What is Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwa are two small hills located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and hold immense significance in Islam.

Their importance stems from the story of Hagar (Hājar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the mother of Prophet Isma’il (Ishmael), who ran between these hills in a desperate search for water to save her infant son in the barren desert of Mecca.

This act of perseverance and trust in Allah is commemorated by Muslims through the ritual of Sa’i, a key part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, in which pilgrims walk or run between Safa and Marwa seven times. The hills symbolize faith, struggle, and divine mercy, reflecting the spiritual journey of relying on Allah during moments of hardship.

To learn what is Safa and Marwa in Islam, their significance and ore then keep reading.

Safa and Marwa are two small hills located near the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. They hold significant importance in Islamic tradition and are integral to the ritual of Sa’i during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

What is the story of Safa and Marwa?

The story of Safa and Marwa is deeply connected to the experiences of Hagar (Hājar) and her infant son Isma’il (Ishmael), the wife and son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Their story is a profound lesson of faith, perseverance, and trust in Allah. Here’s the full story:

Hagar and Isma’il Left in the Desert

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah to take his wife Hagar and their infant son Isma’il to the barren valley of Mecca, which at that time was an uninhabited desert. After bringing them to this desolate land, Ibrahim, following Allah’s command, left them there with only a small amount of food and water. This was a great test for Hagar, as the environment was harsh, and they had no visible means of survival.

As Prophet Ibrahim was leaving, Hagar asked him, “Has Allah commanded you to do this?” When Ibrahim confirmed, she accepted the situation with faith and trust in Allah, believing that He would not abandon them. Ibrahim prayed to Allah for their safety and provision as he departed.

Hagar’s Search for Water: Running Between Safa and Marwa

After some time, the small amount of water they had ran out, and Hagar began to worry about her son Isma’il’s life as he started to cry from thirst. Desperate to find water or help, Hagar left Isma’il under a tree and started running between the two nearby hills, Safa and Marwa, hoping to see a caravan or find some water.

Hagar climbed Safa, the first hill, and looked around but saw no one.

She then ran to Marwa, the second hill, hoping for a different outcome, but again found no help.

She repeated this journey seven times, running back and forth between the two hills in search of assistance. Despite her exhaustion, she did not give up, relying on Allah for a miracle.

The Miracle of Zamzam

After Hagar’s seventh journey between Safa and Marwa, in a moment of divine intervention, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared and struck the ground with his wing, causing water to gush forth from the earth at the feet of baby Isma’il. This well became known as Zamzam, a miraculous source of water that saved both Hagar and Isma’il from thirst. It is a well that continues to flow to this day, providing water to millions of people.

Seeing the water, Hagar quickly gathered it, saying “Zamzam,” which means “stop, stop” in her language, as she attempted to contain the flowing water. Over time, the well of Zamzam became a life-sustaining source for them and later attracted passing tribes, leading to the establishment of the city of Mecca.

Hagar’s desperate run between Safa and Marwa is commemorated by Muslims during the rituals of Hajj and Umrah through the practice of Sa’i. During this ritual, pilgrims walk or run between the two hills seven times, just as Hagar did, to remember her perseverance, faith, and the mercy of Allah.

What is the Significance of Safa and Marwa?

Safa and Marwa are associated with the story of Hagar (Hājar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the mother of Prophet Isma’il (Ishmael). When Hagar and her infant son were left in the barren desert of Mecca, Hagar desperately searched for water to quench their thirst. In her distress, she ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, seeking any sign of sustenance. After her persistent search, Allah responded by causing the miraculous Zamzam well to spring forth beneath Isma’il’s feet, providing water for them.

Sa’i Ritual

During the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, Muslims reenact Hagar’s search for water by walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in the Sa’i ritual. This act symbolizes Hagar’s perseverance and trust in Allah during a moment of crisis. It is one of the essential rites of pilgrimage and serves as a reminder of patience, struggle, and faith.

The significance of Safa and Marwa is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158):

“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” (2:158)

This verse affirms the sanctity of Safa and Marwa as important religious symbols and emphasizes the significance of performing the Sa’i during pilgrimage.

Today, Safa and Marwa are enclosed within the Masjid al-Haram, and a dedicated pathway allows pilgrims to perform the Sa’i in comfort. Although the original hills have been modified and integrated into the mosque’s structure, the ritual remains a vital and deeply spiritual part of the pilgrimage.

What is the distance between safa and marwa?

The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 meters (0.28 miles). During the Sa’i ritual, pilgrims walk or run between these two hills seven times, covering a total distance of about 3.15 kilometers (1.96 miles).

Each journey from Safa to Marwa or from Marwa back to Safa counts as one lap, and the seven laps represent Hagar’s search for water in the desert as she sought sustenance for herself and her son Isma’il.

What is dua for safa and marwa?

When performing the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa during Hajj or Umrah, it is a Sunnah to recite certain supplications (duas) as you begin and during the ritual. Though there is no specific required dua for the entire Sa’i, there are recommended practices. Below is the dua and actions commonly recited at the start of Sa’i at Safa, followed by general supplications that can be made during the journey between the two hills.

1. Dua at the Start of Sa’i (at Safa)

Before starting the Sa’i at Safa, it is recommended to recite the following verse from the Quran:

“إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلۡمَرۡوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ” (“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”)

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158)

After reciting this verse, one may say:

“أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ”

(“I begin with what Allah began with.”)

Then, standing on Safa and facing the Kaaba, it is Sunnah to raise your hands in prayer and recite the Takbeer and Tahleel:

“الله أكبر، الله أكبر، الله أكبر”

(“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”)

“لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير”

(“There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is capable of all things.”)

It is also recommended to add:

“لا إله إلا الله وحده، أنجز وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده”

(“There is no god but Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.”)

This dua is repeated three times while standing on Safa (and later on Marwa) with supplications in between.

2. Dua Between Safa and Marwa

While walking or running between Safa and Marwa, pilgrims can make any supplications, personal duas, or general praises of Allah. There is no specific set dua required during the Sa’i, but you may repeat common supplications such as:

“رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَم”

(“O Lord, forgive and have mercy. Indeed, You are the Most Powerful, the Most Noble.”)

“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ وَالْمُعَافَاةَ الدَّائِمَةَ فِي الدِّينِ وَالدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ”

(“O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness, well-being, and continuous protection in my religion, worldly affairs, and the Hereafter.”)

Any other dua from the heart, asking Allah for personal needs, forgiveness, and guidance.

3. At Marwa

Once you reach Marwa, you stand again facing the Kaaba and repeat the same supplications you made at Safa, including the Takbeer, Tahleel, and dua. This completes one lap, and then you return toward Safa for the next.

The Sa’i is a symbolic act that reflects Hagar’s trust in Allah, and during this ritual, pilgrims are encouraged to make sincere dua and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). While there are traditional phrases recommended, pilgrims are free to supplicate to Allah for anything from their heart as they perform this important ritual.

Why is safa and marwa important?

Safa and Marwa hold significant importance in Islam due to their connection with the story of Hagar in Islam (Hājar) and her son Prophet Isma’il (Ishmael). Their importance is primarily rooted in the themes of faith, trust in Allah, and divine intervention, which are central to Hagar’s experience. Here are the key reasons why Safa and Marwa are important in Islam:

1. Connection to Hagar’s Story

The hills of Safa and Marwa are a key part of the narrative of Hagar’s perseverance and reliance on Allah. When she and her infant son Isma’il were left alone in the desert of Mecca by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Hagar desperately searched for water to sustain herself and her son. In her desperation, she ran back and forth between Safa and Marwa seven times, looking for any sign of help or sustenance. Her persistent search led to the miraculous discovery of the Zamzam Water, which gushed forth near Isma’il, providing them with the water they needed.

This act of running between the hills symbolizes Hagar’s deep faith in Allah’s mercy and her willingness to strive even in the face of extreme difficulty. Muslims reenact her journey during the Sa’i ritual in the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, highlighting the importance of effort, patience, and trust in Allah.

2. A Symbol of Allah’s Mercy and Provision

Hagar’s story teaches that Allah provides for His servants when they show faith and perseverance. The miracle of the Zamzam well is a clear example of divine mercy and sustenance, even when the situation seemed dire. The well of Zamzam, which continues to flow to this day, is a reminder of Allah’s boundless mercy and care for those who put their trust in Him.

Safa and Marwa are thus associated with Allah’s miraculous provision and His answer to sincere struggle and supplication. They remind Muslims that, no matter how difficult the situation, Allah’s help is always near.

3. Ritual Significance in Hajj and Umrah

Safa and Marwa are integral to the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, which are obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able. During these pilgrimages, Muslims perform the Sa’i ritual, which involves walking or running between the two hills seven times, just as Hagar did. This ritual is a physical and spiritual reenactment of Hagar’s perseverance, patience, and faith in Allah.

The Sa’i ritual is one of the essential rites of Hajj and Umrah, without which the pilgrimage would be incomplete. It serves as a reminder of the importance of striving in the path of Allah and relying on Him during times of difficulty.

4. Quranic Endorsement

The importance of Safa and Marwa is explicitly mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158):

This verse emphasizes that Safa and Marwa are symbols of Allah and legitimizes the practice of walking between the two hills during pilgrimage. By referring to them as “symbols of Allah,” the Quran elevates their status as sacred landmarks that hold deep spiritual meaning for Muslims.

5. A Lesson in Patience and Perseverance

The journey between Safa and Marwa is not just a physical act; it is deeply symbolic of the need for patience and perseverance in life. Hagar’s relentless effort, despite the apparent hopelessness of her situation, is a powerful lesson for all believers. It teaches that one must continue striving, even in the face of overwhelming challenges, and trust that Allah will provide relief and guidance.

6. Spiritual Reflection on Life’s Struggles

Safa and Marwa symbolize the trials and tribulations that are part of every person’s life journey. The physical act of running or walking between these two hills during the Sa’i encourages Muslims to reflect on their own challenges and how they can remain steadfast in their faith during times of hardship. The ritual serves as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, with the promise that, just as Hagar was rewarded for her patience, believers too will find relief and blessings through their faith in Allah.

Conclusion

Safa and Marwa are deeply important in Islam as symbols of faith, perseverance, and Allah’s mercy. They remind Muslims of Hagar’s unwavering trust in Allah during a time of extreme hardship and the miraculous provision she received in the form of the Zamzam well. As an essential part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, Safa and Marwa also symbolize the importance of striving in the path of Allah and trusting in His wisdom and care. Through the Sa’i ritual, Muslims are reminded of the virtues of patience, persistence, and faith in Allah’s plan.

What is Safa and Marwa?