Guide to Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

Performing Umrah is a tremendous spiritual pilgrimage, and performing the ritual of Sae is one of the most heartfelt acts in Islam. Walking between the hills of Safaa and Marwa is a profound, spiritually enriched service. The ritual of performing Sae showcases the hardships of Hazrat Hajra, wife of Hazrat Ibrahim, when she ran desperately between the hills to find water for her infant son, Hazrat Ismael. If you are looking for exploring others. Qiblatain is here to help pilgrims attain and understand the importance of Sa’i and perform the ritual with full awareness. 

The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Sa’i 

The Ritual of Sa’i is a strong reenactment of one of the most motivating stories of faith in Islamic history—that of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Desperately, Hajara ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water, left alone in the desolate desert with her baby son Isma’il. Allah's amazing well of Zamzam came from her constant faith. By symbolically walking in her footsteps, pilgrims who accomplish Sa'i respect her memory. A profoundly spiritual act, it helps during times of hardship and doubt to learn patience, perseverance, and complete dependence on Allah. 

Where is Sa’i performed? 

Along a specially created corridor linking the historical hills of Safa and Marwah, Sa'i is done inside Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. The mosque's development has enclosed and conserved the original hilltops, which now exist within the building of the mosque. The Sa'i area is today brightly lit, air-conditioned, and signposted to direct pilgrims through the seven loops. It is also entirely approachable; separate paths and amenities for those with limited mobility guarantee a seamless and inclusive experience for all. The marked region is Mas& spans roughly 450 meters on either side. The walk side is well-ventilated, airy, and organized to accommodate pilgrims, especially during the Hajj season. 

When is Sa’i performed? 

Therefore, finishing Tawaf in the Umrah season, pilgrims of' Sa'i do so straight after their sevenfold walk around the Kaaba. During Hajj season, however, Sa'i varies depending on whether you are doing the Tamattu, Qiran, or Ifrad type of Hajj. Mostly after their Tawaf' Ifrad and Tawaf' Qudum, pilgrims performed sa;umpsit. Most revered businesses offering one of the several USA Hajj tours have a comprehensive schedule outlining precisely when every ritual is to be done, including Sa'ai. Umrah packages also provide distinct instructions on how to make sure you follow every stage in the proper sequence, free of stress and with confidence. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Sa’i 

Let’s break down Sa’i into clear and manageable steps: 

Step 1: Begin at Safa. 

To perform Sa’i, start your journey at the hills of Safaa. Before starting, face the Kaaba and make your Niyah—intention—silently in your heart, and raise your hands in invocation. Recite dua in praise of Allah, read Durood to send blessings on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and read aloud the verses of Dua as 

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” 

The verse in Surah Baqrah 2:158 is a reminder of the religious importance of the Sa’i ritual. Once pilgrims make their intentions, they should start walking towards the hills of Marwa, following the track between the two. It is highly rewarding to walk with devotion, patience, and faith in Allah. 

Step 2: Walk Towards Marwah 

While walking towards Marwa, keep it at a normal speed. There is a specific green light area for men between the hills to walk or jog swiftly. This shows the place where Hazrat Hajra fastened her speed when searching for water. You don’t need to recite any specific du’a, but you’re encouraged to say personal supplications, recite Quranic verses, and read short Surahs that praise and glorify Allah. 

Step 3: Reach Marwah 

After reaching Marwah, stay and face the Kaaba, or look in the direction of the Kaaba. Repeat supplications and Quranic verses while staying there, the same as you did at the Safa stop.   Here, you complete the first round of Sa’i. 

Step 4: Repeat the Process 

Continue walking to complete other rounds, and walk seven times following the same process.   The first round starts from Safa to Marwa, then Marwa to Safa; pilgrims will complete their last round at Marwah. 

Tips for a Meaningful Sa’i 

Consider the following steps to maximize the spiritual benefits of Sa’i: 

1. Stay focused and avoid extra distractions while reflecting upon the true essence of ritual. 

2. While performing Sa’i, repeat dua frequently at this sacred opportunity to give it out to you all in prayers. 

3. Before reserving your Umrah packages, it is beneficial to read about the backstory of Hajra’s patience, struggle, and sacrifice to reflect more emotional depth to the meaning of Sa’i. 

4. Don’t get overexcited and stay calm. Get hydrated and take little rests, especially in hot weather, to stay active and energetic while performing rituals. 

5. Select reliable Hajj packages from the USA that include a basic itinerary and help to make the pilgrimage more stress-free, spiritually enriched, and knowledgeable. 

 Can Sa’i Be Delayed After Tawaf? 

Normally, you would do Sa’i right after you finish Tawaf, without much delay. But it is okay to put off the ceremony until you can reschedule if you are tired or unwell or have a good excuse such as a pressing engagement. But still, pilgrims should aim to complete sa'i as soon as possible. When reserving Umrah packages, check if your package consists of little breaks during Sa’i. 

Can I rest in between rounds? 

Taking small breaks during Sa'i is allowed if pilgrims feel exhausted and drowsy; it is acceptable to take short breaks. Pilgrims just need to make sure to remember their round number, as it is quite natural to lose track during breaks. For elderly pilgrims, it is advised to select Hajj Umrah packages from the USA that include mobility help or group guides to secure a smooth and fulfilled pilgrimage. 

Is Sa’i Valid Without Wudu? 

Although Sa’i doesn’t require you to be in a state of Wudu like Tawaf does, staying in a state of purity is highly recommended and brings added spiritual benefit. Sa’i remains valid even without Wudu. Especially for women or those who could have trouble keeping wudu for a long period, Sa&'i offers some leeway. Still, if possible, it is advisable to stay in wudu out of respect and to strengthen one's spiritual links.