Sa’i

Sa’i (Arabic: السعي) is one of the integral rites of Hajj and Umrah and refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, located adjacent to the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.

Definition of Sa’i

Linguistically, the word is derived from the Arabic verb “sa’a” (Arabic: سعى), which means “to walk,” “to strive,” or “to pursue.” Its technical meaning is to walk between Safa and Marwa in a particular manner seven times.

History of Sa’i

The rite of Sa’i commemorates the actions of Hajar P, the wife of Ibrahim S who walked between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search for water for her son Ismail S.

Tradition states that Ibrahim was living with his wife, Sarah P and her slave girl Hajar in Palestine. According to Nasir al-Din al-Rabghuzi V, the famous Khwarezmian author of Qisas al-Anbiya (Stories of the Prophets), Hajar was the daughter of the King of Maghreb and a descendant of the Prophet Salih S. After her father was killed by the Egyptian Pharaoh, she was taken into slavery and later given to Sarah.

As the years passed and as she grew older, Sarah remained childless, so she suggested to her husband that she should have a child with her slave girl, Hajar.

Not long thereafter, as a result of their union, Hajar gave birth to a son, Ismail S, who was to become the father of the Arabs and the forefather of the blessed Prophet ﷺ.

In response to a divine revelation, soon after Hajar had given birth, Ibrahim brought her and Ismail to Makkah (then known as Bakkah) and left them under a tree with a waterskin and few provisions.

Initially, Hajar was reluctant at being left alone in the desert but after she learnt that it was a divine instruction, she became satisfied and put her trust in Allah. Ibrahim then recited the following supplication after leaving them in Makkah:

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ ❁

Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.
[Surah Ibrahim, 14:37]

After a while, the water in the waterskin ran out, and Hajar, who was still nursing Ismail, could no longer produce milk. As a result of the thirst, Ismail began having seizures and was close to death before Hajar desperately started looking for water in the desert.

Desperate, she climbed the hills of Safa and Marwa to get a better view of the area and to seek out any passing desert travellers before running between them seven times.

After returning to check the state of her son, she heard a voice which turned out to be that of the angel Jibril S, who was scratching the ground with his heel (or with his wing, according to other narrations), bringing forth water. Hajar immediately started drinking from this spring and was able to feed her son thereafter, saving his life. She later dug a well around the spring, which came to be known as the Well of Zamzam.

Jibril S assured Hajar that she shouldn’t worry about dying and informed her that her son and his father would someday build the House of Allah at that very location.

Not long after, a group of people whose water supplies had run out were travelling through the desert. In search of water, they noticed birds flocking to a particular area. Knowing that birds congregate at water sources, they headed in that direction.

When they arrived, they sought permission from Hajar to drink from the well of Zamzam, to which she obliged. This group of people, known as the tribe of Jurhum, settled in and populated this area, bringing about the establishment of Makkah al-Mukarramah.

Significance of Sa’i

Allah says in the Quran:

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله ❁ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ ❁

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

Providing commentary on this verse, Ibn Kathir V writes:

Whoever performs Sa’i between Safa and Marwa should remember his meekness, humbleness and need for Allah to guide his heart, lead his affairs to success and forgive his sins. He should also want Allah to eliminate his shortcomings and errors and to guide him to the straight path. He should ask Allah to keep him firm on this path until he meets death, and to change his situation from that of sin and errors to that of perfection and being forgiven, the same providence which was provided to Hajar.

In contrast with Tawaf, which focuses one’s mind on Allah, Sa’i symbolises the ongoing struggle that we encounter throughout our lives, as Hajar P had experienced. However, through her unwavering tawakkul (reliance on Allah), her supplications were answered, and her needs were met. For the pilgrim, Sa’i is a time for meditation and reflection on one’s presence in the physical world.

Requisites of Sa’i

Performed After Tawaf

The Sa’i should take place after Tawaf.

• For those performing Umrah, Sa’i should be observed after Tawaf al-Umrah.
• For those performing Hajj al-Tamattu, Sa’i should be performed twice: once after Tawaf al-Umrah and another after Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
• For those performing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad, Sa’i should be carried out after either Tawaf al-Qudum or Tawaf al-Ziyarah. If it is performed after Tawaf al-Qudum on arriving in Makkah, it will no longer be necessary to perform it after Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
• According to the Hanafi school of thought, those performing Hajj al-Qiran should perform Sa’i twice: once after Tawaf al-Umrah and again after either Tawaf al-Qudum or Tawaf al-Ziyarah.

Preceded by Ihram for Hajj or Umrah

Unlike Tawaf, which is an independent act of worship and may be performed voluntarily without entering into a state of Ihram before the ritual, Sa’i must be first preceded by assuming Ihram either for Hajj or Umrah. This does not necessarily mean that the pilgrim must still be in Ihram while performing Sa’i; Hajj pilgrims may perform the rite after Tawaf al-Ziyarah on Yawm al-Nahr, having left the state of Ihram.

To Commence from Safa

The first lap must begin at Safa. If an individual starts from Marwa, the lap would be considered void.

Completion of Seven Laps

After starting the first lap at Safa, it must end at Marwa, and the next lap must begin at Marwa and end at Safa, until seven laps are completed. The laps are counted as follows:

Lap No.	From	To
1	Safa	Marwa
2	Marwa	Safa
3	Safa	Marwa
4	Marwa	Safa
5	Safa	Marwa
6	Marwa	Safa
7	Safa	Marwa

If, during the course of Sa’i, you have doubts regarding the amount of laps you have completed, you should take the lowest amount you think you have done.

To Cover the Full Distance Between Safa and Marwa

The entire distance between Safa and Marwa must be traversed, a distance of 450 metres (1,480 ft), with the seven laps amounting to approximately 3.15 km (1.96 miles). If any part of this distance is left uncovered, the Sa’i will remain incomplete.

How to Perform Sa’i

It is a sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, although you may take a break if necessary. If you feel tired after Tawaf or your feet are aching, you may rest in the pavilion until you feel ready. Remember, you will cover over three kilometres during Sa’i, so ensure you have sufficient energy to complete the rite before starting.

Purity

While wudhu is not a prerequisite for Sa’i, it is sunnah to perform the ritual with wudhu. The Sa’i will, however, be valid even if it is carried out in a state of minor or major ritual impurity (requiring ghusl). Therefore, women in a state of menstruation or post-natal bleeding can perform Sa’i.

Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad

Before performing Sa’i, it is sunnah to return to the Hajar al-Aswad in order to do Istilam. You will carry out Istilam for the ninth time, following the eight times you performed Istilam during Tawaf. This Istilam is only applicable if Sa’i is performed immediately after Tawaf.

If you’ve forgotten to perform Istilam before Sa’i, or you’re finding it difficult to return to the line of the Hajar al-Aswad due to crowds or tiredness, it may be left out. However, it can also be performed in Masjid al-Haram, as long as you are facing the Hajar al-Aswad.

Istilam is to be performed in exactly the same manner as it was performed during Tawaf.

Proceed to Safa

Proceed to the hill of Safa, which is located inside Masjid al-Haram, in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. There are signs which indicate where it is. As you’re approaching Safa, it is sunnah to recite the following:

ِِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله ❁

Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

Thereafter, recite the following du’a:

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ ❁

Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.

I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

These supplications should only be recited once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.

Make Du’a at Safa

Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Don’t raise your hands to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba as you would have done during Tawaf. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

It is sunnah to recite the following du’a:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ ❁

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.

Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdahu la sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, yuḥīī wa yumīt, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ ❁ اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdah, anjaza waʿdahu wa naṣara ʿabdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the Confederates alone.

After reciting this du’a, you may recite your own supplications. Read the du’a a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Proceed to Marwa

From Safa, make your way towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you will encounter two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 metres apart, indicating the distance that Hajar ran to reach higher ground. These two markers are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the two green mileposts). Between these two lights, it is sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally.

Dhikr & Du’a

No fixed dhikr or du’a has been prescribed to be read during Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Make Du’a at Marwa

Upon reaching the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication and repeat the same supplications you recited at Safa.

This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa is considered a second lap.

End of Sa’i

Repeat this procedure until you have completed seven laps, at which point you should be at the hill of Marwa.

Dua and Salah

It is recommended that you make a final du’a here and perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i.

Leave the Haram

As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following du’a, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ ❁

Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.

In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.

After Sa’i

If you’re performing Umrah outside the Hajj season or Umrah as part of Hajj al-Tamattu, you will have your hair shaved or clipped following Sa’i, allowing you to leave Ihram. This marks the completion of your Umrah. If you’re performing Hajj al-Qiran, on the other hand, you won’t have your hair cut and will remain in the state of Ihram until Yawm al-Nahr.

Other Supplications for Sa’i

The following du’a was recited by Abdullah ibn Umar I at Safa, which you may also recite if you wish:

اللّٰهُمَّ اعْصِمْنَا بِدِينِكَ وَطَوَاعِيَتِكَ وَطَوَاعِيَةِ رَسُولِكَ وَجَنِّبْنَا حُدُودَكَ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا نُحِبُّكَ وَنُحِبُّ مَلَآئِكَتَكَ ❁ وَأَنْبِيَاءَكَ وَرُسُلِكَ ❁ وَنُحِبُّ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ حَبِّبْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى مَلائِكَتِكَ وَإِلَى أَنْبِيَائِكَ وَرُسُلِكَ ❁ وَإِلَى عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ يَسِّرْنَا لِلْيُسْرَى وَجَنِّبْنَا الْعُسْرَىٰ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِي الْآخِرَةِ وَالْأُولَى وَاجْعَلْنَا مِنْ أَئِمَّةِ الْمُتَّقِينَ ❁

Allāhumma ʿṣimnā bi dīnika wa ṭawaʿiyatika wa ṭawaʿiyati rasūlika wa jannibnā ḥudūdak. Allāhumma jʿalnā nuḥibbuka wa nuḥibbu malā’ikataka wa anbiyā’aka wa rusulak, wa nuḥibbu ʿibādaka ṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Allāhumma ḥabbibnā ilayka wa ilā malā’ikatika wa ila anbiyā’ika wa rusulik, wa ilā ʿibādika ṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Allāhumma yassirnā li l-yusrā, wa jannibnā l-ʿusrā, wa-ghfir lanā fi l-ākhirati wa l-ūlā, wa jʿalnā min a’immati l-muttaqīn.

O Allah, protect us by Your religion and obedience to You and obedience to Your Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and avert us from [contravening] Your limits. O Allah, make us love You and love Your angels, and Your Messengers and Prophets, and make us love Your righteous servants. O Allah, make us beloved to You, to Your angels, to Your Messengers and Prophets, and to Your righteous servants. O Allah, make the easy easy for us to attain and ward off from us the difficult. Forgive us in the Hereafter and this world, and make us leaders of the Godfearing.

You may wish to ُutter the following du’a between Safa and Marwa and specifically between Milayn al-Akhdharayn, which was also recited by Abdullah ibn Umar I:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ ❁ تَجَاوَزْ عَمَّا تَعْلَمْ ❁ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ ❁

Rabbi ghfir wa rḥam, tajāwaz ʿammā taʿlam, innaka anta l-aʿazzu l-akram.

O my Lord, forgive, have mercy, and pardon that which You know. Truly You are the Most Mighty, the Most Noble.

Thereafter, the following may be recited:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ❁

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Guidelines and Advice for Sa’i

• For the elderly or disabled, there is a wheelchair section. Tiredness is not an excuse to use a wheelchair.
• Men may abstain from running between Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the two green mileposts) if they are taking care of the elderly or female pilgrims.
• Continuity is not a necessary condition for Sa’i. Therefore, if you need to stop your Sa’i, for example, to answer the call of nature, you may resume from the position where you stopped. If a fardh prayer is due to start, you must join the congregation and resume your Sa’i from where you left. If you can’t remember exactly where you stopped, start the lap again.
• Talking is permissible during Sa’i, although it should be necessary and not merely idle or worldly talk.
• Sa’i can also be performed in the middle and upper levels, which are less crowded than the ground level.

Jurisprudence of Sa’i

Shuroot (Prerequisites)
To perform Sa’i yourself.
To have entered into Ihram prior to performing the Sa’i of Hajj.
To have entered into Ihram prior to performing the Sa’i after Umrah.
To perform Sa’i at its correct time.

Wajibat (Necessary Actions)
To begin Sa’i at Safa and finish at Marwa.
To perform Sa’i after having done Tawaf.
To perform Sa’i on foot unless you have a valid excuse.
To perform seven laps.
To stay in Ihram until the Sa’i of Umrah has been completed.
To cover the complete distance between Safa and Marwa.

Sunnan (Virtuous Actions)
To perform Istilam prior to going to Safa for Sa’i.
To perform Sa’i soon after Tawaf.
To be free from major impurity.
To keep the awrah covered.
To face the Kaaba at Safa and Marwa.
To perform Sa’i in a continuous manner, without breaks or intervals between laps.
To quicken your pace between Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the two green mileposts) if you’re a man.

Mustahabat (Recommended Actions)
To make an intention for Sa’i.
To have wudhu.
To make prolonged du’a three times at Safa and Marwa.
To perform two rak’ahs nafl after completing Sa’i.

Makroohat (Disliked Actions)
To ascend Safa and Marwa.
To engage in activities such as idle talk or buying and selling goods, which would break concentration or stop the continuous flow of Sa’i.
To keep the awrah uncovered.
To run the entire distance between Safa and Marwa.