Sa‘i is the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, inside Masjid al-Haram. It comes after tawaf in Umrah. This post describes what the walk feels like and how to pace yourself. For rulings that differ by school of law, ask the scholar with your group.
The shape of the walk
You start at Safa. Face the Kaaba, praise Allah, and make dua. Then walk toward Marwah. That is one length. Walking back to Safa is the second. You complete seven lengths in this way and finish at Marwah.
The path is long, covered, and shared by thousands of people. It is not a race track. Expect heat, slow patches, and moments where the crowd thickens near the ends. Wear shoes you can walk in for a long stretch, and keep a small bag for them if you need to remove them for prayer later.
Green-light areas
Along the path there are marked stretches (often shown with green lights or green markers) where men who are able may walk more quickly or jog if it is safe. Women walk at a normal pace throughout. If the stretch is packed, men should also walk normally. Safety and not harming others come first.
Do not shove to reach the green area. Do not film yourself jogging in a way that blocks the path. If a companion cannot keep up with a faster pace, stay with them.
Hydration and pace
Sa‘i takes time, especially when the mosque is full. Drink water before you start, and again if you feel dry during the walk. Zamzam and water points are available in and around the mosque; use them without leaving bottles in the walkway.
Set a pace you can hold for all seven lengths. Many first-timers start too fast after tawaf and tire by the fourth or fifth length. A steady walk is enough. Rest at Safa or Marwah if you need a short pause, then continue. Sitting in the middle of the path blocks others; step to the side if you must stop.
Elderly people and companions
If you are with an elderly parent, a pregnant woman, or someone with limited mobility:
- Agree before you start whether you will stay together the whole way.
- Prefer a calmer time of day if your schedule allows.
- Use a wheelchair route if one is open and needed; follow staff directions.
- Do not leave a vulnerable companion alone in a dense crowd while you “finish quickly.”
Children tire and get thirsty. Plan short rests and keep them close. Agree a meeting point near Safa or Marwah in case someone is separated.
Counting and finishing
Keep a clear count of the seven lengths. Losing count is common when you are tired. A companion can help, or you can count on your fingers. If you are unsure whether you completed seven, ask the scholar with your group before you leave the area.
When you finish at Marwah, make dua, thank Allah, and move calmly toward the next step of your rite (for Umrah, that is usually cutting or shortening the hair). Do not rush into the exit tunnels in a way that knocks into others.
Sa‘i remembers Hajar’s search for water for her child. Walk it with patience, care for the weak beside you, and trust that a sincere, steady effort is enough.
Source: Practical arrangements change. Check the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Nusuk, and the official Saudi visa site for current entry rules.
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