Safa and Marwa — The Complete Sa'i Guide for UK Muslims Performing Umrah in 2026

Between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, one of the most powerful stories of faith in all of human history took place.

A mother. An infant. No water. No people. No shade. Nothing except the heat of the valley of Makkah and the certainty that Allah does not abandon those who trust in Him.

Hagar — Hajar (عليها السلام) — ran between these hills seven times. Not in panic. Not without hope. But in active trust — doing what she could while asking Allah for what only He could provide.

The water came. It has not stopped flowing in over 4,000 years.

Every UK Muslim who performs Sa'i during Umrah is walking in her footsteps. Literally. The Mas'a — the covered walkway between Safa and Marwa — runs between the same hills, on the same ground, covering the same distance she covered on that day.

This guide covers the complete history, the correct method, the duas, and everything UK pilgrims need to know about Safa and Marwa before their Umrah in 2026.

What Are Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwa are two small hills (originally rocky outcrops) located within Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. They are connected by the Mas'a — a long covered walkway approximately 450 metres in length built within the mosque complex.

Sa'i — the ritual of walking (or running) between Safa and Marwa seven times — is one of the essential rituals of both Umrah and Hajj. It is performed after Tawaf.

Allah mentions Safa and Marwa in the Quran:

"Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj to the House or performs Umrah — there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good — then indeed Allah is Appreciative and Knowing."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

The Story of Hagar (عليها السلام) — Why Sa'i Exists

The Command of Ibrahim (عليه السلام)

Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was commanded by Allah to leave his wife Hajar and their infant son Ismail in the barren valley of Makkah — a place with no water, no vegetation, no people.

He left them with a small amount of food and water and turned to leave.

Hajar called after him: "O Ibrahim, where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person and no thing?"

He did not answer. She asked again. He remained silent.

Then she asked: "Did Allah command you to do this?"

He said: "Yes."

She said: "Then He will not abandon us."

This is among the most profound statements of tawakkul (trust in Allah) in all of Islamic history. She did not know what would happen. She had no certainty of outcome. She had only certainty of Allah — and that was enough.

The Running Between Safa and Marwa

When the water and food ran out, Ismail began to cry from thirst. Hajar could not bear to watch her infant son. She climbed the hill of Safa — the nearest high point — and looked in every direction for water or people. Nothing.

She came down and crossed the valley and climbed Marwa. Nothing.

She returned to Safa. Seven times she made this journey between the two hills — running in the valley section where Ismail was out of her sight, walking on the hills where she could see him.

On her seventh pass — as she reached Marwa — she heard a sound. She looked toward Ismail.

The Angel Jibreel (عليه السلام) had struck the earth with his wing. Water was springing from the ground beneath Ismail's feet.

This water is Zamzam. It has not stopped since that moment.

Why Sa'i Is Obligatory in Umrah

Sa'i is a wajib (obligatory) act of Umrah. Omitting it without excuse invalidates the Umrah.

The scholarly consensus is that Sa'i was made obligatory by the Prophet ﷺ in commemoration of Hajar's act — and that it remains one of the essential pillars of Umrah alongside Tawaf.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Perform Sa'i, for indeed Allah has prescribed Sa'i for you."

(Ahmad)

How to Perform Sa'i — Step by Step

Step 1 — Complete Tawaf First

Sa'i is performed after Tawaf. When you complete your seventh circuit of Tawaf at the Black Stone and then pray two rakats at Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water — you are then ready to begin Sa'i.

Step 2 — Approach Safa

Walk toward the hill of Safa. As you approach it, recite this verse:

Arabic: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللهِ

Transliteration: Innas-safa wal-marwata min sha'a'irillah.

Meaning: "Indeed Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

This verse is read only on the first approach to Safa — not on subsequent passes.

Step 3 — Ascend Safa and Face the Kaaba

Ascend the hill of Safa as far as is possible (a few steps). Face the direction of the Kaaba. Raise your hands and read this dua:

Arabic:

اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu yuhyi wa yumit, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir. La ilaha illallahu wahdah, anjaza wa'dahu wa nasara 'abdahu wa hazamal-ahzaba wahdah.

Meaning: "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah alone with no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom and all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is over all things capable. There is no god but Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and He alone defeated the confederates."

Read this dua three times on Safa, making personal dua between each repetition.

This is where you ask Allah for everything you need — between each repetition of the formula. This is your moment of dua on the hill where Hajar made her own dua.

Step 4 — Walk from Safa to Marwa

Descend from Safa and walk along the Mas'a toward Marwa. The total distance is approximately 450 metres one way.

The green light markers in the Mas'a indicate the section of the valley where Hajar ran — where Ismail was out of her sight and she increased her pace.

Men jog (not sprint) between the green markers. Women walk at their normal pace throughout — the running section was specific to Hajar's situation and is a Sunnah for men, not women.

Outside the green markers — everyone walks at a normal pace.

Step 5 — Ascend Marwa

On reaching Marwa, ascend it as far as possible and face the direction of the Kaaba. Read the same dua as on Safa three times, with personal dua between each repetition.

This completes one pass (Shawt).

Step 6 — Continue for Seven Passes

Sa'i requires seven passes between the two hills. Counting:

Pass Direction Count 1 Safa → Marwa 12 Marwa → Safa 23 Safa → Marwa 34 Marwa → Safa 45 Safa → Marwa 56 Marwa → Safa 67 Safa → Marwa 7

Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwa. Seven passes. The seventh pass ends at Marwa.

Step 7 — Complete Sa'i at Marwa

After completing the seventh pass, you are standing at Marwa. Sa'i is complete.

The Umrah rituals are now almost done. The final act is Halq (shaving the head) for men or Taqsir (cutting a small amount of hair) for women — after which you exit Ihram and the restrictions are lifted.

What to Read During Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa

There is no specific prescribed dua for the walking sections between Safa and Marwa. This is your time for personal dua, dhikr, and Quran recitation.

The Prophet ﷺ spent this time in dhikr and personal supplication.

Recommended during the walking sections:

• Personal dua — for yourself, your family, your rizq, your health, your akhirah
• Abundant dhikr: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah
• Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ
• Recitation of Quran if memorised

The most powerful moments for dua during Sa'i are on the hills — at Safa and at Marwa — when you face the Kaaba and raise your hands. Make the most of these moments.

Practical Information for UK Pilgrims at Safa and Marwa

The Mas'a has multiple levels — ground floor and upper floors — all running between Safa and Marwa. At peak times, upper floors are less crowded and the Sa'i can be performed more comfortably there.

Wheelchairs are available in the Mas'a for elderly pilgrims and those who cannot walk the distance. Attendants push pilgrims between the hills. Arrange this through your agency in advance if needed.

The Mas'a is air-conditioned. Unlike outdoor Tawaf at ground level, Sa'i is performed in a covered, air-conditioned space — making it more manageable in hot months.

Count carefully. It is easy to lose count during Sa'i, especially on first Umrah. Many pilgrims use a small counter or keep count in their head with a specific system. Safa to Marwa is one. Marwa to Safa is two. End at Marwa.

Book Your Umrah Packages 2026

Every Umrah package from Hajj and Umrah Experts includes full guidance on Sa'i and all Umrah rituals as part of your pre-departure pack.

Verify ATOL: atol.org.uk — licence 11375

Silver 3-star: 10-15 min from Haram Gold 4-star: 5-7 min ⭐ Most popular — includes the closest access to the Mas'a entrance Platinum 5-star: 2-3 min — Swissotel, Pullman

October: 28-34C, best value February: 18-22C, families Ramadan: Book now — fills months ahead

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford. Beat Any Quote. Call 0203 475 4003.

May Allah accept every Sa'i made in the footsteps of Hajar by UK pilgrims in 2026. Ameen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sa'i in Umrah?

Sa'i is the ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times — performed as part of Umrah after Tawaf. It commemorates Hajar's (عليها السلام) search for water for her son Ismail in the valley of Makkah. The seventh pass ends at Marwa. Sa'i is obligatory (wajib) in Umrah.

How many times do you walk between Safa and Marwa?

Seven passes — starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Safa to Marwa counts as one pass. Marwa back to Safa counts as two. The seventh and final pass goes from Safa to Marwa. Total distance walked is approximately 3.15 kilometres (7 × 450 metres).

What is the dua at Safa for Umrah?

On reaching Safa, face the Kaaba and read: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul- mulku wa lahul-hamdu..." Read it three times with personal dua between each repetition. The same is read on Marwa. Full Arabic, transliteration and meaning above.

Do women run between Safa and Marwa?

No. The jogging section (between the green markers) is a Sunnah for men only — commemorating Hajar's running. Women walk at a normal pace throughout the entire Sa'i. Men jog (not sprint) between the green markers and walk elsewhere.

Is there a wheelchair service at Safa and Marwa?

Yes. Wheelchairs with attendants are available in the Mas'a for elderly pilgrims and those who cannot walk. The Mas'a is also air-conditioned making Sa'i more comfortable than outdoor Tawaf. Arrange wheelchair provision with your agency in advance. Hajj and Umrah Experts provides this complimentarily — call 0203 475 4003.

What are the best umrah packages for UK pilgrims wanting comfortable Sa'i?

Gold 4-star Umrah packages (5-7 minutes from Haram) provide excellent proximity to the Mas'a entrance. Platinum 5-star (2-3 minutes) is the closest. Both are available from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford. ATOL 11375. Beat Any Quote.