Introduction
Sa’i refers to walking between the Mountain of Safa and Marwah. It is one of the important rituals of Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims which is performed with devotion. The act of walking between Safa and Marwa reflects the historical event that took place during the time of Ibrahim (a.s.).
History of Sai
The ritual of Sa’i is performed to highlight the struggle of Hagar (a.s). Who was desperate in search of water for her son Ismail (a.s). The two mother and son were left in the desert after Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) was commanded by Allah to leave them. Hagar (a.s.) ran seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwah in love for her child and her faith in Allah, hoping to find water. Her patience gets rewarded when Jibrail (a.s) creates a spring of ZamZam (sacred and pure holy water) at the feet of Ismail(a.s.).
The rituals of Sa'i is not only a physical contribution but it is about the struggle, faith, and belief that was shown during the difficult time. The act symbolizes the mercy of Allah and highlights the importance of patience and trust in his plan.
The Ritual of Sa’i in Hajj and Umrah
During hajj and umrah rituals, Sa’i is performed after completing Tawaf, the seven circles around the holy Kaaba inside the Masjid-Al-Haram. The paths of Sa’i are now enclosed with the Masjid-al-Haram. The total distance between Safa and Marwah is 3.15 kilometers.
Steps of Performing Sa’i
Start of Sa’i: Pilgrims start the ritual at Safa where they make a=intention of Sa’i and then ascend the hill facing kaaba then recite prayers.
Walking at Marwah: After reciting the prayer and making intentions at Safa, the pilgrims move towards the hill of Marwah. The path between these two mountains is marked and the pilgrims follow the same path making a spiritual journey. There is a mark or point that is known as Al-Masa, where men are instructed to jog or run to remember the struggle and urgency of Hagar (a.s).
Completing the Circuit: After reaching Marwah, the pilgrims again perform prayers and supplication and this process is repeated till seven rounds are completed at Marwah.
Spiritual Lessons from Sa’i
1. Faith in Divine Providence:
Hagar (a.s) immense faith in Allah despite being in a terrible situation, marks the importance of trust in Allah. Her story is an example of the belief that Allah can send help from anywhere and that too from different sources in unexpected ways.
2. The Role of Women in Islamic Tradition:
The story of Hagar(a.s) in these rituals highlights the importance of women in Islam. The Hagar (a.s.) story of strength and trust in Allah is remembered by millions of Muslims every year, highlighting the women’s contributions to the faith.
3. Persistence in the Face of Adversity:
Sa’i symbolizes the struggle and determination to overcome or face challenges in life. The Muslims are reminded to keep trying and trusting their effort so that one day it will be rewarded by Allah.
4. Unity and Equality:
The act of Sa’i brings Muslims together from different spheres of life irrespective of their class and status. It promotes equality among all believers as they all perform the same rituals together.
Modern-Day Experience of Sa’i
The ritual of Sa’i today is performed in a large and air-conditioned corridor inside the Masjid al-Haram, making it accessible and manageable for the millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah each year.Though everything is modernized but the spiritual spirit of the ritual remains unchanged. Pilgrims experience the rituals of Sa’i as a deep movement, as it allows them to connect with the historical events that contribute to their faith. Also, the new modernization bring wheelchair support service for those who cannot physically cover the distance of Safa and Marwah because of health or any valid reason
Conclusion
While choosing the Umrah package from India, check how Sa’i facilities are added to the package to make the pilgrim's experience memorable. Most Umrah packages include guided tours that assist the pilgrims to perform the rituals correctly with proper meaning and share the significance of the rituals. Sa’i is a profound ritual in Islam that marks the importance of faith, trust, and patience in Allah’s plan.
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