Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Introduction
Sa’i is one of the essential rituals of Umrah and Hajj(in Ihram) It refers to walking back and forth seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah, located inside the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. This act is performed after Tawaf of the Kaaba and is considered an obligation (wajib) of both Hajj and Umrah. Sa’i is a reminder of the patience, trust, and struggle shown by Hajar (Hagar, peace be upon her), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), when she searched desperately for water for her infant son, Ismail (Ishmael, peace be upon him).
Historical Background
The origin of Sa’i is deeply connected to a touching story of faith. After Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to leave his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail in the barren valley of Makkah, Hajar faced a severe trial. With no food or water left, she desperately searched for help. Out of her intense concern, she ran back and forth between the two hills, Safa and Marwah, seven times, hoping to find someone or some sign of water.
Her sincere effort and unwavering trust in Allah were rewarded when the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, peace be upon him) appeared and struck the ground, causing the blessed spring of Zamzam to gush forth. This miraculous event saved the life of her child and became a symbol of Allah’s mercy. To honor her sacrifice, Allah made Sa’i a permanent ritual for all Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah.
The Ritual of Sa’i
After completing Tawaf around the Kaaba, pilgrims perform Sa’i. The ritual begins at Safa Hill where pilgrims face the Kaaba, make supplications, and then start walking towards Marwah. Walking between the two points counts as one round. Pilgrims must complete seven rounds, ending at Marwah.
Between the two hills, there is a section marked with green lights. In this part, men are recommended to walk briskly or run, imitating Hajar’s anxious running. Women, however, continue walking at their normal pace. During Sa’i, pilgrims recite supplications, Qur’anic verses, or personal prayers, reflecting on Hajar’s sacrifice and their own dependence on Allah’s mercy.
Spiritual Lessons
Sa’i is not merely a physical act; it carries profound spiritual meaning. It reminds Muslims that success comes through both effort and trust in Allah. Hajar did not simply wait for help; she struggled with determination, while her heart relied on Allah alone. This balance of hard work and tawakkul (trust in Allah) is a key lesson for all believers.
Moreover, Sa’i teaches patience, endurance, and humility. Every pilgrim, regardless of status or wealth, performs the same act of walking between Safa and Marwah. It is a powerful reminder that in the eyes of Allah, all humans are equal.
Conclusion
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah is a ritual full of history, spirituality, and symbolism. It commemorates the sacrifice and perseverance of Hajar, honors her unwavering faith, and reflects the mercy of Allah who responded to her struggle with the gift of Zamzam. For Muslims, performing Sa’i is a moving experience, combining physical effort with deep spiritual reflection. It reminds every believer that through patience, effort, and reliance on Allah, difficulties can turn into blessings, just as Allah turned Hajar’s struggle into a source of mercy for all humanity.