Being one of the primary rituals of Hajj and Umrah, Sa’ee is quite spiritually significant for Muslims. It involves walking between the two sacred hills of Safa and Marwah. It is not only done to commemorate a prominent historical event, but it is also a profoundly moving experience for the believers. Anyone planning to perform Sa’ee soon might also want to review a complete guide for pilgrims to ensure a smooth, memorable pilgrimage.
When believers perform Sa’ee, they are reminded of the unwavering faith and devotion of Hajar and the divine miracle that follows it. It is a reminder to all Muslims that we must not lose faith in the Almighty, no matter how hard the circumstances get. We can also understand the spiritual significance of this ritual by noting that it is obligatory in both Hajj and Umrah. Every year, thousands of British Muslims like yourself experience the surreal essence of this highly moving spiritual retreat. If you are also searching for cheap Umrah packages, you will soon get a chance to visit Safa and Marwah for Sa’ee. Therefore, we have a complete Sa’ee guide for your convenience.
About Sa’ee: A Brief Overview
Before we get to how to perform Sa’ee, let’s talk about what this ritual is. A clear understanding of the ritual is necessary to perform it perfectly. Sa’ee is the pilgrimage ritual that involves walking back and forth between Safa and Marwah until seven laps are completed. It is a mandatory ritual for both Hajj and Umrah, performed after Tawaf.
There are many symbolic meanings to this pilgrimage as well. It teaches you ultimate patience and hope. We also learn about the prize of unwavering faith in the Almighty through the miraculous Zamzam well. Therefore, as you arrive at Safa and Marwa, prepare yourself for a faith-reviving experience and embrace all the lessons that it teaches wholeheartedly.
What is the Distance Between Safa and Marwah?
Safa and Marwa are approximately 450 metres apart. The pilgrims have to walk this route seven times. You must keep in mind that a walk from Safa to Marwah counts as one lap, and the second lap starts as you start walking from Marwah back towards Safa. The complete distance that you will have to walk for Sa’ee is around 3.15 to 3.5 km. It varies slightly depending on the crowd flow and the walking path you choose for this ritual. Other reasons why this distance might vary are listed below.
- There are multiple floors in the Sa’ee area. The distance varies slightly depending on which floor you are on: ground, first, or roof.
- Depending on crowd size and path curvature, walking patterns might also change.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Sa’ee
Here is a step-by-step guide to perform Sa’ee.
Arrive at Safa
After performing your Tawaf, arrive at Safa. Face the Kaaba and make your intention to perform the ritual. You can then recite the following dua.
“Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wal-Marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh…”
You can raise your hands and make your personal duas as you begin Sa’ee.
Walk Toward Marwah
Start walking towards Marwah at a normal pace. Men have to jog between the green highlighted areas. Keep making supplications and ask the Almighty for whatever your heart desires. You can also take this time to reflect on your life, deeds, and the spiritual retreat.
At Marwah
When you reach Marwah, you will have completed one lap of your Sa’ee. Face the Kaaba again and make dua. Make sure to take this time to pour your hearts out in front of the Creator.
Continue for Seven Laps
Continue your laps till you have completed seven. This will end at Marwah.
End of Sa’ee
At the end of Sa’ee, men must shave or clip their hair. Women must also trim their hair. You should also clip your nails. With this, you will be out of Ihram and your Umrah will be completed. However, for the Hajj, the rituals continue.
How Long Does Sa’ee Take?
As we have talked earlier, the distance and duration of Sa’ee can vary depending on your pace. Let’s talk about how long it takes for people with varying paces.
- For fast walkers, Sa’ee can take about 40 to 50 minutes.
- If you have an average pace, you can complete your Sa’ee in 60 to 80 minutes.
- Elderly or families might complete Sa’ee in 90 minutes to two hours.
- Electric carts can help you cover the distance in 30 to 45 minutes.
Modern Sa’ee Experience
The Sa’ee experience has been modernised. To facilitate pilgrims, the area has been converted into a fully covered, air-conditioned space. Also, the smooth marble floors make walking a lot easier. You can also find wheelchairs and electric carts to assist pilgrims who cannot walk long distances. The area where men must jog is also highlighted for pilgrims’ convenience. There are many entry points to Safa from the Tawaf area, making the transition to the area very smooth.
Summing Up
As you embark on the spiritual retreat, you will have to learn about various pilgrimage rituals. Sa’ee is one of the main rituals for Hajj and Umrah. Learning about Sa’ee will really help you perform this ritual perfectly and make the most of this spiritually uplifting experience. Whether you are travelling for Umrah during different seasons, understanding each step deeply enhances your connection to the ritual. Try to maximise your spiritual experience by supplicating frequently and pouring your heart out to the Almighty.
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