What is the ritual called that involves walking or running between Safa and Marwa?

The ritual of walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa is called Sa‘i (also spelled Saee). This important act of worship is a mandatory component of both Hajj and Umrah, and without completing Sa‘i, the pilgrimage remains incomplete. The practice has deep spiritual, historical, and symbolic significance in Islam.

Sa‘i commemorates the profound faith and perseverance of Hazrat Hajra (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and the mother of Prophet Ismail (AS). When Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) left his family in the barren valley of Makkah by the command of Allah, Hazrat Hajra (AS) found herself alone with her infant son, without water or provisions. In her desperate search for water, she ran back and forth seven times between Safa and Marwa, hoping to find help. Her unwavering trust in Allah was rewarded when the well of Zamzam miraculously sprang forth near her son.

During Sa‘i, pilgrims begin at Safa and end at Marwa, completing seven rounds. Men are encouraged to run briskly between the green markers, while women walk at a normal pace. This ritual reflects the values of struggle, patience, reliance on Allah, and hope, teaching Muslims that sincere effort combined with faith brings divine assistance.

Sa‘i is clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158), where Allah declares that Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. This divine reference emphasizes the religious legitimacy and importance of the ritual.

For Islamic Studies exams, MCQs, and competitive tests, it is essential to remember that the ritual performed between Safa and Marwa is called Sa‘i. Other options such as Rami (stoning of the devil) and Hajar-e-Aswad (the Black Stone) are separate rituals with entirely different meanings.