“Indeed, 'the hills of' Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So, whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the 'Sacred' House, let them walk between 'the two hills'. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.”
- [Surah Al-Baqarah – 158]
The two small hills of Safa and Marwa inside the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah hold a significant place for the Muslims when they come to perform their pilgrimages. During Hajj and Umrah, Muslims perform a ritual called Sa’i where they walk back and forth between these two hills seven times.
This ritual is one of the mandatory acts or rites for both the main pilgrimages of Islam. This act reminds us of the story of Hagar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and mother of Prophet Ismail (AS). The journey between the two hills is not just physical acts. It has a deep spiritual meaning. For Muslims around the world, Safa and Marwa are a reminder of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah (SWT) in the difficult times of life.
In This blog, we’ll talk about the hills in detail. Like why they are so significant in Islam, what was the story of Hagar (RA) and why do pilgrims perform the rituals? Keep reading the blog and learn about this important ritual of your pilgrimage.
Safa and Marwa: History that Recalls Faith and Resilience
The story of Safa and Marwa goes back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Hagar (RA). Following the command of the Almighty, Ibrahim (AS) left his wife and baby Ismail (AS) in the barren desert of Makkah. There, the two souls found themselves alone in the scorching heat with no water or food.
Hagar (RA), being a mother to an infant became desperate to save the life of her child. She started running in search of water. She kept the child on the ground all alone and kept running to and fro between the hills of Safa and Marwa. First, she climbed Safa and moved forward to Marwa. Here also, she climbed this hill again and looked around. When she couldn’t find anything that could save her child’s life, she pleaded to Allah (SWT) and started making Du’a to save the life of her son.
While she was continuously crying and pleading before the Divine, Allah (SWT) answered her unending devotion and prayer and sent the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). With his wing, the angel struck the desert ground and water started coming. Thus, the holy well of Zamzam emerged.
It was the reward of Hagar’s obedience and patience. It is said that the water of the well is the purest water on earth. It can quench the thirst of a thirsty and works as a remedy for the illness.
The Ritual of Sa’i: In Details
When a pilgrim comes to perform the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah, he/she needs to follow certain steps and recite certain Du’a. Here we’ll describe the process of performing the rite properly.
Start at Safa:
Begin at the hill of Safa, which is in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. Here, you make the Niyat (intention) to perform Sa’i while facing the Kaaba. It is Sunnah to recite:
"Inna s-safa wa l-marwata min sha’a’iri llah(i)"
This means, "Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the signs of Allah." Then recite:
"Abda’u bima bad’allahu bihi"
This means, "I begin with that which Allah has begun with." These duas are recited only once before starting the Sa’i.
Climb Safa:
Once on Safa, face the Holy Kaaba (even if you can't see it, face its direction). Raise your hands and recite:
"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi l-amd..."
This means, "Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise. There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion and praise, and He has power over everything."
Recite this dua three times. You may make personal supplications in between.
Walk to Marwa:
After reciting the dua at Safa, walk towards the hill of Marwa. On the way, you will pass two green lights. Men should run between the green lights, while women continue walking normally. This area marks where Hagar ran to find water.
At Marwa:
Upon reaching Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba and recite the same dua as you did at Safa. This completes one lap. Return to Safa for the second lap and continue this process until you complete seven laps. The seventh lap ends at Marwa.
After Sa’i:
After completing the seven laps, you may pray two rakats of Nafil Shukrana (optional) to thank Allah (SWT). This marks the end of the holy ritual of Sa’i.
Through this ritual, we remember the trust Hagar had in Allah and the blessings of the Zamzam well.
Why Sa’i is A Mandatory Ritual?
The ritual of Sa’i is a mandatory ritual in the pilgrimages of Umrah and Hajj. You might be thinking why the ritual is obligatory? Read this section to know the reason.
The Mention of the Holy Quran
In the Holy Quran (2:158), Allah (SWT) has mentioned about the two hills of Safa and Marwa. These hills are described as the symbols of the Almighty.
Symbol of Hagar’s (RA) Patience and Faith
Sa’i also reminds us of Hagar’s (RA) strength and trust in Allah (SWT). She ran between the hills in search of water for her son. This act symbolizes her patience and deep faith. She did not give up, even when all seemed lost. This teaches us to trust in Allah’s (SWT) plan and never lose hope, no matter how difficult our situation may be.
Spiritual Benefits
Performing the ritual is more than just a physical act. It is a time for seeking Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness and mercy. During this ritual, we reflect on our struggles and pray to the Divine to purify our hearts. It helps us grow spiritually, reminding us that hardships lead to blessings when we put our faith in Him. It is also a time to humble ourselves and turn to Allah (SWT), seeking His help in our daily lives.
Connection to Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
The Sa’i reinforces the concept of tawhid, the belief in the Oneness of Allah (SWT). Just as Hagar relied only on the Most Merciful, we are reminded that everything in our lives comes from Him alone. The ritual strengthens our connection to the Most Gracious, showing that He alone has the power to provide, guide, and protect us.
Tips How You Perform Sa'i Properly
- Start After Tawaf: It is Sunnah to begin Sa’i immediately after completing Tawaf. However, if you are tired, it is okay to rest before starting. Take your time and regain your energy before continuing.
- Perform Wudhu: Before starting Sa’i, make sure to perform Wudhu (ablution). Staying in a state of purity is important during this holy ritual.
- Begin with Istilam: Start by performing Istilam on the Hajar al-Aswad. This means gesturing towards the Black Stone with your right hand and saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar – "Allah is the greatest").
- Seven Laps Between Safa and Marwa: You will take seven rounds between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Walking with faith and humility, reflect on the story of Hagar and the lessons of trust in the Supreme.
- End with Nafl Prayer: After completing the seven laps, it is recommended to return to Masjid al-Haram and offer two rakats of Nafl (voluntary) prayer as a way to thank the Almighty.
Rewards That Sa’i Brings
The journey of Sa’i brings rewards and blessings with it. What are these rewards? Let’s learn from the below points.
Forgiveness of Sins
Performing the ritual with sincerity and devotion is a powerful way to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Each step taken between Safa and Marwa symbolizes our repentance and desire for His mercy. It is a chance to cleanse our hearts and be forgiven for our past mistakes.
Spiritual Growth
It is a journey of spiritual growth. By remembering the struggle of Hagar, we learn patience, trust in Allah (SWT), and perseverance. Through this ritual, we develop a deeper connection with our faith and strengthen our trust in Allah's plan.
Fulfillment of Sunnah
Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by performing Sa’i is a way to earn great rewards. Every step taken in the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH) brings blessings and closeness to Allah (SWT).
Conclusion
As pilgrims walk for Sa’i, it brings them faith (Imaan), patience (Sabr), and trust (tawakkul) in Allah (SWT). It reminds us of Hagar’s (RA) devotion and how the Creator rewarded her perseverance. As we walk between Safa and Marwa, we reflect on our struggles, knowing that He is always there to provide and guide us.
Through this sacred act, we seek forgiveness, grow spiritually, and renew our trust in the Oneness of Allah (SWT). May every step taken during the ritual bring us closer to Him, purify our hearts, and remind us of His endless mercy and blessings. Ameen!
