Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa: Complete Guide with Duas & Rules
After completing Tawaf and praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, you walk toward the hill of Safa to begin one of the most emotionally stirring rituals of your pilgrimage: Sa'i — the walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa, seven times, retracing the desperate footsteps of a mother searching for water to save her dying infant son.
Sa'i is a pillar (rukn) of both Hajj and Umrah. Without it, your pilgrimage is incomplete. Yet unlike Tawaf, which centers on the magnificence of the Kaaba, Sa'i centers on human struggle, trust in Allah, and the miracle that emerges from unwavering faith. Every step you take between these two hills connects you to Hajar (AS), the wife of Ibrahim (AS), whose courage under impossible conditions gave the Muslim Ummah the well of Zamzam and this sacred rite that will endure until the Day of Judgment.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the full story behind Sa'i, the step-by-step procedure, authentic duas, the significance of the green lights, rules for both men and women, wheelchair accessibility, and practical tips for making your Sa'i as smooth and spiritually fulfilling as possible.
The Story Behind Sa'i: Hajar (AS) and the Miracle of Zamzam
To truly experience Sa'i, you must know the story. It transforms the physical walk into a spiritual journey that resonates in your heart with every step.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS), by Allah's command, brought his wife Hajar (AS) and their infant son Ismail (AS) to the barren valley of Makkah — a place with no water, no vegetation, no people. He left them with a leather bag of dates and a water skin. As Ibrahim (AS) began to walk away, Hajar (AS) followed him, asking again and again: "Where are you going? Are you leaving us in this valley where there is no one and nothing?"
Ibrahim (AS) did not turn around. Finally, Hajar (AS) asked: "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" He said: "Yes." She replied with words that echo through the centuries:
"Then He will not neglect us."
That single statement of tawakkul (complete trust in Allah) is the spiritual foundation of Sa'i.
The water ran out. The dates were consumed. Baby Ismail was crying from thirst, his tiny body writhing on the desert sand. Hajar (AS) could not bear to watch her child suffer. She ran to the nearest hill — Safa — and climbed it, scanning the horizon desperately for any sign of a caravan, a traveler, or water. She saw nothing.
She descended and crossed the valley to the hill of Marwa, climbing it and searching again. Nothing. She ran back to Safa. Then to Marwa. Seven times she traversed this distance, running faster through the lowest part of the valley where she lost sight of her baby, slowing only when she reached the hills where she could see him again.
After the seventh trip, as she stood on Marwa, she heard a sound. She called out: "Help, if you can!" There, at the feet of baby Ismail, the angel Jibreel (AS) had struck the ground (or Ismail's heel had struck the sand), and water gushed forth. Hajar (AS) rushed down and began scooping the water, shaping a basin around it, saying: "Zam! Zam!" ("Stop! Stop!" or "Gather! Gather!").
The Prophet ﷺ said: "May Allah have mercy on the mother of Ismail. Had she left the water to flow, Zamzam would have been a flowing stream." (Bukhari)
This is the well of Zamzam, still flowing today — over 4,000 years later — providing water to millions of pilgrims every year. And this is why you walk between Safa and Marwa: not as a mere ritual, but as a living tribute to a woman whose faith moved the earth itself.
Sa'i in the Quran
Allah elevated the Sa'i of Hajar (AS) to the status of a pillar of worship, enshrining it in the Quran:
"Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah — there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good, then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing."
— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158
The phrase "no blame" was revealed because some early Muslims hesitated to walk between Safa and Marwa, as pre-Islamic pagans had placed idols there. Allah clarified that Sa'i is a pure act of worship that predates any pagan practice and is firmly rooted in the legacy of Ibrahim (AS) and Hajar (AS).
Conditions for a Valid Sa'i
Before beginning, ensure these conditions are met:
- Sa'i must be preceded by Tawaf. You cannot perform Sa'i as a standalone act. It follows Tawaf (whether Tawaf al-Umrah, Tawaf al-Qudum, or Tawaf al-Ifadah).
- Start from Safa. The Sa'i must begin at Safa and end at Marwa. Starting from Marwa would invalidate the Sa'i.
- Complete all 7 laps. Each one-way trip counts as one lap. Safa → Marwa = lap 1, Marwa → Safa = lap 2, and so on through lap 7 (ending at Marwa).
- Walk the full distance. You must traverse the entire pathway between the two hills, not cutting short.
- Intention (Niyyah). Intend the Sa'i in your heart as an act of worship for Allah as part of your Hajj or Umrah.
Note on Wudu: Unlike Tawaf, wudu is not required for Sa'i according to the majority of scholars. This is significant for women who may be menstruating — they can still perform Sa'i. However, being in a state of wudu is recommended (mustahabb) as you are in the sacred mosque.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform Sa'i
Step 1: Proceed to Safa After Tawaf
After completing your 7 rounds of Tawaf and praying 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, drink Zamzam water and then head toward Safa. The Mas'a (Sa'i gallery) is a long, enclosed, air-conditioned corridor adjacent to the Masjid al-Haram. Clear signs direct you from the Tawaf area to the Safa entrance.
As you approach Safa, it is Sunnah to recite:
"Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah."
"Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah."
— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158
Then say:
"Abda'u bima bada'Allahu bih."
"I begin with what Allah began with."
This is recited only once, at the very beginning of Sa'i when approaching Safa for the first time. It is not repeated at the start of each lap.
Step 2: Climb Safa and Make Dua
Climb onto the hill of Safa (today the hills are enclosed within the mosque structure, with marble steps and platforms). Climb until you can see the Kaaba (if possible — the view is now partially obstructed by the expanded mosque, but the principle remains). Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make the following supplications:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaha illAllahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadeer. Laa ilaha illAllahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal-ahzaaba wahdah."
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion, His is the praise, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone."
The Prophet ﷺ recited this supplication three times at Safa, making personal duas between each recitation. This is your opportunity to pour your heart out to Allah. Ask for everything that matters to you — your health, your family, your forgiveness, your Ummah. You are standing where Hajar (AS) stood, and the dua made here carries immense spiritual weight.
Step 3: Walk Toward Marwa (Lap 1)
Descend from Safa and begin walking toward Marwa. The pathway is a wide, well-lit corridor. You will notice two sets of green fluorescent lights mounted on the walls and pillars, marking a section of the path approximately 50-60 meters long.
The Green Lights Section: What to Do
The green lights mark the approximate location of the valley floor where Hajar (AS) could not see her baby Ismail. In her desperation, she ran faster through this section to get to higher ground as quickly as possible.
- Men: Walk briskly or jog lightly between the two green markers. This is not a sprint — it's a purposeful, quickened pace. You slow back to normal walking once you pass the second set of green lights.
- Women: Continue walking at your normal pace throughout. The brisk walking between the green lights is not prescribed for women in any of the four schools of thought.
The green lights are clearly visible and impossible to miss. The first set signals the beginning of the brisk section, and the second set signals its end.
Step 4: Arrive at Marwa, Climb, and Make Dua
When you reach Marwa, climb onto the hill (marble steps and platform, like Safa). Face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands, and repeat the same supplications you made at Safa:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaha illAllahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah..." (full supplication as above, repeated three times with personal duas in between)
You have now completed Lap 1.
Step 5: Return Toward Safa (Lap 2)
Turn around and walk back toward Safa. Again, men walk briskly between the green lights. Arrive at Safa, climb, face the Kaaba, and repeat the supplications. This completes Lap 2.
Step 6: Continue for 7 Total Laps
Repeat this pattern for a total of 7 laps:
| Lap | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safa | Marwa | Begin with Quran recitation at Safa |
| 2 | Marwa | Safa | Dua at Marwa before departing |
| 3 | Safa | Marwa | Dua at Safa before departing |
| 4 | Marwa | Safa | Continue personal supplications |
| 5 | Safa | Marwa | Reflect on the story of Hajar (AS) |
| 6 | Marwa | Safa | Make dua for the entire Ummah |
| 7 | Safa | Marwa | Final lap — ends at Marwa |
Key fact: You start at Safa and end at Marwa. If you find yourself ending at Safa, you've miscounted. Remember: odd-numbered laps go toward Marwa, even-numbered laps go toward Safa.
Step 7: After Completing Sa'i
For Umrah: After completing the 7th lap at Marwa, you will shave or trim your hair to exit the state of Ihram. Men shave the head completely (halq) or trim the hair evenly (taqseer). Women cut approximately a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. Your Umrah is now complete. Read the full procedure in our Umrah step-by-step guide.
For Hajj (Tamattu): If this is Sa'i performed with your initial Umrah, you exit Ihram as described above and wait for the 8th of Dhul Hijjah to begin Hajj. If this is Sa'i after Tawaf al-Ifadah, it is the Sa'i of Hajj, and you proceed to the remaining Hajj rituals. See our Hajj step-by-step guide for the complete timeline.
Recommended Duas During Sa'i
Unlike Tawaf (where one specific dua is prescribed between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone), there are no mandatory duas for Sa'i between the hills. However, the following are recommended based on the Sunnah and scholarly guidance:
At Safa and Marwa (Each Time You Reach Either Hill)
"Laa ilaha illAllahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, yuhyee wa yumeetu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadeer."
"There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things."
While Walking
You are free to make any dua in any language. Some excellent choices:
- Dua for forgiveness: "Rabbighfir warham, wa anta khayrur-Rahimeen" — "My Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy."
- Dua for guidance: "Rabbana la tuzigh quloobana ba'da idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmah, innaka antal-Wahhab" — "Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Indeed, You are the Bestower."
- Personal duas: Speak to Allah in your own words, in your own language. Ask for your children, your parents, your health, your community. The walking of Sa'i is a beautiful time for intimate conversation with your Creator.
For a comprehensive collection of duas for every stage of your pilgrimage, visit our Hajj duas and prayers guide and our dedicated Duas page.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Sa'i
Physical Preparation
The total distance of Sa'i is approximately 3.15 km (about 2 miles). This comes after you've already walked 2.8+ km during Tawaf, plus the distance to and from your hotel. Combined, you may walk 8-10 km in a single session. Physical fitness is not optional — it's essential.
- Start a walking program weeks before your trip. Build up to walking 10 km in a single session. Our Hajj health and fitness guide provides a structured program.
- Wear comfortable, broken-in footwear. New sandals cause blisters. Wear yours around the house for a week before traveling.
- Stay hydrated. Zamzam water coolers are available along the Mas'a corridor. Drink at each hill.
- Pace yourself. Sa'i is not a race. The brisk walking between green lights for men is a moderate quickening, not a sprint.
Navigating the Crowds
- Use the upper floor. The Mas'a has two levels. The upper floor is less crowded, especially during peak hours. The Sa'i is equally valid on either level.
- Go during off-peak times. Early morning (after Fajr), mid-afternoon, and late night are typically less crowded than the hours after Isha.
- Keep to one side. The Mas'a is wide enough for two-way traffic. Pilgrims going toward Marwa generally walk on the right side, and those returning walk on the left. Following this flow prevents collisions.
- Don't stop in the walking path. If you need to rest, sit on the side benches. If you need to make an extended dua, step aside. The middle of the corridor is for walking.
Keeping Count of Your Laps
Losing count during Sa'i is common because the walk is long and you naturally get absorbed in dua and reflection. Strategies that work:
- Finger counting: Fold one finger in at each hill (odd numbers at Marwa, even at Safa).
- Tasbeeh beads: Bring a short string and move one bead per lap.
- Phone app: Several Hajj/Umrah apps include a Sa'i lap counter.
- Mental anchor: Assign a specific theme or person to each lap (e.g., Lap 1 = dua for parents, Lap 2 = dua for children). This creates a mental framework that makes each lap distinct.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The Mas'a corridor is fully wheelchair accessible. There is a designated lane for wheelchairs on the ground floor, and the upper floor is accessible via elevators. Wheelchair services can be arranged through your Hajj group or the mosque's assistance office. A companion can push the wheelchair, and the Sa'i is fully valid when performed this way.
For elderly or physically limited pilgrims, the upper floor is strongly recommended as it is less congested and the wheelchair path is clearer.
Rules for Sa'i: Men vs. Women
| Rule | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Walking pace | Normal, with brisk walking between green lights | Normal throughout (no brisk walking at green lights) |
| Covering | Both shoulders covered (Idtiba ends after Tawaf, before Sa'i) | Full hijab throughout |
| Wudu | Recommended but not required | Recommended but not required (menstruating women may perform Sa'i) |
| Voice during dua | Normal or slightly raised voice for Talbiyah | Moderate, quieter voice |
| Hair after Sa'i (Umrah) | Shave completely (preferred) or trim evenly | Trim approximately a fingertip's length from ends |
Common Mistakes During Sa'i
Mistake 1: Starting from Marwa Instead of Safa
Sa'i must begin at Safa. If you accidentally start at Marwa, that first walk does not count. You need to go to Safa and begin properly. Follow the signs in the mosque carefully — the Safa entrance and Marwa entrance are clearly labeled.
Mistake 2: Counting a Round Trip as One Lap
Some pilgrims think "Safa to Marwa and back" is one lap. It is not. Each one-way walk is one lap. Safa → Marwa = 1 lap. Marwa → Safa = 1 lap. You need 7 one-way laps total, ending at Marwa.
Mistake 3: Reciting Round-Specific Duas from Booklets
Just like with Tawaf, some printed booklets assign specific Arabic duas to each lap of Sa'i. These have no basis in the Sunnah. Scholars like Sheikh al-Albani and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen have explicitly discouraged this practice. Make dua from your heart, in any language.
Mistake 4: Women Jogging Between the Green Lights
The brisk walking between the green markers is for men only. Women should maintain their normal pace throughout. This is a clear and unanimous ruling across all four major schools of thought.
Mistake 5: Facing the Kaaba During the Walk
Some pilgrims try to walk sideways or backward to keep facing the Kaaba during Sa'i. This is not required and not from the Sunnah. You face the direction of the Kaaba only at Safa and Marwa when making dua on the hills. During the walk, face the direction you are walking.
Mistake 6: Performing Sa'i Without Preceding Tawaf
Sa'i must follow a Tawaf. If you go directly to Sa'i without having performed Tawaf first, the Sa'i is not valid. The sequence is always: Ihram → Tawaf → Sa'i.
The Spiritual Lessons of Sa'i
Beyond the rules and procedures, Sa'i carries profound spiritual lessons that transform this physical act into a journey of the soul:
- Tawakkul (Trust in Allah): Hajar (AS) did not sit and wait for a miracle. She ran. She exhausted every human effort — and then Allah provided. Sa'i teaches us that trust in Allah does not mean inaction. It means doing everything within your power while believing firmly that the outcome is in His hands.
- The value of a mother's love: It was a mother's anguish and determination that Allah chose to immortalize as an act of worship for billions of Muslims until the end of time. Every time you walk between Safa and Marwa, you honor motherhood.
- Persistence in the face of despair: Hajar (AS) did not stop after 3 trips, or 5. She went 7 times. She did not give up. Sa'i reminds us that breakthroughs often come when we are ready to quit — on the 7th lap, not the 1st.
- Allah's provision from unexpected places: Water in the middle of a desert, from the heel of a baby. When Allah wills something, He creates the means from nothing. Zamzam is a physical, flowing reminder that still serves us today.
Prepare with VR: Walk the Mas'a Before You Arrive
Knowing the layout of the Mas'a corridor, the location of the green lights, and the hills of Safa and Marwa before you arrive gives you a significant advantage. You won't waste mental energy on navigation and logistics — instead, you'll walk in with the confidence of someone who has been there before.
Pilgrim's Path offers a free immersive VR experience that recreates the Sa'i corridor in stunning 360° detail. Walk each lap, see the green lights, practice the duas at each station. Thousands of pilgrims have told us this preparation was one of the most valuable things they did. Explore our 360° Umrah tour guide or the virtual tour of Makkah and Madinah to begin your preparation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many laps is Sa'i between Safa and Marwa?
Sa'i consists of 7 one-way laps. You start at Safa and end at Marwa. Each walk from one hill to the other counts as one lap. So Safa to Marwa is lap 1, Marwa to Safa is lap 2, and so on. The 7th and final lap ends at Marwa.
Do I need wudu for Sa'i?
Wudu is not required for Sa'i according to the majority of scholars. However, it is recommended to be in a state of wudu. Importantly, women who are menstruating may perform Sa'i. Read more about women's rules in our Women's Hajj Guide.
What is the distance of Sa'i?
The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 meters one way. Over 7 laps, the total distance is approximately 3.15 km (about 2 miles). The pathway is an enclosed, air-conditioned gallery within Masjid al-Haram.
What are the green lights during Sa'i?
The green fluorescent lights mark the valley where Hajar (AS) ran faster because she lost sight of baby Ismail between the hills. Men are recommended to walk briskly or jog lightly between these markers. Women walk at their normal pace throughout.
Can women jog between the green lights during Sa'i?
No. The brisk walking between green lights is prescribed for men only. Women maintain their normal walking pace throughout the entire Sa'i. This is the unanimous position of all four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
Can I perform Sa'i on the upper floor?
Yes. The Mas'a has two levels, and Sa'i is valid on either floor. The upper floor is typically less crowded and is recommended for elderly pilgrims, those with mobility issues, or during peak times. Wheelchair access is available on both levels.
What if I lose count of my Sa'i laps?
Take the lower number you are confident about and continue from there. Using a counter (tasbeeh beads, phone app, or finger counting) is highly recommended. Assigning a dua theme to each lap can also help create distinct mental markers.
Do I have to perform Sa'i immediately after Tawaf?
Ideally, Sa'i should follow Tawaf without a long gap. However, taking a reasonable break to rest, drink water, or use the restroom is acceptable. For Hajj, the timing of Sa'i after Tawaf al-Ifadah is flexible and can extend to the days of Tashreeq.