Safa Marwa Sa'ee: How to Perform Sa'ee Correctly in Hajj and Umrah
Sa'ee is one of the most meaningful rituals in Hajj and Umrah. It is the act of walking between Safa and Marwa seven times, remembering the faith, struggle, and trust of Hajar (RA). This ritual is not just physical movement. It is a lesson in patience, hope, and complete reliance on Allah.
Allah says:
"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the Sacred House, let them walk between the two hills."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158) (Quran.com)
For every pilgrim, learning how to perform Safa Marwa Sa'ee correctly is very important. If you understand the steps properly, the ritual becomes easier, more meaningful, and spiritually stronger.
What Is Sa'ee?
Sa'ee is the ritual of walking between the two blessed points of Safa and Marwa inside Masjid al-Haram. It is performed after Tawaf in both Hajj and Umrah. The official Umrah guide states that Sa'ee begins at Safa, ends at Marwa, and consists of seven laps. One trip from Safa to Marwa counts as one lap, and the return trip counts as the next lap. (media1.haj.gov.sa)
This means:
- Safa to Marwa = 1 lap
- Marwa to Safa = 2 laps
- The 7th lap ends at Marwa (media1.haj.gov.sa)
Historical Background of Sa'ee
The ritual of Sa'ee reminds Muslims of the struggle of Hajar (RA), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who searched desperately for water for her son Ismail (AS). Modern Saudi travel guidance explains that walking seven times between Safa and Marwah commemorates Lady Hagar's search for water for her son. (visitsaudi.com)
That is why Sa'ee is not only a ritual. It is a living reminder that when a believer puts trust in Allah and keeps striving, Allah opens a way.
Why Sa'ee Is So Important in Islam
Sa'ee is one of the clear symbols of Allah mentioned in the Qur'an. It teaches several powerful lessons:
- trust in Allah during hardship
- patience when no solution is visible
- effort before expecting relief
- faith that Allah never abandons His servants
When pilgrims perform Sa'ee, they are not only walking. They are reliving a powerful moment in Islamic history and turning it into worship. (Quran.com)
Requirements for Performing Sa'ee
To perform Sa'ee correctly, a pilgrim should keep these basic rules in mind:
- It must be done after Tawaf
Sa'ee is linked to Hajj or Umrah and comes after Tawaf. It is not an independent act done randomly. (Islam-QA)
- It must begin from Safa
If someone starts from Marwa, that opening movement does not count as the first lap. (Islam-QA)
- It must be completed in seven laps
The seven laps must be completed in full, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. (media1.haj.gov.sa)
- Men jog between the green markers
The Sunnah is that men walk normally except between the green markers, where they should move faster. Women continue at their normal pace. (Islam-QA)
How to Perform Safa Marwa Sa'ee Step by Step
Step 1: Finish Tawaf First
Before starting Sa'ee, complete your Tawaf properly.
Step 2: Go to Safa
When approaching Safa, recite the verse:
"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah."
Then say:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
"I begin with what Allah began with." (Islam-QA)
Step 3: Face the Kaaba at Safa
When you climb Safa enough to see the Kaaba, face the Qiblah and glorify Allah. The Prophet ﷺ recited:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
Then he made du'a and repeated this three times. (Islam-QA)
Step 4: Walk from Safa to Marwa
Now walk toward Marwa. Men should jog between the green lights. Women walk normally. (Islam-QA)
Step 5: Reach Marwa
At Marwa, do the same dhikr and du'a as at Safa, but do not repeat the Qur'anic verse. (Islam-QA)
Step 6: Continue Until Seven Laps Are Complete
Keep going until you complete all seven laps. Your final lap will finish at Marwa. (media1.haj.gov.sa)
Step 7: Complete Umrah by Cutting Hair
If you are performing Umrah, after Sa'ee, you complete the ritual by trimming or shaving the hair.
What to Recite During Sa'ee
A very important point: there are no fixed special du'as for every lap of Sa'ee. A pilgrim can make any sincere du'a, read Qur'an, or remember Allah. IslamQA notes that many people think there is a separate du'a for each round of Tawaf and Sa'ee, but this has no basis in Shari'ah. (Islam-QA)
So during Sa'ee, you can say:
- SubhanAllah
- Alhamdulillah
- Allahu Akbar
- Astaghfirullah
- personal du'a for yourself and family
- any Qur'anic du'a you know
This makes Sa'ee easier and more heartfelt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Sa'ee
Many pilgrims make small mistakes in Sa'ee. Here are the most common ones:
Starting from Marwa instead of Safa
This first movement does not count properly. (Islam-QA)
Forgetting the number of laps
You should count carefully. If confused, take the lower number and complete the rest.
Thinking there is a fixed du'a for each lap
There is no authentic separate du'a for every round. (Islam-QA)
Rushing without reflection
Sa'ee is not a race. It is worship. Walk with focus and humility.
Women jogging between green lights
This Sunnah is for men, not women. (Islam-QA)
Helpful Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
If this is your first Umrah or Hajj, these tips can help:
- learn the lap count before you start
- Stay calm and avoid crowd stress
- Keep your du'a list simple
- Drink water before starting
- Go with a spiritually focused heart, not only a mechanical mindset
The more calmly you perform Sa'ee, the more meaningful it becomes.
FAQ About Safa Marwa Sa'ee
Is Sa'ee compulsory in Hajj and Umrah?
Yes, Sa'ee is a required part of Hajj and Umrah. (Islam-QA)
Where does Sa'ee start and end?
It starts at Safa and ends at Marwa. (media1.haj.gov.sa)
How many laps are there in Sa'ee?
There are seven laps in total. (media1.haj.gov.sa)
Can I make my own du'a during Sa'ee?
Yes. You can make any sincere du'a in Arabic or your own language. There is no fixed du'a for every lap. (Islam-QA)
Do women run between the green markers?
No. Women walk normally. Men jog between the green markers. (Islam-QA)
Conclusion
Safa Marwa Sa'ee is one of the most beautiful and emotional parts of Hajj and Umrah. It teaches effort, trust, patience, and hope. When a pilgrim understands its meaning, Sa'ee becomes more than walking. It becomes a personal reminder that Allah sees every struggle and rewards every sincere effort.
If you perform Sa'ee with the correct steps, calm focus, and heartfelt du'a, the ritual becomes deeply moving and spiritually powerful.
If you are planning your Hajj or Umrah journey and want proper guidance, Zamzam Travels BD can help you prepare with care and confidence.