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Safa Marwah guide

Safa and Marwa – Complete Guide to Sa'i, Dua, Story and Importance in Umrah

The two hills of Safa and Marwa stand among the most significant places in Islam because they represent fundamental components of every Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims view these blessed hills inside Masjid al-Haram in Makkah as a symbol through which they remember the sacrifice, faith, and patience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s wife Hajar (RA), mother of Prophet Ismail (AS). 
The Umrah pilgrimage requires each believer to make seven Sa’i walks between the two mountains of Safa and Marwa. This ritual celebrates Hajar’s arduous quest for water by honoring the divine emergence of the Zamzam Well. Millions of Muslims today retrace Hajar’s path as part of their pilgrimage practice. 
In this informative guide you will discover details about Safa and Marwah including the Safa-Marwah story and the meaning of Sa’i, plus many important duas and the exact distance between Safa and Marwa meters while unveiling the spiritual significance behind this magnificent act of worship

What is Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwah are located near the Holy Kaaba in Makkah inside the Masjid al-Haram. They are two small hills called Safa and Marwa. The hills represent one of Allah’s signs because they appear in the holy Quran. The Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages include a ritual named ‘Sa’i’ in which Muslims move between Safa and Marwa.
Note: Safa and Marwa are an important part of the complete Umrah pilgrimage. Read our comprehensive article on umrah guide

Mount Safa and Mount Marwah

Mount Safa, along with Mount Marwah, formed natural hills which joined with wider mountains near the city of Makkah.

  • Safa is connected to Mount Abu Qubays.
  • Marwah is connected to Mount Qaiqan.

Despite gradual development of this region through time, pilgrims can still see original parts of these hills today

Location of Safa and Marwa

Safa and Marwa exist within Masjid al-Haram and join through the Mas’aa, which is a roofed passageway. During their pilgrimage, the followers begin their walk from Safa and make seven back-and-forth trips between both hills.

Why Safa and Marwa are Important in Islam

There are references to Safa and Marwa in the Quran which were written by Allah.

“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”
The verse was sacred to show how these peaks stand as holy places which carry significant meaning for those visiting Hajj or Umrah.

Safa Marwa Story

The Safa Marwa story is one of the most inspiring stories in Islamic history.

Hajar (RA), Ismail (AS) and the Search for Water

By the mission of Allah, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) gave up Hajar (RA) along with their child, Prophet Ismail (AS), to a desolate valley of Makkah.When their water supply got finished, Ismail (AS) wanted to drink the water and began to cry.
When Hajar (RA) saw that her son was suffering, she climbed Mount Safa remonstrating for relief. Since she found none, she hurried toward the Mount Marwah. She made this journey back and forth seven times looking for water and searching out wandering humans.

The Miracle of Zamzam

After her search was complete, Allah ordered Angel Jibril (AS) to arrive.Through Allah’s directive water came forth from the earth next to Prophet Ismail (AS).
The sacred water developed into the Zamzam Well that till now delivers water for countless pilgrims.

How Sa'i Began

The Sa’i ritual reflects Hajar’s fight while showing her resolves and reliance on God. When performing Umrah or Hajj, every pilgrim repeats the steps of Hajar by touring between Marwa and Safa for seven circuits.
This action changes what a mother gives to become everlasting evidence of her faith.

What is Sa'i?

Sa’i means going on a ritual walk between Safa and Marwa for seven cycles during Umrah or Hajj. The ritual represents Hajar’s (RA) quest for water to serve herself and her child Prophet Ismail (AS).

Many pilgrims confuse Safa and Marwa with Sa’i. However, they are not the same thing.

  • Safa and Marwa are the two blessed hills.
  • Sa’i is the act of walking between them.

Performing Sa’i represents an essential component of Umrah proceedings which demands strict observance. None of the Umrah pilgrims should perform less than seven laps between Safa and Marwa following the completion of Tawaf.

Difference Between Safa and Marwa and Sa'i

Safa and Marwa are physical locations inside Masjid al-Haram.

Sa’i is the worship performed between these two hills.

Think of it this way:

  • Kaaba = Location
  • Tawaf = Ritual around the Kaaba

Similarly:

  • Safa and Marwa = Locations
  • Sa’i = Ritual between them

Why Sa'i is Performed During Umrah

Sa’i teaches Muslims important lessons:

  • Trust in Allah
  • Patience during hardship
  • Taking action while relying upon Allah
  • Perseverance in difficult situations

Hajar (RA) did not sit and wait. She made every effort possible while trusting Allah completely. Sa’i reminds Muslims to do the same in their own lives.

How to Perform Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa

Understanding the correct method of Sa’i helps pilgrims complete this ritual confidently.
Note Sa’i is performed after completing Tawaf around the Kaaba.

Start at Safa

After completing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water, proceed to Mount Safa.
When approaching Safa, recite the Quranic verse:

Arabic

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

Transliteration

Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’airillah.

English Translation

“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”

Climb Safa if possible and face the Kaaba.Raise your hands and make dua.

Dua at Safa

The Prophet ﷺ would praise Allah and recite:

Arabic

لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Transliteration

La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadeer.

English Translation

“There is no god except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise, and He has power over everything.”
After this, make personal duas.

Walk Towards Marwa

Begin walking towards Mount Marwah.
Remember Allah, recite the Quran, send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and make personal supplications throughout the journey.

Green Light Area

During Sa’i people will see green lights indicating a portion of the path.The men must move quickly between these green markings.
The women will keep going at their usual pace. This running recognises Hajar’s urgency after she lost sight of Prophet Ismail (AS) while he stayed in the valley beneath them.

Reach Marwa

When reaching Marwah, face the Kaaba and repeat the same remembrance and duas recited at Safa. This completes one round.

Complete Seven Rounds

The rounds are counted as follows:

  • Safa to Marwa = 1 round
  • Marwa to Safa = 2 rounds
  • Safa to Marwa = 3 rounds
  • Marwa to Safa = 4 rounds
  • Safa to Marwa = 5 rounds
  • Marwa to Safa = 6 rounds
  • Safa to Marwa = 7 rounds

The seventh and final round ends at Marwa.

Safa and Marwa Dua

Many pilgrims search for a specific Safa and Marwa dua. While there is no single compulsory dua for every round, there are recommended supplications from the Sunnah.

Safa Marwa Dua

Arabic

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ

Transliteration

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah.

English Translation

“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god except Allah alone, who has no partner.”

Tawaf al-Umrah

This is the Tawaf performed during Umrah. It is one of the essential pillars of Umrah and must be completed for a valid pilgrimage.

Dua for Safa Marwa

One of the best supplications during Sa’i is:

Arabic

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhaban-nar.

English Translation

“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Personal Duas During Sa'i

Pilgrims should also make personal duas for the following:

  • Forgiveness
  • Family
  • Rizq
  • Health
  • Guidance
  • Success
  • Acceptance of Umrah

Allah accepts sincere prayers in every language.

Distance Between Safa and Marwa

One of the most common questions is about the distance between Safa and Marwa. The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 metres (1,480 feet). Since pilgrims complete seven rounds, the total walking distance is approximately:

  • 3.15 kilometres
  • Around 2 miles

The exact distance may vary slightly depending on the route taken and crowd conditions.

Spiritual Lessons from Safa and Marwa

Sa’i is much more than a physical walk. Every step contains powerful lessons for Muslims.

Faith in Allah

Hajar (RA) trusted Allah even when she appeared completely alone. Her story teaches believers to maintain faith during difficult times.

Taking Action

Hajar (RA) did not remain still waiting for help. She worked hard while placing her trust in Allah. Sa’i teaches Muslims to combine effort with tawakkul (reliance on Allah).

Patience

Part of Hijr Ismail is considered part of the Kaaba. Walking through it invalidates that round of Tawaf. Always walk around the entire structure.

Hope

Even when all hope seemed lost, Allah provided Zamzam. This reminds believers that Allah can create solutions from places they never expect.

Common Mistakes During Sa'i

Many first-time pilgrims make avoidable mistakes.

Note: Many first-time pilgrims make mistakes because they are unfamiliar with the overall Umrah process. Read the umrah mistakes article to avoid mistakes

Starting from Marwa

Sa’i must begin at Safa and end at Marwa. Starting from Marwa creates an incorrect count.

Losing Count

Pilgrims should carefully keep track of all seven rounds.

Running the Entire Distance

Only men jog between the green markers. The remainder of the journey should be walked normally.

Skipping Dua and Dhikr

Sa’i should be a time of worship, not simply walking. Use the opportunity to remember Allah and make dua.

Treating Sa'i Like a Race

There is no need to rush. Focus on reflection, worship, and the lessons of Hajar’s journey.

Conclusion

Safa and Marwa represent some of Islam’s most powerful symbols and carry religious importance during Umrah visits. The familiar narrative of Hajar (RA) alongside Prophet Ismail (AS) and Zamzam miracle transformed two nearby mountains into eternal religious signposts showcasing faith combined with patience and absolute confidence in Allah.
During Sa’i, faithful followers honor the path walked by a mother who through her faith provides inspiration to countless believers worldwide. Knowing the Safa Marwa background story combined with proper Sa’i execution and genuine prayer enables ritual participation to evolve from physical requirement into profound spiritual connection. We pray that Allah accepts your Sa’i along with your Umrah and all your prayers. Ameen.
For a complete understanding of the pilgrimage process, read our Complete Umrah Guide, covering Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Duas, and essential preparation tips.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sa’i is performed seven times because Hajar (RA) searched for water by travelling between Safa and Marwa seven times. Muslims follow this tradition as established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Safa Marwa story begins when Hajar (RA) searched desperately for water for her son Prophet Ismail (AS). After running between the two hills seven times, Allah blessed them with the Zamzam Well.

Men jog between the green markers to commemorate Hajar’s hurried movement through the valley. Women are not required to run and continue walking normally.

Yes. Sa’i is one of the essential rituals of Umrah. An Umrah is incomplete without performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa.

The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 metres one way. Seven rounds total roughly 3.15 kilometres.

Yes. Pilgrims are encouraged to make personal duas in any language while walking between Safa and Marwa.

Unlike Tawaf, Wudu is not a strict requirement for Sa’i, although being in a state of purification is recommended.

After completing Sa’i, pilgrims perform Halq (shaving the head) or Qasr (trimming the hair), which marks the completion of Umrah.

Most scholars recommend being in a state of Wudu before performing Tawaf.