During the ritual pilgrimages of Hajj and ʿUmrah, Muslims perform a specific ritual known as sa’i or travel. This sa’i involves walking back and forth between two hills, Safa and Marwa. The sa’i begins at Safa and ends at Marwa, completing a total of seven trips.
Safa and Marwa are two hills located within the precincts of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The significance of these hills stems from the story of Hajar (Hagar), the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and mother of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael).
According to Islamic tradition, Hajar was left in the desert of Mecca with her infant son Ismail by the command of Allah. As their provisions ran out, Hajar became desperate and started searching for water. She climbed the hills of Safa and Marwa, looking for any signs of water or help.
It was during her journey between these hills that the miracle of Zamzam occurred. The angel Jibril (Gabriel) struck the ground with his wing, causing a spring of water to gush forth. This water became known as the well of Zamzam, which continues to flow to this day and is considered sacred by Muslims.
In commemoration of Hajar’s search for water, Muslims perform the sa’i as part of their pilgrimage rituals. The sa’i involves walking back and forth between Safa and Marwa seven times. It begins at Safa and ends at Marwa, symbolizing Hajar’s journey and search for water.
The sa’i is performed after completing the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, which is the first ritual of both Hajj and ʿUmrah. After finishing the Tawaf, pilgrims proceed towards the hills of Safa and Marwa to perform the sa’i.
The sa’i itself is a physically demanding act, as it requires individuals to walk a distance of approximately 450 meters between the two hills. This ritual is performed at a moderate pace, and pilgrims are encouraged to recite supplications and prayers during the sa’i.
Throughout the sa’i, pilgrims reflect upon the faith, dedication, and perseverance of Hajar. They remember her trust in Allah and her determination to find water for her infant son. The sa’i serves as a reminder of the importance of trust in God and the rewards of perseverance.
It is important to note that the sa’i is performed only during the pilgrimage rituals of Hajj and ʿUmrah. Outside of these specific occasions, there is no obligation or requirement for Muslims to perform the sa’i between Safa and Marwa.
The sa’i or travel between Safa and Marwa is an integral part of the pilgrimage rituals of Hajj and ʿUmrah. Muslims begin at Safa and end at Marwa, completing a total of seven trips back and forth. This ritual commemorates the journey of Hajar and her search for water in the desert of Mecca.