Safa and Marwa hills are at the heart of every Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage, forming a sacred path that every pilgrim walks with faith and devotion. Located within Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, these two small hills are historically and spiritually linked to Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their infant son, Ismail. Walking back and forth seven times between Safa and Marwa is more than a physical act it commemorates Hajar’s desperate search for water and the miraculous spring of the Zamzam well.
Pilgrims retrace her footsteps, reflecting on patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah. From Safa to Marwa, each step is a reenactment of faith, endurance, and divine mercy. The hills, the Kaaba in Masjid al- Haram, and the Zamzam well are inseparable symbols of Islamic history, connecting pilgrims to centuries of devotion and the enduring blessings of Hajj or Umrah.
Safa and Marwa in the Quran
Safa and Marwa are two small hills specifically mentioned in the Quran, establishing their sacred significance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158):
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj or Umrah to the House, there is no blame upon him for walking between them.”
This verse emphasizes that walking back and forth between the hills sevenfold is not only permitted but also an essential part of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The command highlights the importance of intention, patience, and devotion. Pilgrims perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa to remember Hajar’s search of water for her newborn son Ismaeel, commemorating her steadfast faith and trust in Allah.
The Quranic guidance connects the hills to Abraham’s larger story, the miracle of the well, and the spiritual experience of pilgrims. Walking Safa to Marwa seven times honors the divine plan and reflects the continuity of Islamic tradition across generations of Muslims worldwide.
Maqam Ibrahim: Standing Where Faith Was Manifested
After walking between Safa and Marwah, pilgrims often pause at Maqam Ibrahim, the sacred station of Prophet Abraham near the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. This stone bears his footprints, marking where he stood while constructing the Kaaba. It symbolizes devotion, obedience, and divine guidance.
The connection to the well and Safa and Marwa hills is profound. Just as Hajar’s search of water brought forth Zamzam, Prophet Abraham’s actions at Maqam Ibrahim demonstrate the fulfillment of Allah’s command. Pilgrims reflect here, praying and contemplating the sacred history. Drinking Zamzam water near Maqam Ibrahim strengthens the spiritual connection, linking the miracle of water to the footsteps of the Prophet. Every pilgrim feels the historical and divine continuity of faith, perseverance, and reward, completing a holistic spiritual experience within Masjid al Haram and the mosque.
The Safa and Marwah Story: A Journey of Faith
Long before Mecca became a center of Islamic worship, the valley between Safa and Marwa hills was barren. Prophet Ibrahim (AS), following Allah’s command, left his wife Hajar and their newborn son, Ismaeel, alone in the desert. When the limited water supply ran out, baby Ismaeel cried from thirst. Hajar began her desperate search for water, running back and forth between the two hills seven times, from Safa to Marwa and back, hoping to make her search for water easier.
Her patience in the scorching heat shows her strong and unshakable faith. On her seventh journey, Allah responded through the miracle of Zamzam water, which sprang forth where her feet touched the ground. She quickly filled her water-skin, naming it the well, a source of blessed and fresh water still flowing today.
The Safa and Marwah story is not only historical but spiritual. Travel back and forth sevenfold during pilgrimage rites allows pilgrims to relive Hajar’s journey, connecting deeply with faith, patience, and trust in Allah. Each step honors her courage, commemorates her search of water, and reflects the eternal bond between human effort and divine mercy.
Location and Geography of Safa and Marwa
The Safa Marwa hills are located within Masjid al Haram, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, near the Kaaba. Safa lies closer toMount Abu Qubays, while Marwa faces Mount Qaiqan, forming a corridor known as the Mas‘aa. The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 meters, making the total distance for seven rounds around 3.15 kilometers.
Historically, the two small hills stood alone in the desert. Today, the corridor is marble-lined and equipped with lanes to accommodate millions. Despite modern facilities, the spiritual essence remains unchanged. Pilgrims walking Safa to Marwah experience the physical and emotional journey that Hajar endured during her search of water for her son Ismaeel. Zam zam water stations along the route allow visitors to drink from the blessed source, connecting the ritual physically and spiritually to the miracle that began centuries ago.
Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa
Sa’i is the ritual of walking back and forth between the two hills sevenfold during pilgrimage rites. Each pilgrim follows a prescribed sequence:
1.Start at Safa: Face the Kaaba, make the intention (niyyah), raise hands, and pray.
2.Walk to Marwa: Men run lightly between green markers; women walk at a normal pace.
3.Reach Marwa: Pause, pray, and reflect on Hajar’s journey.
4.Repeat Seven Times: Each round is one trip Safa to Marwah and back.
5.Drink Zamzam Water: Reflect on divine mercy and blessings.
Walking back and forth sevenfold symbolizes patience, endurance, and trust in Allah. Pilgrims perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa to honor Hajar’s perseverance and the miracle of the well. It’s a combination of physical effort and spiritual reflection, connecting every Muslim to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
The Safa Marwa hills represent resilience and devotion. The total distance and steps reinforce the pilgrim’s focus, reminding them that persistence and faith are rewarded. Sa’i is a deeply personal experience; each pilgrim may feel emotional as they walk, drink Zamzam, and reflect on the spiritual journey.
Spiritual Reflections and Recitations
During Sa’i, pilgrims recite prayers, praises, and dhikr. Reflection focuses on Hajar’s search of water, her courage in the scorching heat, and her reliance on Allah. The Safa and Marwa story inspires patience, trust, and gratitude.
Verses like Surah Ibrahim 14:37 remind Muslims that effort and faith invite divine support:
“Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near Your Sacred House…so make the hearts of people incline toward them and provide for them from fruits that they might be grateful.”
Pilgrims are encouraged to meditate on the miracle of Zamzam, their journey Safa to Marwah, and the spiritual significance of walking between the hills sevenfold. This reflection links physical movement to inner devotion and reinforces lessons of endurance, patience, and divine providence.
Why Pilgrims Run Between Safa and Marwa
Men perform a light run between the green markers along the Mas‘aa corridor, while women walk at a normal pace. This practice reflects the urgency of Hajar’s search of water for her infant son Ismaeel in the desert heat. It symbolizes effort, perseverance, and spiritual focus. Running is not just physical, it is a reenactment of faith, reminding pilgrims that action and devotion together yield divine blessings.
Connection to Zamzam Water
The Zamzam well is a miracle born from Hajar’s search of water. Pilgrims drink Zamzam water while performing Sa’i, connecting physically and spiritually to the divine mercy that saved Ismaeel. The water from the well is considered pure, blessed, and life-giving. It embodies the enduring faith of Abraham’s family and the divine reward for persistence.
Historically, Zamzam water has sustained countless visitors, reinforcing the bond between the Safa Marwa hills and the sacred spring. Drinking from Zamzam links pilgrims to centuries of Islamic history and the timeless lessons of trust, patience, and reliance on Allah.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Safa and Marwa hills hold deep Islamic historical importance. They celebrate Hajar’s search of water, the birth of the Zamzam well, and the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim. Pilgrims today relive this journey during Hajj and Umrah, connecting with the story that shaped the spiritual landscape of Mecca.
The hills are central to pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah, symbolizing faith, perseverance, and divine blessing. They continue to inspire Muslims worldwide to reflect on resilience, devotion, and trust in Allah.
Modern Mas‘aa Corridor and Pilgrim Experience
Today, the Mas‘aa corridor accommodates millions annually. Lanes guide men, women, and wheelchair users. Zamzam water stations along the path allow visitors to drink safely. Despite modern conveniences, the Safa and Marwa hills preserve their historical and spiritual essence, allowing visitors to connect with the enduring legacy of Hajar, Ismaeel, and Abraham.
Conclusion
Walking between Safa and Marwa is a profound act of faith, connecting pilgrims to the miraculous Zamzam well, the devotion of Hajar, and the enduring legacy of Prophet Ibrahim. Performing Sa’i sevenfold reminds Muslims that perseverance, effort, and trust in Allah are inseparable. The hills of Safa and Marwa are not just historical landmarks — they are living symbols of patience, hope, and divine blessing. As part of the sacred Ziyārat in Makkah, visiting and performing Sa’i between these blessed hills deepens one’s connection to the story of divine providence.
Drinking Zamzam water, reflecting on the Safa and Marwa story, and walking back and forth seven times allow every pilgrim to experience a spiritual journey that is timeless. The sacred connection between the hills, theMasjid al- Haram, and the Kaaba ensures that each Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage leaves a lasting imprint of faith, devotion, and divine mercy.
