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'Al-Safa' and 'Al-Marwah' ('Safa' and 'Marwah') (Arabic: 'الصفا' ''Aş-Şafā'' ; 'المروة' ''Al-Marwah'') are two small hills now located in the Masjid al Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia between which Muslims travel back and forth seven times during the ritual pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.

Contents

History

Location

The sa'i

References

History

In Islamic tradition, Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah (God) to leave his wife Hajarah (Hagar) in the desert along with her infant son Ishmael and some provisions as a test of his faith. When the provisions were exhausted, Hagar searched for water. Due to the blistering heat, mirages of water began to appear near the two hills. Believing that she has found water, she runs back and forth between the hills, thinking that there will be some nourishment. After her apparently fruitless search, she returned to Ishmael and found that a spring had sprouted forth from the crying baby's feet. Muslims believe that God provided her with the miraculous surge of water from the well, known as Zamzam.
Many people can be killed during this walk.

Location

The Masjid al Haram houses the holy Kaaba, the focal point of prayer for all Muslims. Safa — from which the ritual walking (''sa`i'', Arabic: 'سعى') begins — is located approximately half a mile from the Kaaba. Marwah is located about 100 yards from the Kaaba. The distance between Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 meters, so that seven trips amount to roughly 3.15 kilometers. The two points and the path between them are now inside a long gallery that forms part of the Masjid.

The sa'i

Performing the 'Sa'i', also known as 'Sa'ee', Hajj to Umrah: From A to Z, , Mamdouh N., Mohamed, Amana Publications, 1996, ISBN 0-915957-54-x serves to commemorate Hajar's search for water and God's mercy in answering prayers.
Dr. Ali Shariati in his book, ''HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals'' describes the Sa'i:

Sa'i is a search. It is a movement with an aim. It is depicted by running and hurrying. During tawaf (circumambulation) you acted as Hajar. In Ibrahim's position you acted as Ibrahim and Ismail. Once you begin "trying" (Sa'i) you are acting as Hajar again.
Here is a true demonstration of oneness. Shapes, patterns, colors, degrees, personalities, borders, distinctions and distances are destroyed. Naked man and stripped humanity are on the scene! Nothing but faith, belief and action are eminent! Here nobody is spoken of; even Ibrahim, Ismail and Hajar are only names, words and symbols. Whatever exists is moving constantly, humanity and spirituality and between them only discipline. Furthermore, this is Hajj, a decision for an eternal movement in a certain direction. It is also how the whole world moves.^[1]

References

1. HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals, Dr. Ali Shariati, , , , ,