Umrah

Guide to Sa‘i

Safa & Marwah

Sa‘i is the devotional ritual of walking between the hills of As-Safa and Al-Marwah as a prescribed act of worship during Hajj and Umrah.

1. Prerequisite Conditions for Sa‘i

  1. Intention (Niyyah): Having the sincere inner intention to perform Sa‘i for Allah.

  2. Prior Completion of Tawaf: Sa‘i must strictly be performed after completing Tawaf around the Ka‘bah.

  3. Seven Continuous Trips: Completing seven distinct laps starting at As-Safa and finishing at Al-Marwah.

    • Note: Moving from As-Safa to Al-Marwah constitutes one trip; returning from Al-Marwah to As-Safa constitutes the second trip.

  4. State of Purity (Wudoo): Being in a state of Wudoo is recommended (Sunnah), but not strictly obligatory for the validity of Sa‘i.

Du‘aa When Exiting the Mosque Area:

بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إَنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ، اللَّهُمَّ اعصِمْنِي مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

(Bismillaahi was-salaatu was-salaamu ‘alaa Rasoolillaah, Allahumma innee as’aluka min fadhlik, Allahumma‘simnee minash-shaytaanir-rajeem)

Translation: In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty. O Allah, protect me from the accursed devil.

2. Step-by-Step Procedure for Sa‘i

  • Step 1: Commencing at As-Safa

    As you approach the base of Mount As-Safa, recite the following verse once:

    إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللهِ أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ

    (Innas-Safaa wal-Marwata min sha‘aa’irillaah, abda’u bimaa bada’allaahu bih)

    Translation: Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. I begin with what Allah began with.

    (This Quranic declaration is recited only once at the very beginning of Sa‘i).

  • Step 2: Ascending As-Safa & Supplicating

    Climb As-Safa until you can face the Ka‘bah. Raise your hands in supplication and recite:

    اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

    (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer)

    Translation: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things competent.

    Follow this by praising Allah, sending blessings (Salah) upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and offering personal supplications (Du‘aas).

  • Step 3: Walking to Al-Marwah

    Walk towards Al-Marwah at a normal pace.

    • For Men Only: Jog at a brisk pace between the two designated green lights/markers (Raml). Women continue walking at their normal pace.

  • Step 4: Reaching Al-Marwah

    Ascend the incline at Al-Marwah, face the direction of the Ka‘bah, and repeat the same praises and supplications offered at As-Safa. Repeat this cycle until all seven trips are completed (ending at Al-Marwah).

3. Misconceptions & Common Mistakes in Sa‘i

  • State of Wudoo: While preferable, losing Wudoo during Sa‘i does not invalidate the ritual.

  • Climbing Mount Heights: Pilgrims are not required to scale the natural rock formations completely to the top; reaching the incline is sufficient.

  • Rest & Hydration: Pausing to drink Zamzam water or resting during Sa‘i is fully permissible and does not break continuity.

  • Jogging Rites: Female pilgrims must walk normally throughout the entire path and should not jog between the green markers.

  • Fixed Du‘aas Between Laps: There are no specific or compulsory Du‘aas assigned to individual laps; pilgrims may make any personal supplications.

  • Verbalizing Intentions: State of Niyyah exists in the heart; pronouncing it aloud is not required.

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