3 Important Rules Of Safa Marwa (Sa’i) During Umrah

Haniya Hassan

November 29, 2023

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah highlights the guidelines for performing Sayi.

Image Credit: Mohamed El Dahshan

The guidelines for pilgrims to maintain discipline during the act of Sa’i. Sa’i is one of the essential rituals of Hajj and Umrah, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

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Sa’i is performed in memory of Hajra (R.A), who was the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). As she searched for water for her son, Prophet Ismail (A.S), in the deserted land, Allah provided them with a well of Zamzam. Thus, Sa’i symbolizes pure faith and patience and is an act of worship that brings one closer to Allah.

As the Umrah season peaks, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministries have published guidelines for worshippers while they are performing Sa’i.

These guidelines are designed to foster unity and coordination among worshippers and to ensure a harmonious experience.

Listed below are these three guidelines, as stated.

1. Keep moving continuously during the ritual without pausing.

Worshippers are advised to keep moving continuously during Sa’i, avoiding any pauses. This highlights their unwavering dedication to the sacred journey and avoids any issues for the pilgrims behind the worshippers.

2. Match your pace with other worshippers to maintain flow.

safa to marwa green lights — Image Credit: Trip Advisor

The Ministry stresses the importance of matching one’s pace with fellow worshippers. By moving in harmony with others, pilgrims symbolize the collective nature of their faith and their shared commitment to the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. Running in the same place as fellow worshippers will prevent pushing and chaos.

3. Work together with the organizers to ensure a smooth. experience.

workers in grand mosque — Image Credit: Saudi Press Agency

How do I perform Sa’i?

After completion of Tawaf, one can perform Sa’i in the state of Ihram.
Sa’i starts from a hill closer to Kaabah, which is Safa Hills. One must climb up the hill, face the Kaaba, and make Takbir, followed by Tahleel and Talbiyah.
Now the pilgrim must descend from Safa and run or walk towards Marwa.
After reaching the hills of Marwa, the pilgrim must climb up the hill and repeat the same actions as in Safa, facing the Kaaba, and making Takbir, Tahleel, Talbiyah, and du’a. This completes one round of Sa’i.
The process is repeated six more times, alternating between Safa and Marwa, until one completes seven rounds of Sa’i. The last round ends at Marwa, and one must make du’a and thank Allah.

The Ministry encourages active collaboration between worshippers and organizers to ensure a smooth and coordinated Sa’I experience. This involves following instructions, respecting designated pathways, and contributing to an atmosphere of orderliness. In this way, pilgrims can play a crucial role in maintaining discipline during Sa’i and ensuring the safety of their fellow pilgrims.

Sa’i is a noble and rewarding ritual that teaches us many values and virtues, such as faith, patience, perseverance, gratitude, and reliance on Allah. By performing Sa’i, we follow in the footsteps of Hajar, and we honor her legacy and sacrifice. We also express our love and obedience to Allah, and we hope for His acceptance and pleasure.