Sa’i (Arabic: السعي) is a pivotal ritual in both Hajj and Umrah, symbolizing the journey Hajar, wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Ibrahim S), undertook as she searched for water between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This act of desperate seeking to sustain her son Ismail (Ismail S) is memorialized by pilgrims who walk the same path seven times.
Definition and Etymology
Sa’i literally stems from the Arabic verb Sa’a (سعى), which translates as “to walk,” “to strive,” or “to pursue.” It encapsulates the essence of walking between Safa and Marwa seven times as part of the pilgrimage rituals.
Historical Background
The tradition began when Ibrahim S left Hajar and their son Ismail in a desolate desert by divine command. When their provisions depleted, Hajar ran between Safa and Marwa seeking help or water, an endeavor marked by faith and desperation. Her effort was rewarded when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) unearthed the spring of Zamzam, near where Ismail lay. This story is a testament to trust in divine providence and forms the core narrative behind the ritual of Sa’i.
Ibrahim’s prayer as he left his family was:
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]
Significance in Islam
Allah highlights the importance of Sa’i 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]
This ritual underscores the human struggle and reliance on God, encouraging pilgrims to reflect on their own life’s spiritual journey as they walk the path between these two significant hills.
Sa’i (Arabic: السعي) is a significant ritual within Hajj and Umrah, consisting of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which are located adjacent to the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. This act commemorates Hajar’s desperate search for water for her son, Ismail, and embodies the themes of devotion and perseverance in faith.
Definition and Historical Context
The term Sa’i originates from the Arabic verb Sa’a (سعى), meaning “to walk” or “to strive.” This ritual replicates the historical event where Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim S, frantically searched for water between these hills to quench her son Ismail’s thirst.
Scriptural Basis and Commemoration
Allah commemorates Safa and Marwa as symbols of piety in the Quran:
“إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله”
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah…” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158).
This verse highlights the importance of these acts, linking them directly to the divine and reinforcing their significance in the Muslim faith.
The Ritual of Sa’i
Sa’i is performed following Tawaf and is necessary for both Hajj and Umrah participants under specific conditions:
- Umrah**: Sa’i follows Tawaf al-Umrah.
- Hajj al-Tamattu**: Performed twice; post-Tawaf al-Umrah and Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
- Hajj al-Qiran/Ifrad**: Occurs after Tawaf al-Qudum or Tawaf al-Ziyarah, based on the sequence of rituals observed.
Starting the Ritual
Sa’i begins at the hill of Safa, with pilgrims reciting:
“بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَر”
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
Pilgrims then proceed to Marwa, marking one complete lap, with a total of seven required for the ritual’s completion.
Practical Considerations and Recommendations
Participants are advised to maintain a state of purity and begin their Sa’i in a state of Ihram, reflecting on the profound historical and spiritual significance of this act. The experience is both a physical and spiritual journey, reminding the believer of the virtues of patience, perseverance, and unwavering trust in Allah’s providence.
Sa’i not only reenacts a pivotal historical moment but also offers modern-day pilgrims a path to emulate Hajar’s steadfast faith under trial.
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 completing the recitation of the initial supplication, you are encouraged to offer your personal prayers. It’s customary to recite the initial supplication three times, interspersing it with your individual prayers during each pause, aligning with the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ tradition.
Proceeding to Marwa
Start your journey from Safa towards Marwa. As you walk, you’ll pass under two green lights spaced approximately 50 meters apart—these mark the area where Hajar, searching desperately for water for her son, quickened her pace. It’s recommended for men to jog in this section, while women continue at their normal pace.
Personal Reflection and Prayer
During Sa’i, there are no specified chants or supplications, allowing you the freedom to engage in personal reflection or to recite any prayers that resonate with you, including sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.
At Marwa
Upon reaching Marwa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and repeat the supplications offered at Safa. This marks the completion of one full lap, with the process repeated until seven laps are completed.
Concluding Sa’i
After completing the seven laps at Marwa, it’s recommended to make a final supplication and perform two rak’ahs of nafl (voluntary) prayer within Masjid al-Haram, if feasible.
Exiting the Haram
When exiting Masjid al-Haram, depart with your left foot first and recite:
“بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ ❁”
(“In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.”)
Post-Sa’i Rituals
If you are performing Umrah, the next step often involves the shaving or clipping of hair, signifying the completion of the Umrah and the exit from the state of Ihram. For those performing Hajj al-Qiran, the state of Ihram is maintained until the Day of Sacrifice (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
Accessibility Options:
For the elderly or disabled, wheelchair-accessible sections are available during Sa’i. It is important to note that general tiredness does not qualify one for wheelchair assistance.
Supporting Other Pilgrims:
Men who are accompanying elderly or female pilgrims may choose not to run between the two green mileposts (Milayn al-Akhdharayn) to ensure their companions’ comfort and safety.
Flexibility in Performance:
Continuity is not mandatory for Sa’i, allowing for breaks if necessary. Should you need to pause your Sa’i, for example, to use the restroom, you may resume from where you stopped. During obligatory prayer times, joining the prayer is required, and you may continue your Sa’i afterward. If unsure of your exact stopping point, it is advisable to restart the lap.
Communication:
While talking is allowed during Sa’i, it should be kept relevant and respectful, avoiding idle or worldly chatter.
Location Options:
Sa’i can be performed on different levels of the Haram. The middle level offers shade and is preferable on hot days, whereas the roof level is less crowded and may be more comfortable outside peak sun hours.
Jurisprudence of Sa’i
Prerequisites (Shuroot):
- Personal performance of Sa’i.
- Being in a state of Ihram before starting Sa’i for both Hajj and Umrah.
- Performing Sa’i within its designated time period.
Obligatory Actions (Wajibat):
- Initiating Sa’i at Safa and concluding at Marwa.
- Conducting Sa’i following the completion of Tawaf.
- Completing Sa’i on foot, unless physically incapable.
- Completing all seven laps.
- Covering the entire distance between Safa and Marwa.
- Remaining in Ihram until Sa’i for Umrah is completed.
Virtuous Actions (Sunnan):
- Performing Istilam before starting at Safa.
- Starting Sa’i immediately after Tawaf when possible.
- Maintaining purity from major impurities.
- Ensuring the awrah remains covered.
- Facing the Kaaba while at Safa and Marwa.
- Maintaining continuity in Sa’i without unnecessary breaks.
- Men quickening their pace between the two green mileposts.
Recommended Actions (Mustahabat):
- Formulating an intention for Sa’i.
- Being in a state of wudhu.
- Extending supplications at Safa and Marwa.
- Offering two rak’ahs of nafl prayer after completing Sa’i.
Disliked Actions (Makroohat):
- Climbing the actual hills of Safa and Marwa.
- Engaging in distracting activities such as idle talk or commerce during Sa’i.
- Exposing the awrah.
- Running the entire distance between Safa and Marwa.