Sa’i is an integral part of both the obligatory and voluntary pilgrimages Muslims perform. It marks the ritual of doing seven rounds between the sacred hills of Safa and Marwa. These are the two small hills closely associated with Islamic history. Safa and Marwah are located adjacent to the Holy Kaabah in Haram, where Muslims go to perform Umrah and Hajj. At Airlink, we have provided details about other important places here like Maqam e Ibrahim, Ghar e Saur, Wadi e Jinn etc, it worth to check their wiki too.
In Arabic, the word ‘Sa’i’ means to walk, struggle, or strive to pursue something. It is one of the main rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and pilgrimages are complete. Therefore, knowing the story and significance of Sa’i in the Umrah pilgrimage is essential if you are going to the holy city of Makkah soon to perform Umrah. Here are some crucial facts and the background story of Sa’i that every Muslim should know.
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What is Sa’i?
The pilgrims must perform Sa’i after performing Tawaf around the sacred house of Allah Almighty. Walking from the holy hill of Safa to the sacred hill of Marwah makes the first round. In the other round, pilgrims have to walk from Marwah to Safa. Pilgrims have to perform seven of these rounds.
You must keep track of lapses or rounds. But if you must remember the number of rounds you have made, you must perform the lowest number of laps you might think you have completed. Moreover, there is a point between these hills. From this point, the men must run slowly while the women must continue their walking pace. This reflects the Sunnah of Hagar.
The distance between the sacred hills of Safa and Marwah is around 450 metres. While the total distance that the pilgrims cover in the seven-round between these two hills is approximately 3.15 km. You will soon experience it if you have booked your Umrah 2025 deal from the USA, ensuring a smooth and spiritual journey to the holy sites.
History and Story of Sa’i
The story of Sa’i revolves around the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, Hagar. Soon the Hagar gave birth to a son, Ismail; Prophet Ibrahim had a divine revelation ordering him to take his wife and son to Makkah. The holy city of Makkah at that time was a barren land.
Putting their trust in Allah Almighty, Prophet Ibrahim left Hagar and Ismail at the place with some dates and water. But the dates and water ran out after some time. Ismail was an infant who continuously cried for water in that heat. He started having seizures and was nearly dying when Hagar decided to look for water and save her son.
Therefore, Hagar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah and even climbed the mountains to find water for her thirsty infant. She made seven rounds of these hills. She did it to seek any water source or passing travellers from whom she could ask for a bit of water for her son. So, the act of Sa’i is performed to pay respects to the struggle of Hagar to find water for her thirsty son and her trust in Allah Almighty.
Moreover, once Hagar returned in distress without finding water for her son, she discovered that the water had erupted from the ground where Ismail had been kicking while crying for water. Angel Jibrail dug this water spring and reassured Hagar. He asked her not to worry about dying. Also, he informed her that her husband and son would someday build the sacred house of Allah Almighty in the same place.
This water is called the holy water of Zamzam, which has flowed from the ground since this incident. Pilgrims drink this pure water during their Hajj and Umrah and take it home for their friends and family.
Later on, the tribe of Jurham came across this spring of water and settled down around it. They established the community of Makkah al Mukarramah afterwards. All the pilgrims can visit this holy well of Zamzam and drink as much water from it as they want.
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Significance of Sa’i
If you are going for an Umrah soon, you might be curious about the story and significance of Sa’i in the Umrah pilgrimage for sure. Now that you know the story behind it, it is essential to understand the importance of this critical pilgrimage rite too. The Sa’i ritual symbolised a person’s continuous struggles that don’t end throughout their lives.
Moreover, it teaches Muslims to put their trust and faith in Allah Almighty just like Hagar did, and Allah listened to her and fulfilled her needs. It enables the pilgrims to reflect on their life journey and struggles and ensures they put their faith in Allah Almighty.
Conclusion
Sa’i is one of the major rites of Hajj and Umrah, and pilgrims perform it with respect for the actions of Hagar. She put her faith in Allah Almighty, and He didn’t leave her and her son Ismail alone in their distress.
Therefore, the story and significance of Sa’i in the Umrah pilgrimage teach Muslims a lot. It suggests that Muslims must also not worry about the struggles of their lives and have faith in Allah Almighty that He will not leave His men alone. So, if you want to perform Umrah, it is time that you contact a reliable Islamic travel agency and experience spirituality in the holy sites.
Mo. Noor, an experienced Saudi Arabia traveler and writer, shares insightful tips and spiritual reflections to enhance Hajj and Umrah journeys for fellow pilgrims. He has been to Makkah and Madina from 2016 to 2023 many times and his posts will reflect this.
