Sai is one of the essential rites of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Every pilgrim travelling for the holy rituals must perform Sai in a proper manner. Otherwise, the pilgrimage is not valid.
The history of Sai and its significance goes back to the time Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This is among those rites of the pilgrimage that are clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran. So, every pilgrim of Ramadan Umrah Packages all-inclusive from London UK or any other time of the year, must ensure its completion.
Umrah and hajj are something that we don’t observe on a regular basis. So, it’s a common thing to not have knowledge about the holy rituals. Here’s how you can properly perform Sai between Safa and Marwah.
Significance of Sai
Sai is an Arabic word that translates to ‘to strive/walk’. In the Islamic context, Sai is the primary ritual of Hajj as well as Umrah. Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, present within Masjid-al-Haram, to offer Sai ritual.
The history of Sai ritual is from the great event of Islamic history. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail (AS) in the barren desert of Makkah. It was an order from Allah Almighty and a test. However, while Hajar and Ismail (AS) were present in middle of nowhere, Ismail (AS) become thirsty. There was no food or water in sight. Hajar ran across the hills of Safa and Marwah to find a Kafla passing by for water. However, no source was available.
Miraculously, water came out of the ground from the place where Ismail (AS) was crying and rubbing his feet. The flow of this water was so intense that Hajar had to say ‘Zam Zam’ (stop). From that date, Zamzam is the holy water whose source and unlimited supply remains a mystery.
This act of Tawakkul and reliance on Allah was so dear to him that he made Sai an integral part of Hajj and Umrah. It is narrated in the Holy Quran as well in Surah al-Baraqah (2:158).
Requisites of Sai
Sai, just like other rituals of pilgrimage, has some requisites to follow. If you are performing this ritual with cheap Umrah packages 2025 make sure to do it properly. Plan latest Umrah Packages in December from HajjUmrahPackage.
A pilgrim intending for Sai rituals must be in the state of Ihram. Before your start Sai, make sure that you’ve completed Tawaf of Holy Kaabah.
The first lap of Sai starts from Safa towards Marwah. Upon reaching Marwah, pilgrims should make Dua facing the Holy Kaabah. Return to Safa from Marwah is your second lap of Sai. Proceed in the same manner until the seventh round of Sai ends at Marwah Hill.
There are two sets of green fluorescent lights present in your route of Sai. With an approximate distance of 50 metres between them, these lights indicate the distance that Hajar ran. For men, it is a Sunnah act to walk a faster pace between these markers known as ‘Milayn al-Akhdharayn’. However, women should continue walking at a normal pace.
The compete distance that every pilgrim needs to cover for Sai between Safa and Marwah is approximately 3.15 km. One lap of Sai is nearly 450 metres. Therefore, 7 laps of 450 meters each would amount to 3.15 kilometres. Covering this entire distance is essential to make your pilgrimage valid.
Things to consider for Sai Ritual
- It is Sunnah and recommended act to begin Sai rituals right after the completion of Tawaf. In this case, one should also do Istilam of Hajar al Aswad.
- During the peak times of Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 From London UK there are large crowd of pilgrims present in Haram. The slower pace might increase the time taken for completion of Sai rituals. Be patient.
- If you feel the need to take short breaks while performing Sai rituals, it’s permissible.
- Elderly people and ill can take assistance of a wheel chair and even electric scooty for their Sai rituals.
- Though talking during Sai rituals is permissible one should avoid idle talk. Only speak when necessary and keep on doing Dhikr rest of the time.
- It is permissible to perform Sai on the higher levels. However, make sure that you don’t exit the boundary of Haram.
- It’s prohibited to ascend Safa and Marwah Hills for pilgrims.
- While performing Sai rituals, it’s necessary to be in the state of purity. So, make Wudhu and wear neat and clean clothes. If you need bathroom breaks in between, there’s no restriction in this regard. However, on your return make sure to have Wudhu again and no impurity your clothes.
- Keep your awrah covered while performing Sai.
That’s how you should perform Sai with cheap Umrah packages 2025 between Safa and Marwah.
