Sa'i - the ritual walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times - is one of the pillars of Hajj and Umrah. It commemorates the desperate search of Hajar (peace be upon her) for water when she was left with her infant son Ismail in the barren desert of Makkah. Every pilgrim who walks this path is walking in her footsteps - and every time you complete it, you are reenacting one of the most powerful stories of faith in Islamic history.

When Do You Perform Sa'i?

Sa'i is performed immediately after Tawaf. You will perform it at different points depending on your type of Hajj:

  • Tamattu' pilgrims: Perform Sa'i twice - once after your initial Umrah Tawaf (before Hajj begins), and again after Tawaf al-Ifadah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (or later). The second Sa'i is your Hajj Sa'i.
  • Qiran pilgrims: Perform Sa'i once - either after Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf) or after Tawaf al-Ifadah. One Sa'i suffices for both Umrah and Hajj.
  • Ifrad pilgrims: Same as Qiran - one Sa'i, either after Tawaf al-Qudum or after Tawaf al-Ifadah.

The Sa'i corridor connects directly to the Grand Mosque and is fully enclosed, air-conditioned, and accessible by wheelchair.

Step-by-Step Guide

Starting at Safa

After completing your Tawaf and praying two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, proceed to the hill of Safa. As you approach it, recite the verse:

"Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah" - "Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah" (Quran 2:158).

Then say: "Abda'u bima bada'Allahu bihi" - "I begin with what Allah began with."

Climb Safa (or stand at its base if the upper part is crowded) and face the Ka'bah. Raise your hands and make dua. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would declare the oneness of Allah, praise Him, and make supplication here. This is a station of accepted dua - do not rush through it.

Walking to Marwah

Descend from Safa and begin walking toward Marwah. This first walk from Safa to Marwah counts as one of your seven circuits.

Along the way, you will pass through a section marked by green fluorescent lights (or green pillars). This marks the valley (wadi) where Hajar ran in her distress - the low point between the two hills where she could not see baby Ismail and sprinted in desperation.

  • Men should walk briskly (called harwalah or raml) between the two green markers. This is not a full sprint - it is a quickened pace with purpose.
  • Women walk at their normal pace throughout the entire Sa'i, including between the green markers. There is no running requirement for women.

At Marwah

When you reach Marwah, climb the hill (or stand at its base), face the Ka'bah direction, and make dua again. This completes your first circuit.

Continue for Seven Circuits

Walk back from Marwah to Safa (circuit 2), then Safa to Marwah (circuit 3), and so on. The pattern is:

  • Safa to Marwah = circuits 1, 3, 5, 7
  • Marwah to Safa = circuits 2, 4, 6

You begin at Safa and end at Marwah. If you end at Safa, you have miscounted and need to do one more.

Duas During Sa'i

Unlike some printed dua booklets suggest, there is no specific mandatory dua for each circuit. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not prescribe circuit-by-circuit supplications for Sa'i. You are free to:

  • Make any personal dua you wish
  • Recite Quran
  • Engage in dhikr: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah
  • Read from a prepared dua list
  • Simply reflect in silence

The one specific Sunnah is the supplication on Safa and Marwah themselves - when you stand on either hill, face the Ka'bah, raise your hands, and make dua. Between the hills, any form of worship is acceptable.

The Distance and Duration

The distance between Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 metres. Seven circuits total approximately 3.15 kilometres. At a normal walking pace, Sa'i takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour. In heavy Hajj-season crowds, it may take longer.

The Sa'i corridor has multiple levels - a ground floor, a first floor, and a roof level. All are valid for performing Sa'i. The upper floors are typically less crowded and can be a better choice for elderly pilgrims, those with children, or anyone seeking a calmer experience.

Does Sa'i Require Wudu?

This is a point of scholarly difference:

  • Majority (Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali): Wudu is NOT required for Sa'i. A menstruating woman may perform Sa'i according to this view.
  • Hanafi: Wudu is wajib (necessary) for Sa'i. Performing it without wudu requires a dam (penalty sacrifice) according to the Hanafi school, though the Sa'i itself remains valid.

The practical advice: if you can maintain wudu, do so. If your wudu breaks during Sa'i and you follow a non-Hanafi school, you may continue without repeating.

Practical Tips

  • Keep count. Use a phone counter, tasbeeh, or fold a finger after each circuit. Losing count is common.
  • Stay hydrated. Zamzam water dispensers are available along the Sa'i corridor. Drink frequently.
  • Use the upper floors. Less crowded, wider paths, equally valid.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking 3+ kilometres. Blisters during Sa'i can affect the rest of your Hajj.
  • Take your time. Sa'i is not a race. Hajar ran out of desperation - you walk in gratitude that Allah answered her prayer and provided Zamzam. Let that gratitude shape your pace.