After completing Tawaf, the next crucial step in Umrah is Sa’i, which involves walking between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual is deeply rooted in Islamic history and symbolizes endurance, trust in Allah, and the miraculous provision of His mercy. Sa’i is a re-enactment of Hagar’s (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon them) desperate search for water for her son, Ishmael, and the miraculous discovery of the Zamzam well.
Meaning of Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is a spiritual act of walking seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah, located within the precincts of Masjid al-Haram. This act commemorates Hagar’s unwavering faith in Allah when she found herself alone in the desert with her infant son, Ishmael. She ran between the two hills, searching for water, while trusting in Allah’s mercy. Her persistence and reliance on Allah were rewarded with the appearance of the Zamzam spring, which continues to provide water to pilgrims today.
The significance of Sa’i lies in its lessons of patience, perseverance, and complete faith in Allah’s provisions. Through this act, pilgrims reflect on the trials faced by Hagar and the ultimate fulfillment of Allah’s promise of sustenance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Step-by-Step Procedure of Sa’i
Performing Sa’i requires careful adherence to certain steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to performing this important ritual:
Begin at Safa:
After completing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water, proceed to Safa, which is one of the two hills. The starting point for Sa’i is marked clearly.
Facing the Kaaba from Safa, make the intention to perform Sa’i for the sake of Allah. You may recite:
"Inn-as safa wal-marwata min sha'airillah"
(Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah)
This verse is from the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158), and it reflects the importance of these two hills in the context of worship.
Climb Safa and Face the Kaaba:
It is recommended to ascend the hill of Safa (though not too high) and face the direction of the Kaaba. While facing the Kaaba, pilgrims often raise their hands in prayer and make supplications.
Recite "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) three times and make any personal supplications or dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
Walk Towards Marwah:
After supplicating at Safa, begin walking towards Marwah, the second hill. The total distance between Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 meters (1,480 feet). While walking, pilgrims are encouraged to focus on remembering Allah, making personal duas, and reflecting on the significance of this ritual.
Run Between the Two Green Markers:
Along the path between Safa and Marwah, there are two green markers. It is Sunnah for men to run briskly between these two markers, emulating Hagar’s running during her search for water. Women are not required to run and can walk at a normal pace.
Continue walking after passing the green markers, heading toward Marwah.
Reach Marwah:
Upon reaching Marwah, repeat the same supplication and ritual performed at Safa. Face the Kaaba, raise your hands in prayer, and say "Allahu Akbar" three times. Make any personal supplications, thanking Allah and seeking His blessings.
Continue for Seven Circuits:
Sa’i consists of seven circuits in total. Each time you walk from Safa to Marwah, it counts as one circuit, and walking back from Marwah to Safa counts as the next circuit. Therefore, you will complete four trips from Safa to Marwah and three trips from Marwah to Safa, ending your Sa’i at Marwah.
Make Duas Throughout:
Throughout the journey, pilgrims are encouraged to make heartfelt supplications. There is no prescribed dua for Sa’i, but some commonly recited supplications include:
"Rabbighfir warham innaka anta al-aziz al-akram"
(My Lord, forgive and have mercy, You are the most Powerful, the most Generous).
"Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astagheeth"
(O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy, I seek help).
Pilgrims may also offer personal prayers, asking for guidance, forgiveness, health, and prosperity. The Sa’i experience is a time for introspection and connecting with Allah, much like Hagar did in her moment of need.
Completion of Sa’i at Marwah:
After completing the seventh circuit and reaching Marwah, you have successfully completed Sa’i. It is recommended to offer a final supplication at Marwah, thanking Allah for the opportunity to perform the ritual.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq/Taqsir):
After Sa’i, men must either shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir) as part of the completion of Umrah. Shaving is preferred for men as it symbolizes greater humility, but trimming is also acceptable.
Women should trim a small portion of their hair (approximately the length of a fingertip) to complete the ritual. Shaving is not required for women.
Exit from Ihram:
Once you have shaved or trimmed your hair, you are officially out of the state of Ihram, and the prohibitions associated with Ihram no longer apply. At this point, your Umrah is complete.
Conclusion
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah is a deeply symbolic and historical ritual that reminds Muslims of Hagar’s faith, perseverance, and trust in Allah’s mercy. Through the act of walking and running between the two hills, pilgrims reflect on the lessons of patience and reliance on Allah. By following the proper procedures and maintaining focus on worship, Sa’i becomes an uplifting spiritual experience that connects the pilgrim to the legacy of the Prophets and the profound mercy of Allah.