What is Sa'y?

The Essence and Rules of Sa'y

Sa’y is one of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, involving walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This practice commemorates the story of Hagar’s search for water between these hills and is an act of obedience and devotion. Sa’y is made obligatory upon everyone performing Hajj and Umrah, as a recognition of Hagar’s submission to Allah’s will.

Obligatory Acts of Sa’y:

Performing Sa’y on foot for healthy and able individuals.
Completing the full seven circuits between Safa and Marwah.

Recommended Acts (Sunnah) of Sa’y:

Starting Sa’y immediately after completing Tawaf and its prayer.
Being in a state of ritual purity (wudu).
Kissing or touching the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) before heading to Safa.
Climbing Safa and Marwah hills, facing the Kaaba, and reciting takbir, tahmid, and supplications.
For men, performing a light jog (hervela) between the two green markers.
Completing all seven circuits without long interruptions.
Engaging in remembrance (dhikr) and supplications throughout the Sa'y.

Performing Sa'y: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proceed to Safa & Make Intention: After completing Tawaf, proceed to the hill of Safa. Here, make the intention (niyyah) to perform Sa’y for the sake of Allah.
Supplicate at Safa: Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, and raise your hands in supplication. Recite takbir (Allahu Akbar), praise Allah (Alhamdulillah), and send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Walk Towards Marwah: Begin walking from Safa towards Marwah. This is the first circuit. Men should perform a light jog (hervela) between the green markers, while women should walk at a normal pace throughout.
Supplicate at Marwah: Upon reaching Marwah, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and recite the same supplications as you did at Safa. This completes your first circuit.
Return to Safa: Walk back from Marwah to Safa. This is your second circuit. Repeat the supplications at Safa.
Complete Seven Circuits: Continue walking back and forth until you have completed seven circuits. Your seventh and final circuit will end at the hill of Marwah.
Optional Prayer: After completing the Sa'y, it is recommended (sunnah) to perform a two-rak'ah prayer anywhere inside Masjid al-Haram.

Total Circuits: A complete Sa'y consists of seven circuits. The journey from Safa to Marwah is one, and from Marwah to Safa is another. You will end at Marwah on the 7th circuit.

Important Note: Unlike after Tawaf, there is no specific prayer performed at the end of the final circuit on Marwah hill itself.