tawaf (and the prayer of 2 rak’ahs)
• Woudhou is not mandatory for Sa’i (recommended but not a condition of validity)

Procedure

1. Start at Safa — climb the hill, face the Kaaba, recite the Takbir and praise of Allah
2. Walk (or lightly run for men between the green poles) toward Marwa
3. Arrived at Marwa, climb, face the Kaaba and repeat the invocations
4. This Safa → Marwa journey = 1 lap. Marwa → Safa = 2nd lap. You finish at Marwa on the 7th lap.

Du’a at Safa

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Lā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah…

Followed by prayer for oneself, one’s family and the Ummah. No specific text is required — pray freely from the heart.

The Mas’a — the Sa’i Corridor

Sa’i is performed in the Mas’a, a covered and fully air-conditioned corridor within Masjid Al-Haram. Its length is approximately 394 meters. The floor is marble, regularly sprinkled with cool water. Wheelchairs are available for elderly or mobility-impaired pilgrims.

Practical Tips

• Pregnant women or elderly people may walk normally — the light run between the green poles is only recommended for able-bodied men
• Sa’i can be done at any time — even at night (the Mas’a is open 24/24)
• Allow about 45 min to 1h30 to complete Sa’i depending on crowd levels

Next step: The Tahallul — Exiting Ihram after Umrah.