When you stand between the hills of Safa and Marwa, you aren’t just walking in a long, air-conditioned hallway. You are retracing the footsteps of one of the most resilient women in history. For many pilgrims, the ritual of Sa’ee is the most physically demanding part of the journey, but it is also where the heart finds its greatest lessons in trust.
The safa and marwa meaning transforms this ritual from a physical task into a spiritual conversation with Allah. Whether you are currently looking at umrah packages for 2026 or are already in the state of Ihram, knowing the “why” behind these steps will change your entire experience.
Historical Background: The Story of Hajar (AS)
The origins of Safa and Marwa are rooted in an ancient trial of faith. Thousands of years ago, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah to leave his wife, Hajar (AS), and their infant son, Ismail (AS), in a barren, unpopulated valley, the site that would eventually become Makkah.
When their small supply of water ran out, Hajar (AS) did not sit down in despair. Driven by motherly love and absolute faith, she climbed the nearest hill, Safa, to look for any sign of a caravan or water. Seeing nothing, she ran across the valley floor to the opposite hill, Marwa. She did this seven times, her pace quickening in the low-lying areas of the valley so she could keep an eye on her crying baby.
This intense search led to a miracle: the Angel Jibreel (AS) struck the ground, and the well of Zamzam gushed forth. Today, when you perform Sa’ee, you are honoring that unwavering devotion and the significance of safa and marwa as symbols of hope.
Understanding the Sa’ee: A Step-by-Step Explanation
In the context of the umrah saee explanation, the word Sa’ee linguistically means “to strive” or “to walk with purpose.” It is a compulsory act of Umrah and must be performed after you have completed your Tawaf around the Kaaba.
- The Starting Point (Safa): You begin your first lap at Mount Safa. It is Sunnah to face the Kaaba and make sincere Dua.
- The Seven Laps: A “lap” is a one-way trip. Going from Safa to Marwa is the first lap; returning from Marwa to Safa is the second. You will finish your seventh and final lap at Marwa.
- The Green Lights (Milayn al-Akhdharayn): You will notice a section of the hallway marked with fluorescent green lights. This marks the area where Hajar (AS) ran to keep her son in view. It is Sunnah for men to jog at a medium pace here, while women continue walking normally.
- Dua and Dhikr: There are no fixed prayers for Sa’ee. This is a time for your own personal conversation with Allah.
If you are a first-time pilgrim, you might find the Complete Umrah and Hajj Preparation Guide for Pilgrims helpful for visualizing the layout of the Mas’aa (the walking area) before you arrive.
Religious Significance: Why These Hills Matter
The religious meaning of safa and marwa is so profound that Allah mentions them by name in the Quran: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158).
The Symbolism of “Striving”
Sa’ee represents the human condition. We are all “running” between our hopes and our fears, looking for our own “Zamzam”, whether that is a job, a healing, or peace of mind. The ritual teaches us that while we must put in the physical effort, the result comes only from Allah.
Connection to the Kaaba
The proximity of these hills to the kiswah of kaaba serves as a reminder that worship is both internal (Tawaf) and external (Sa’ee). While Tawaf is a quiet, circular focus on the Divine, Sa’ee is a linear journey through the trials of life.
Common Misunderstandings During Sa’ee
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to make mistakes during the safa marwa rituals. Here is how to perform them correctly:
- Counting Laps: A very common mistake is thinking that one “round trip” (Safa to Marwa and back) is one lap. Remember: Safa to Marwa is 1, Marwa to Safa is 2. Your seventh lap will always end at Marwa.
- The State of Wudu: Unlike Tawaf, being in a state of Wudu is not a strict requirement for Sa’ee. While it is highly recommended for your spiritual focus, your Sa’ee is still valid if your Wudu breaks during the walk.
- Running for Women: Women often feel they should follow the men in jogging between the green lights. However, the Sunnah is for women to maintain a steady walking pace throughout.
Sa’ee in Hajj vs. Umrah: Key Differences
While the physical act of walking between the hills is the same, the safa and marwa importance in umrah differs slightly from Hajj in terms of timing and obligation.
| Feature | Sa’ee in Umrah | Sa’ee in Hajj |
| Timing | Must be done after Tawaf. | Typically done after Tawaf al-Qudum or Ifadah. |
| Obligation | It is a “Rukn” (pillar); Umrah is incomplete without it. | Essential pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage. |
| Ending | Ends the Umrah rituals before Halq/Taqsir. | Part of the multi-day Hajj sequence. |
Modern Pilgrim Experience in 2026
Performing Sa’ee in 2026 is a blend of ancient tradition and modern comfort. The Mas’aa is now fully air-conditioned and spans multiple levels to accommodate the millions of pilgrims visiting annually.
At Three N Travel & Tourism LLC, we ensure our pilgrims are prepared for the physical nature of this ritual. For those with mobility issues, there are dedicated lanes for wheelchairs and electric scooters. However, even with these comforts, the significance of safa and marwa remains the same. The cold marble floor beneath your feet in 2026 is the same ground where Hajar (AS) felt the heat of the desert sun.
Conclusion: Reflection on the Journey
The safa and marwa meaning is a lesson in Tawakkul, complete reliance on Allah. Hajar (AS) didn’t know where the water would come from, but she knew that if she moved and trusted, Allah would provide.
As you finish your seventh lap at Marwa, take a moment to reflect on your own life’s “Sa’ee.” What are you striving for? What burdens are you carrying? Just as the Zamzam well was the reward for a mother’s faith, your sincerity in this ritual is the key to your own spiritual reward.
