How to Perform Sa'i — Complete Guide with the Story of Hajar

How to Perform Sa'i

Sa'i is the act of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It is one of the essential pillars of both Umrah and Hajj. The word "Sa'i" means "to strive" or "to walk briskly," and this ritual commemorates one of the most powerful stories of faith, trust, and motherly love in Islamic history — the story of Hajar (Hagar), peace be upon her.

Sa'i is performed immediately after Tawaf and the two rakats at Maqam Ibrahim. The total distance of seven trips between Safa and Marwa is approximately 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles). The modern enclosed, air-conditioned gallery with multiple floors makes the Sa'i much more comfortable than it would have been in Hajar's time, but the spiritual essence remains the same.

The Story of Hajar (AS)

The story of Sa'i goes back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him. By Allah's command, Ibrahim left his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail in the barren, uninhabited valley of Makkah — with nothing but a bag of dates and a water skin.

When the water and dates ran out, baby Ismail began to cry from thirst. Hajar, desperate to find water or help, climbed the nearest hill — Safa — and scanned the horizon. Seeing nothing, she rushed down to the valley and climbed the opposite hill — Marwa — and looked again. She ran between these two hills seven times, her heart torn between hope and desperation, never giving up, always trusting in Allah's mercy.

On her seventh trip, she heard a sound. Returning to her baby, she found the angel Jibril (Gabriel) had struck the ground near Ismail's feet, and water was gushing forth. This was the miraculous well of Zamzam — which continues to flow to this day, more than 4,000 years later.

Hajar's story teaches us that faith and effort go hand in hand. She did not simply sit and wait for a miracle — she strived, she searched, she ran. And Allah rewarded her effort with a miracle that would sustain millions of people for millennia. Every pilgrim who performs Sa'i walks in her blessed footsteps.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Begin at Mount Safa

After completing Tawaf and praying two rakats, proceed to Mount Safa. As you approach, recite:

"Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah" (Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah — Quran 2:158).

Climb Safa until you can see the Kaaba (if possible from your level). Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make dua. The Sunnah is to say:

"La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer."

Repeat this declaration three times, making personal dua between each repetition.

Step 2: Walk Toward Marwa

Descend from Safa and walk toward Marwa. Between the two hills, you will notice **green fluorescent lights** marking a section of the path. **Men should jog lightly** through this green-lit section (approximately 50 meters), commemorating Hajar's desperate running through the valley. Women walk at their normal pace throughout.

Step 3: Arrive at Marwa

When you reach Marwa, climb it, face the direction of the Kaaba, and repeat the same supplications you made at Safa. This completes one full lap. The walk from Safa to Marwa is lap 1; Marwa back to Safa is lap 2, and so on.

Step 4: Complete Seven Laps

Continue walking back and forth until you complete seven laps. You will: - **Start at Safa** (lap 1: Safa to Marwa) - **End at Marwa** (lap 7: Safa to Marwa)

Each time you reach Safa or Marwa, make dua. Between the hills, you may make any dua, recite Quran, or engage in dhikr.

Step 5: Complete Your Umrah

After finishing Sa'i at Marwa, you will proceed to shave (halq) or trim (taqseer) your hair, which completes the Umrah.

The Green Lights Section

The green fluorescent lights mark the approximate location of the valley between the two hills — the area where Hajar ran most desperately when she lost sight of her baby Ismail. Men are recommended to jog lightly through this section as a Sunnah. Women walk normally. If the area is too crowded to jog, simply walk briskly.

Common Mistakes During Sa'i

Mistake 1: Starting from Marwa Instead of Safa

Sa'i must begin at Safa and end at Marwa. Starting from Marwa would mean your first lap does not count, and you would need to do an additional trip.

Mistake 2: Counting Incorrectly

Each one-way trip counts as one lap. Safa to Marwa is 1, Marwa to Safa is 2, and so on. A common mistake is counting a round trip (Safa to Marwa and back) as one. If you count this way, you would end at Safa after what you think is 7 but is actually 14 half-trips.

Mistake 3: Jogging the Entire Distance

Men should only jog lightly between the green lights, not for the entire distance. Jogging the whole way is tiring and not from the Sunnah.

Mistake 4: Facing the Kaaba While Walking

Some pilgrims try to face the Kaaba while walking sideways during Sa'i. This is not required. You only face the Kaaba when you are standing on Safa or Marwa making dua.

Mistake 5: Believing Wudu is Required

Unlike Tawaf, wudu (ablution) is not a requirement for Sa'i according to the majority of scholars. If your wudu breaks during Sa'i, you may continue without renewing it. However, being in a state of wudu is always preferable.