Safa and Marwa – History, Significance, and Rituals in Hajj and Umrah

Safa and Marwa are two small hills located in Masjid al-Haram, Mecca (Makkah), Saudi Arabia.

These hills are of great religious importance in Islam, more so during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The act of walking or traversing between Safa and Marwa is referred to as Saee, which is one of the basic rituals every Pilgrim is expected to do.

This article aims to explore the narrative, importance, as well as the history, significance of rituals that accompany Safa and Marwa in the Pilgrimage and provide a good reference to all who wish to know more about their significance in Islamic culture.

What Are Safa and Marwa?

Location of Safa and Marwa in Masjid al-Haram

Safa and Marwah are located on the eastern side of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and are part of Mas’a, the designated path for pilgrims to perform the Sa’i ritual.

Mas’a is a multi-level building that receives millions of pilgrims annually, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for them.

Connection with the Kaaba and Grand Mosque

The Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, is located at the center of the Grand Mosque.

Safa and Marwa are connected to the Kaaba by the Mas’a, which symbolizes Hajar’s spiritual journey in search of water for her son Ismail.

Islamic tradition emphasizes the historical and religious significance of these hills.

Historical and Religious Significance in Islam

Safa and Marwa’s history traces back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his wife Hajar.

According to Islamic tradition, Hajar ran back and forth between the two hills seven times in search of Water for her son Ismail.

Pilgrims perform the Saee ritual during Hajj and Umrah in commemoration of this demonstration of faith and perseverance.

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The History of Safa and Marwa in Islamic Tradition

Story of Hagar (Hajar), Prophet Ibrahim, and Ismail

Hajar, Prophet Ibrahim, and Ismail I’s Story is central to the history of Safa and Marwa.

Allah commanded Ibrahim to take his wife and newborn son to the hot desert of Mecca and leave them there. The family started to run out of food and Water, and Hajar had to run between Safa and Marwa, searching for Water seven times.

Her resolve and faith led to the Well of Zamzam springing forth, and it still provides Water for pilgrims today.

The Origin of the Zamzam Well

The Well of Zamzam was created when Hajar was looking for Water. Islamic records state that Water was released after the angel Jibril caused the ground to be struck.

The well can be found next to the Kaaba and is regarded as an essential water source for pilgrims. 

Quranic References to Safa and Marwa (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

In the Quran, Safa and Marwa were mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158 as one of the signs of Allah.

The verse makes it clear that there is no sin for people who traverse these mounds in the course of Hajj or Umrah, which illustrates that this rite is crucial for Islamic worship. 

Saee Between Safa and Marwa – A Key Hajj and Umrah Ritual

What is Saee?

Saee refers to the walking ritual that consists of traversing back and forth between Safa and Marwa seven times.

It is done after completing the Tawaf of the Kaaba and before the last step of cutting the hair. This ritual is a representation of Hajar’s quest for Water and the perseverance and faith of the pilgrim. 

Steps Involved in Performing Saee

• Begin at Safa with the Kaaba on your sight. 
• Move in the direction of Marwa while praying.
• As you get to Marwa, face back and start walking towards Safa again.
• Do this seven times, finishing at Marwa.

Distance Covered in the Seven Rounds of Saee

Safa and Marwa are roughly 450 meters apart. During the seven rounds of Saee, pilgrims walk a distance of approximately 3.2 kilometers.

Rules and Etiquettes for Performing Saee

• Keeping wudu (ablution) in the course of the ritual.
• Walking and saying the prescribed prayers (daus) and supplications.
• Not shoving or hurrying, especially at peak times.
• Keeping to prescribed locations and not intruding into the region of other pilgrims.

The Role of Safa and Marwa in Hajj and Umrah

Why is Saee Performed During Hajj and Umrah?

Saee is done to honor Hajar’s quest for Water and represent the journey of faith and struggle of a pilgrim.

It is a necessary component of both Hajj and Umrah and without it, the pilgrimage is deemed incomplete.

Prophet Muhammad’s Practice of Saee in His Farewell Hajj

Prophet Muhammad performed Saee in his farewell Hajj, and this was to become a Sunnah for all Muslims.

His deeds during this pilgrimage are called sunnah, and they guide Muslims on how to practice the rites of Hajj and Umrah.

Importance of Completing Saee for a Valid Pilgrimage

Saee is one of the necessary rituals for both Hajj and Umrah and failing to complete it results in the pilgrimage being deemed as incomplete.

It is an expression of both faith and devotion toward Allah while strengthening one’s belief.

Architectural and Structural Features of Mas’aa

Design and Layout of Mas’aa (the Pathway Between Safa and Marwa)

Mas’aa is a multi-story building needed to house the large volume of worshipers who come to perform the ritual.

There are wide and spacious stairways, as well as numerous doors, windows, and rest areas provided for the aged and disabled pilgrims. 

Floors, Width, and Accessibility Features

Mas’aas has 4 floors, all having a total area of more than 87000 sq m.

The movement pathways are spacious to allow smooth and easy perpendicular movement, and there are resting and praying spaces provided. 

Special Paths for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims

Mas’aa also has possessed modified pathways for elderly and disabled pilgrims to enhance ease of mobility.

All these passages guarantee full security for the users.

The Development of Safa and Marwa Throughout History

Expansion of Mas’aa Under Different Saudi Rulers

Mas’aa has seen several expansions and renovations under various Saudi monarchs.

The most notable of which was during the reign of King Abdulaziz, who had the Mas’aa paved and tiled for the pilgrims so that their feet would not be covered in dust.

Historical Modifications and Preservation of Safa and Marwa

In recent times, Mas’aa has to be expanded and modernized to reflect the growing number of pilgrims attending these sites.

These changes are done with utmost care to maintain the historical and religious aspects of Safa and Marwa.

Enhancements Made During the Reign of King Abdulaziz and King Abdullah

The first major development of Mas’aa was undertaken by King Abdulaziz, where canopies were provided along with shaded areas.

Subsequently, King Abdullah further expanded Mas’aa, where its width was doubled, and the number of pilgrims could be accommodated.

Practical Guide for Pilgrims Performing Saee

What to Expect During Saee?

• Length of time (duration): Typically lasts for 1 to 2 hours.
• Expected Number of People (Crowds): Many people, particularly during the hajj and Umrah seasons.
• Amenities (Facilities): There are chilling areas, water booths and restroom facilities around Mas’aa.

Essential Tips for Pilgrims Performing Saee

• Most Suitable (best) Period (time) to Conduct (perform) the Saee: Early morning or late evening to avoid severe weather and crowds.
• Proper Attire (Proper Dress Code): Put on loose and appropriate clothes as well as durable footwear.
• Mandatory Measures (Staying Hydrated): Ensure that adequate Water is available and rest is taken if required.

Safa and Marwa in the Quran and Hadith

Quranic Verses Mentioning Safa and Marwa

In Al-Baqarah chapter 2, verse 158, the Quran comments on Safa and Marwah, reminding Muslims of these two hills that derive their value from Allah.

Hadith References About Prophet Muhammad’s Saee

Some Hadith narrates the practice of Saee by the Prophet Muhammad during his final pilgrimage – ‘Hajj’ – which enables the Muslim community to learn how to observe this ritual.

FAQs About Safa and Marwa

What Happened at Safa and Marwa?

To find Water for her son Ismail, Hajar (Hajra) traversed the distance from Safa to Marwa seven times.

This venture resulted in the well of Zam-Zam being revealed.

How Long is the Safa and Marwa Walk?

Pilgrims will walk a total length of nearly 3.2 kilometers for the seven rounds of Saee since the distance of one round, which consists of going from Safa to Marwa, is roughly 450 meters.

Can We Rest During Safa and Marwa?

In certain cases, it is permissible for pilgrims to rest during the Saee. There are rest points located in the Mas’aa.

What Do We Recite During Saee? (Safa Marwa Dua)

While undertaking (performing) the Saee, the pilgrims recite supplications (duas) and prayers during Saee, seeking guidance and favors from Allah.

What is the Distance Between Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwa are approximately 450 meters apart.

Are There Any Landmarks Near Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwa are within the Grand Mosque and are adjacent to the Kaaba and the Zamzam well.

What is the Significance of Safa and Marwa in Islam?

Safa and Marwa are the two surnames (symbols) of Allah and are part of the two great pilgrimages, the Hajj and ‘Umrah.

They mark the seeking of Water by Hajar and illustrate the faith journey of the pilgrim.

How Many Times Do Pilgrims Walk Between Safa and Marwa?

During the Saee exercise, the pilgrims take seven laps (seven times) between the two hills.

What is the Zamzam Well?

The Well of Zamzam is a sacred source of water that miraculously appeared when Hajar was searching for water for her son Ismail.

Can Women Perform Saee During Menstruation?

Women are relieved from performing Saee when they are on their period, but are required to complete it once it is over.

Conclusion

Safa and Marwa are not only two hills; they also represent a symbol of faith, struggle, and dedication. Saee, which is performed between the two hills, demonstrates Hajar’s firm belief in Allah, as well as her tenacity (determination) to save her son.

For pilgrims, the act of walking between Safa and Marwa is more than just a physical activity; it is a spiritual experience that strengthens one’s bond with Allah and the fundamentals of Islam.