Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa: Conditions and Lessons Learned

Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is one of the pillars of Umrah and Hajj. It is a profound act of worship that embodies patience, faith, and reliance on Allah. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, along with the conditions and guidelines that every Muslim should adhere to.

 

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What is Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa?

 

Sa’i between Safa and Marwa involves walking back and forth between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa seven times. It commemorates the journey of Lady Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), as she searched for water for her son Ismail in a barren valley.

 

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How to Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa

 

1. Intention

 

• The Muslim must make the intention for Sa’i between Safa and Marwa with sincerity, seeking closeness to Allah.
• The intention resides in the heart and does not require verbal declaration.

 

2. Starting at Safa

 

• Sa’i begins at Mount Safa.
• Upon reaching Safa, it is recommended to recite the verse:

  "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." (Qur'an 2:158).

• It is Sunnah to stand on Safa, face the Kaaba, and raise the hands in supplication, glorifying and praising Allah.

 

3. Walking Between Safa and Marwa

 

• After supplication at Safa, the pilgrim walks towards Marwa.
• It is encouraged to engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du'a (supplication) while walking, such as: "O Allah, forgive and have mercy, pardon what You know. You are the Most Exalted, Most Generous."
• Upon reaching the two green markers in the pathway (the area of brisk walking), men are encouraged to speed up their pace slightly, while women maintain their normal walking pace.

 

4. Reaching Marwa

 

• At Marwa, the pilgrim stands as they did at Safa, facing the Kaaba and making du’a.
• Traveling from Safa to Marwa counts as one lap, and returning from Marwa to Safa counts as a second lap.

 

5. Completing Seven Laps

 

• Sa’i consists of seven laps, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa.
• It is essential to complete all seven laps without omission or addition.

 

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Conditions for the Validity of Sa’i

 

1. Sincere Intention: The intention must be purely for Allah’s sake.
2. Order of Rituals: Sa’i must be performed after the Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba in both Umrah and Hajj.
3. Completion of Seven Laps: All seven laps must be completed for Sa’i to be valid.
4. Start at Safa and End at Marwa: Adherence to the proper sequence is mandatory.
5. Performing Sa’i in the Designated Area: Sa’i must take place within the marked pathway between Safa and Marwa.
6. Preferable to Perform Sa’i in Purity: While performing Sa’i in a state of wudu (ablution) is recommended, it is not obligatory.
7. Continuity Between Laps: It is preferable to complete the laps consecutively without unnecessary interruptions.

 

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Etiquette and Guidelines for Sa’i

 

1. Engaging in Dhikr and Du’a: It is encouraged to frequently remember Allah and make supplications while performing Sa’i.
2. Sincerity and Humility: Sa’i should be performed with a humble and sincere heart, avoiding any show of arrogance or insincerity.
3. Avoiding Harm to Others: Be mindful of other pilgrims, avoiding pushing or crowding.
4. Moderate Pace: Walk at a moderate pace except between the green markers, where men may briskly walk.
5. Maintain Calmness and Reverence: Perform Sa’i with composure, respecting the sacred atmosphere.
6. Appropriate Attire: Men must wear the ihram garment, and women should dress modestly without adornment.
7. Avoiding Distractions: Focus on the worship and refrain from engaging in worldly discussions or distractions, such as mobile phones.

 

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Common Mistakes During Sa’i

 

• Rushing Throughout the Laps: Running is recommended only between the green markers and only for men.
• Miscounting the Laps: Each trip (one way) counts as a lap, so seven laps must be completed.
• Skipping Supplication at Safa and Marwa: While optional, it enhances the spiritual experience.
• Performing Sa’i Before Tawaf: Sa’i must always follow Tawaf.

 

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The Wisdom Behind Sa’i

 

1. Following in the Footsteps of Lady Hajar: It commemorates her faith and perseverance during a time of hardship.
2. Strengthening Reliance on Allah: Despite one’s limitations, Allah provides for those who strive.
3. Emphasizing the Importance of Effort: Combining effort and supplication is essential for achieving goals.
4. Instilling Patience and Determination: Sa’i teaches Muslims to persevere and remain steadfast in their efforts.
5. Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings: This ritual reminds Muslims of Allah’s countless blessings, such as the miracle of Zamzam water.

 

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Conclusion

 

Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is a profound act of worship that combines effort and reliance on Allah. It instills patience, gratitude, and faith in the hearts of Muslims. By understanding the steps of Umrah and the significance of its rituals, believers can perform their pilgrimage with sincerity and devotion, drawing closer to Allah and purifying their souls.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What do you say during Sa'i between Safa and Marwa?
When the Prophet ﷺ climbed Safa, he would say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), mention Allah three times, and make du'a three times, repeating: "There is no god but Allah, alone without any partner. To Him belongs the kingdom, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things capable. There is no god but Allah, alone, who fulfilled His promise, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone." He would repeat this with takbir three times, making du'a on both Safa and Marwa. This is the preferred way.

 

What is said at the beginning of each lap of Tawaf?
It is recommended for the pilgrim to say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) at the beginning of each lap of Tawaf when they are aligned with the Black Stone. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ, when performing Tawaf, would point to the Black Stone and say "Allahu Akbar."

 

What is said at the green light in Safa and Marwa?
It is recommended to say while passing between them: "Rabbi ghfir warham wa tajawaz amma ta'lam wa anta al-aziz al-akram, Allahumma atina fi dunya hasanah, wa fi al-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhab al-nar." (O Lord, forgive and have mercy, and pardon what You know, You are the Almighty, the Most Generous. O Allah, grant us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.) One can also recite Qur'an, as previously mentioned.