The story behind sai, how to count the seven trips between Shafa and Marwah, and its recommended acts.
Sai is a pillar of Umrah performed after tawaf — walking back and forth between the hills of Shafa and Marwah for seven trips. Both hills now lie within the Masjid al-Haram complex, connected by a long corridor comfortable for pilgrims to traverse.
Behind sai lies a moving story: the struggle of Hajar, wife of the Prophet Ibrahim. Left in the barren valley of Makkah with her infant son, the Prophet Ismail, she ran between Shafa and Marwah seeking water and help. From her sincerity and reliance on God, Allah caused the water of zamzam to gush forth, still flowing to this day.
Sai is therefore not merely walking, but a remembrance of a mother's steadfastness, patience, and trust in God. Pilgrims who understand its meaning perform sai with a living heart, not merely fulfilling a count of steps.
Sai begins at the hill of Shafa. Before starting, pilgrims are recommended to face the Ka'bah and supplicate. Then one walks toward Marwah; the trip from Shafa to Marwah counts as one. Next, from Marwah back to Shafa counts as the second, and so on, until seven trips are complete, ending at Marwah.
For men there is a recommended light jog between two markers usually indicated by green lights. This section commemorates where Hajar quickened her pace. Women walk normally without jogging. Along the way, pilgrims are encouraged to make remembrance and supplicate as they wish.
As with tawaf, there is no specific supplication obligatory for each trip of sai. Pilgrims are free to raise any good prayer. However, it is recommended to recite the verse mentioning Shafa and Marwah as among the symbols of Allah when beginning, as taught.
Sai does not require a state of ritual purity like tawaf, so a pilgrim whose ablution breaks mid-sai may still continue. Even so, remaining in a state of purity is preferable and better preserves devotion.
After completing seven trips and reaching Marwah, the sequence of sai is finished. The pilgrim then prepares for the next act, tahallul, which marks the completion of the entire series of Umrah rites.
