Sa‘i: Step by Step
Walking between Safa and Marwah — the counts, the starting point, and the supplication to recite.
Please note: This guide follows the well-known, mainstream method of Sa‘i. Please confirm details with a qualified scholar.
What is Sa‘i?
Sa‘i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. It recalls the search for water by Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was left in the valley with her infant, Isma‘il. Allah says: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158.
Before you begin
- Begin at Safa (not Marwah).
- Being in wudu is recommended but not required for Sa‘i.
The seven trips
- At Safa, face the Ka‘bah and recite: “Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158 — then say Allahu Akbar and make dua.
- Walk to Marwah. This is the first trip.
- From Marwah, walk back to Safa. This is the second trip.
- Continue until you complete seven trips, finishing at Marwah. (Safa→Marwah counts as one; Marwah→Safa as the next.)
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha‘a’irillah.
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
Source: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158
Recommended during Sa‘i
- Men jog between the two green markers; women do not.
- Make dhikr and dua freely throughout — there is no fixed obligation to recite set words on every trip.
After Sa‘i
This completes the walking rites of Umrah. Men then shave or trim their hair, and women trim a fingertip’s length — see How to Perform Umrah.