Among the many sacred acts performed during Umrah and Hajj, walking and running between Safa and Marwa stands out as a deeply spiritual ritual. It’s not just a physical effort; it is the retelling of a mother’s devotion, a symbol of trust in divine mercy, and a reflection of human resilience. These two small hills, located inside Masjid al-Haram, hold immense importance in Islamic tradition, forming a key part of the hajj rituals step by step.
Understanding the significance of Safa and Marwa helps pilgrims connect with this ritual on a deeper level, turning every step between these hills into an act of gratitude, patience, and remembrance.
The Historical Origin of Sa’i
To understand the reason why we run between Safa and Marwa, we must revisit the powerful story of Bibi Hajra (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and their infant son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Left in the barren, sun-scorched valley of Makkah by Allah’s command, Hajra found herself with no shelter, no food, and no water. Her only concern was the well-being of her thirsty child. In a state of desperation, but with unwavering faith, she began running between the two nearby hills, Safa and Marwa, hoping to find water or someone to help. She ran back and forth seven times, each time driven by motherly love and trust in Allah’s mercy.
On her final round, her hope was answered. Angel Jibril (AS) descended and struck the earth with his wing, and from that dry ground sprang the miraculous Zamzam well. The appearance of this life-giving water not only saved them but laid the foundation for what would become the city of Makkah. Today, this act of moving between the two hills lives on through the ritual of Sa’i, carried out by all pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It stands as a symbol of faith, struggle, and divine reward, honoring Hajra’s sacrifice for all time.
Why Run Between Safa and Marwa: The Deeper Meaning
The act of walking briskly, sometimes running, between the two hills is far more than a reenactment. It is:
- A symbol of maternal strength, as Bibi Hajra ran alone in search of provisions for her child.
- A lesson in trust, where struggle precedes relief.
- A spiritual reflection on the believer’s journey, from seeking sustenance to being blessed with it.
When pilgrims ask why they run between Safa and Marwa, the answer lies not in obligation but in reverence. It represents the very human reality of desperation, answered by divine intervention.
Safa and Marwa in the Quran: Divine Recognition
The Quran directly mentions the significance of Safa and Marwa in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“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.”
This verse makes it clear that Allah SWT Himself establishes the significance of the Safa and Marwa. They are not merely hills; they are part of His signs, divine symbols that represent something greater than the physical terrain.
Umrah Rituals Step by Step: Understanding the Role of Sa’i
Sa’i is a mandatory part of both Hajj and Umrah. Below is a quick outline of the Umrah rituals step by step, highlighting where the walk between Safa and Marwa fits into the process:
- Ihram: Declaring intention from a Miqat point.
- Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
- Sa’i: Walking seven times back and forth between Safa and Marwa.
- Haircut/Shaving (Halq or Taqsir): For men: shave or trim hair; for women: trim a small portion.
During Hajj, Sa’i is performed after Tawaf al-Qudum or Tawaf al-Ifadah, depending on the type of Hajj being performed. For Umrah, it follows the initial Tawaf and precedes the haircut.
The Route and Distance Between Safa and Marwa
The distance between Safa and Marwa is around 450 meters. Since pilgrims walk this path seven times (counting each trip from one hill to the next as one round), the total distance covered is about 3.15 kilometers.
- From Safa to Marwa = 1 lap
- From Marwa back to Safa = 2nd lap
- And so on, until 7 laps are completed, ending at Marwa
This distance might feel small in modern terms, but for Bibi Hajra, it was a vast and desperate terrain. Today, with air conditioning, tiled floors, and organized entry points, the Sa’i corridor offers a much more comfortable experience, though the spiritual intensity remains unchanged.
Physical and Spiritual Aspects of the Ritual
Sa’i has two dimensions:
Physical Effort
- Brisk walking between two specific markers (green lights) is performed during part of the path to represent Bibi Hajra’s running.
- Elderly or physically limited pilgrims can perform Sa’i using wheelchairs.
- Staying hydrated and maintaining pace is important during the ritual.
Spiritual Reflection
- Each step is an opportunity to make dua, ask for forgiveness, and show patience.
- The repeated motion reminds pilgrims that faith is often tested repeatedly before relief comes.
- Silence, focus, and sincerity are encouraged while walking.
- The ritual becomes a silent prayer in motion, each step an expression of reliance on Allah, each lap a moment of gratitude for His mercy.
Modern Infrastructure and Preservation of the Sa’i Path
The path between Safa and Marwa has been preserved and expanded over time to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Today:
- The hills are enclosed within the Grand Mosque.
- The original stone of both hills is still visible and preserved under glass.
- There are designated lanes for walking and wheelchair users.
- Clear signs and audio guidance help pilgrims navigate the ritual smoothly.
This thoughtful modernization doesn’t diminish the safa and marwa significance; instead, it enables more Muslims to perform the ritual with ease while staying connected to its historical roots.
Reflections from Pilgrims: Emotional Moments at Safa and Marwa
Many who complete Sa’i describe it as one of the most emotional parts of Umrah or Hajj. Here’s what pilgrims often report feeling:
- Overwhelming gratitude for their mothers reminded me of Bibi Hajra’s struggle.
- Tears of reflection while praying for their children, family, and deceased loved ones.
- Spiritual clarity is the repetition of movement that mirrors life’s trials and Allah’s help.
Some repeat personal duas between each lap, others focus on the Talbiyah, and many simply walk in silent remembrance. The experience is unique to each individual, shaped by their life journey, intentions, and faith.
Common Duas to Recite During Sa’i
While there’s no fixed dua required during Sa’i, the following are commonly recited:
“Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta al-‘azzu al-akram”
(My Lord, forgive and have mercy. You are the Most Mighty and Most Honorable.)
“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel”
(Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.)
“Ya Allah, accept this Sa’i from me. Make it easy, make it sincere, and make it rewardable.”
Pilgrims can also raise their hands and ask for anything they desire, good health, guidance, blessings for their families, or forgiveness for their sins.
Women and the Legacy of Sa’i: An Honored Role
The ritual of Sa’i is also a powerful testament to the elevated status of women in Islam. By honoring Bibi Hajra’s actions in such a visible and compulsory way, Islam acknowledges:
- The strength of a mother’s love
- The power of a woman’s dua
- The impact of sincere faith under pressure
Muslim women across the globe often find deep personal meaning in Sa’i, knowing that this ritual was preserved due to a woman’s struggle and perseverance.
Lessons for Daily Life: Sa’i Beyond the Hills
Though performed during Hajj and Umrah, the spirit of Sa’i extends far beyond the sacred mosque in Makkah. It teaches:
- Perseverance: Keep going even when every path appears blocked.
- Reliance on Allah: Divine help may come from unseen places, like Zamzam gushing from the desert.
- Faith in motion: Keep walking, even when you don’t know how the problem will be solved.
- Value of maternal sacrifice: A mother’s sincere effort can change the course of history.
Carrying these lessons into everyday life transforms Sa’i from a single act into a mindset; a habit of trusting, trying, and praying.
Wrapping It Up
Walking between Safa and Marwa is not a test of endurance but a lesson in love, faith, struggle, and divine mercy. For every pilgrim asking why run between Safa and Marwa, the answer lies in Bibi Hajra’s unwavering trust, her active effort, and Allah’s powerful response.
Let your Sa’i be more than steps, let it be a reminder that no sincere effort goes unnoticed by Allah.
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