The Rulings and Method of Sa’i: A Guide for Pilgrims

Introduction

Sa’i, the ritual of walking between the hills of Ṣafā and Marwah, is a significant act of worship during Ḥajj and ʿUmrah. It commemorates the journey of Hājar (may Allah be pleased with her) in search of water for her infant son, Ismāʿīl. This blog offers a detailed yet accessible guide to the rulings, etiquettes, and practical steps of performing Sa’i in accordance with authentic teachings.

Starting the Sa’i: From Ṣafā to Marwah

Climbing Ṣafā: The Sunnah Practice

Begin Sa’i by ascending the hill of Ṣafā, as it is Sunnah and holds merit. Once atop, recite the following verse from the Qur’an:

“Indeed, Ṣafā and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:158)

Then say:

“Abda’u bimā bada’a Allāhu bih”
“I begin with what Allah began with.”

Facing the Kaʿbah and Praising Allah

Facing the Kaʿbah, raise your hands and say:

"Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar" (Three times)

Follow this with the well-known dhikr:

“Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahū lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, yuḥyī wa yumīt, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr…”
“Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahū, anjaza waʿdahū, wa naṣara ʿabdahū, wa hazamal-aḥzāba waḥdahū.”

Make heartfelt duʿā here before proceeding.

The Movement Between Ṣafā and Marwah

Walking and Running Between the Markers

Descend from Ṣafā and walk towards Marwah. Between the two green lights (pillars) in the corridor, men should jog lightly. Women should walk normally.

Supplication During Sa’i

There is no fixed duʿā reported for each lap. However, a supplication authentically narrated from some companions is:

"Rabbi ighfir warḥam, innaka antal-aʿazzu al-akram."
“My Lord, forgive and have mercy. Indeed, You are the Most Mighty and the Most Honourable.”

You may also make any personal duʿā in your native language throughout the Sa’i.

Repeat the Same Practice at Marwah

Once at Marwah, climb the hill, face the Kaʿbah, and repeat the same dhikr and supplication as done at Ṣafā.

Counting the Rounds: Completing the Sa’i

• Walking from Ṣafā to Marwah counts as one round.

• Returning from Marwah to Ṣafā is the second.

• Complete seven circuits, finishing on Marwah.

This differs from Ṭawāf, which begins and ends at the same point.

Purity and Wudū During Sa’i

According to correct opinion:

• Wudū (ablution) is not a condition for Sa’i.

• However, being in a state of purity is preferred.

• A woman experiencing menstruation or postpartum bleeding may delay Sa’i until she becomes pure.

That said, the modern structure of Ṣafā and Marwah being enclosed within the Ḥaram area raises concerns about menstruating women performing Sa’i in the current layout.

On Foot or Using Assistance

• Performing Sa’i on foot is superior.

• In case of genuine need, wheelchairs or other support may be used.

After Completing Sa’i: Shaving or Trimming Hair

Once Sa’i is complete:

• Men performing ʿUmrah or Ḥajj Tamattuʿ should shave their heads (ḥalq) or trim all the hair (taqsīr).

• Trimming just a few strands is insufficient.

• Women should trim a fingertip's length from the end of their braid.

This marks the completion of ʿUmrah and permits pilgrims to exit the state of iḥrām.

Special Cases in Qirān and Menstruation

Pilgrims Performing Qirān

• Those performing Ḥajj Qirān (combining ʿUmrah and Ḥajj with one iḥrām) should:

  • Complete the ʿUmrah part of the rituals.

  • Do not cut hair or exit iḥrām until after sacrificing on the 10th of Dhul-Ḥijjah.

If a pilgrim made the intention for Qirān but brought no sacrificial animal, they should switch to Tamattuʿ, as the Prophet ﷺ instructed the companions to do.

Women in Menstruation

If a woman:

• Enters iḥrām for ʿUmrah and then menstruates before Ṭawāf, she must wait until she becomes pure and performs Ṭawāf and Sa’i.

• If she remains impure until 8th Dhul-Ḥijjah, she should proceed with Ḥajj, and it will become a Qirān by default.

• Only one Ṭawāf and Sa’i will then suffice for both Ḥajj and ʿUmrah.

Clarification on Repeated ʿUmrahs

Performing multiple ʿUmrahs in one journey is not a practice of the early generations (salaf). While Aʿishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was given special permission by the Prophet ﷺ for an additional ʿUmrah from Taneem, this was an exception, not a general ruling.

❌ Creating queues or routines for multiple ʿUmrahs in one trip is not supported by authentic tradition.

Conclusion

The ritual of Sa’i is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one that mirrors Hājar’s perseverance and trust in Allah. Performing it with sincerity, understanding, and adherence to the Sunnah ensures your ʿUmrah or Ḥajj is accepted and spiritually fulfilling. Remember:

• Start from Ṣafā with the right intention and dhikr.

• Walk calmly and jog only between the green lights (for men).

• Supplicate frequently, using any language.

• Maintain humility and simplicity in your worship.

By aligning your practice with the Prophet’s guidance, you gain not just reward—but closeness to your Lord.