The Sa’i — Between Safa and Marwa

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

The Spiritual Significance

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

How the Sa’i is Performed

Prerequisites

• Perform Sa’i after the Tawaf (and the 2 rak’ahs prayer)
• Wudu 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 Allah’s praise
2. Walk (or jog lightly for men between the green poles) toward Marwa
3. Upon arriving at Marwa, climb, face the Kaaba and repeat the invocations
4. This journey Safa → Marwa = 1 lap. Marwa → Safa = 2nd lap. You finish at Marwa on the 7th lap.

Dua 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. There is no imposed text — pray freely from the heart.

The Mas’a — the Sa’i Corridor

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

Practical Tips

• Pregnant women or elderly people may walk normally — the light jog between the green poles is only recommended for able-bodied men
• Sa’i can be performed at any time — even at night (the Mas’a is open 24/7)
• Allow approximately 45 min to 1h30 to complete Sa’i depending on crowd levels

Next step: The Tahallul — Ending the Ihram.