What does “Shoot” mean in Hajj rituals?

In the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, the term “Shoot” refers to the sacred practice of walking and running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which is known in Arabic as Sa’i. This ritual commemorates the remarkable devotion of Hazrat Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who ran tirelessly between these two hills in search of water for her infant son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Her perseverance and unwavering faith in Allah are honored every year through this act, which symbolizes patience, trust in Allah, and submission to His will.

During the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, pilgrims perform Sa’i by walking briskly in the designated area between Safa and Marwah, covering a distance that equals approximately seven rounds. Men are encouraged to run in the marked portion of the path, while women maintain a normal walking pace. Each complete traversal from Safa to Marwah and back counts as one lap, and completing all seven laps fulfills the obligation of this ritual.

The spiritual significance of Sa’i or “Shoot” is profound. It reminds Muslims of the importance of reliance on Allah during times of difficulty, the reward of sincere effort, and the connection to the Prophetic legacy. The ritual reinforces the themes of endurance, prayer, and divine guidance. By performing Sa’i, pilgrims spiritually participate in Hajar’s devotion and her trust in Allah’s mercy.