بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ السَّلَامِ
1446 - ذُو الْقَعْدَة الْحَرَام
الْمُؤْمِنِ الْمُهَيْمِنِ الْعَزِيزِ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
L O A D I N G
Meaning of Safa And Marwah - Islamic Dictionary
Safa And Marwah
DIAMOND ROAD WEATHER

Safa And Marwah

الصفا والمروة
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Safa and Marwah are two small hills now enclosed within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, forming an integral part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. Running between them seven times,known as Sa'i,is a mandatory rite commemorating Hajar's (Hagar) desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail (Ishmael). According to Islamic tradition, after Ibrahim (Abraham) left Hajar and Ismail in the barren valley of Mecca, her water supply exhausted and her baby crying from thirst, she ran seven times between these hills searching for help or water. After her seventh attempt, Allah caused the Zamzam spring to miraculously gush forth at Ismail's feet. The Quran commands: "Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'Umrah,there is no blame upon him to walk between them" (2:158). The Sa'i covers approximately 450 meters each way, totaling about 3.15 kilometers. Pilgrims begin at Safa, reciting prayers, proceed to Marwah, and repeat, often moving at a brisk pace between the green-marked sections commemorating Hajar's running. This ritual embodies profound lessons: trust in Allah (tawakkul) amid desperation, the honor of motherhood, divine response to sincere effort, and the spiritual significance of striving. Safa and Marwah remind pilgrims that Allah provides from unexpected sources and that sincere struggle brings divine relief. The two hills are now fully enclosed within the mosque complex, with a spacious, air-conditioned corridor connecting them. The green-marked sections where pilgrims run (rather than walk) commemorate Hajar's desperate pace. The Sa'i is performed after Tawaf for both Hajj and Umrah. For women who are menstruating or postpartum, the Sa'i is performed after purification. The ritual teaches that Allah does not abandon those who strive sincerely,Hajar's effort was rewarded with Zamzam, which continues to flow today. It also demonstrates the importance of taking practical means while trusting Allah; Hajar ran searching (taking means) while ultimately relying on Allah's mercy. Safa and Marwah thus symbolize the active, striving nature of Islamic spirituality,faith is not passive waiting but active effort combined with trust in divine wisdom.

Category: Places

Reference: Holy Sites

Added: February 23, 2026

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