What dua for safa marwa should I recite during Sai?

Every pilgrim wants to know what to say while moving between Safa and Marwa. The Prophet ﷺ taught a short set of phrases for the hilltops and left the rest to personal prayer. Learn those core words, then speak from the heart as you walk. If you would like a concise collection of extra prayers, see these Umrah duas.

At Safa: begin with remembrance

When you arrive at Safa to start Sa'i, recall the Qurʾanic verse that honours the two hills: “Indeed Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.” Many guides recommend reciting its meaning in any language to focus your intention. Climb until you can face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and start with takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) and tahlil (saying “La ilaha illa Allah”).

The wording reported in authentic hadith is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar

La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah

Lahul mulku wa lahul hamd

Wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadeer

Many add the continuation, also reported:

La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu

Anjaza wa dah

Wa nasara abdah

Wa hazamal ahzaba wahdah

After these words pause and make personal dua. The common practice is to repeat the fixed remembrance, then pray again, three times in total while still on Safa. Reviewing your Umrah niyat beforehand can help you stay mindful.

At Marwa: repeat the same pattern

When you finish the first lap and reach Marwa, stand facing the Kaaba if you can, raise your hands, and repeat exactly what you said at Safa. Say the takbir and tahlil, add the continuation if you know it, and open your heart in prayer. As on Safa, many pilgrims recite the fixed words three times with personal supplication between each repetition. If space is limited or you feel tired, one full round of the supplication is sufficient; sincerity is the key.

While walking between the hills

There is no prescribed text for the distance between the hills, so use this freedom well. You may:

• recite any part of the Qurʾan

• send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ

• speak to Allah in your own language

A short line found in many Sa'i handbooks is:

Rabbighfir warham innaka antal a’azzul akram

“My Lord, forgive and have mercy; You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous.”

Repeat it softly while walking. Those who prefer a minimal routine often carry this single line and add their own requests. Travellers can also look at these travel duas to cover the journey itself.

Remember the practical points: begin on Safa and end on Marwa. Safa to Marwa counts as one lap, Marwa back to Safa as two, and so on until you complete seven laps in total. In the green-lit corridor men are encouraged to walk briskly, while women maintain their regular pace. If you lose track of the lap number, stay calm and aim to finish seven; do not let anxiety spoil your worship.

Common questions during Sa'i

Do I have to count how many times I recite the fixed words? The most stable description is to stand at each hill, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, say the standing dhikr, and pray. Repeating the dhikr three times with dua between each round follows the sunnah, but crowding or fatigue may limit you. In that case do what you can and keep your heart present.

Must I memorise long Arabic phrases? No. Your own language is accepted. Allah hears every tongue. Many pilgrims keep a small card or a phone note with the Arabic text for the hilltops and one short walking prayer so they can concentrate rather than fear forgetting.

Can I drink water along the way? Yes, and it is wise, especially if you are caring for elders or children. Take pauses at the sides so you do not block others.

After completing Sa'i

When you finish the seventh lap at Marwa your Sa'i is complete. Those performing Umrah now exit ihram by cutting their hair: men shave or trim, women clip a fingertip length. For a brief reminder of what to say at that moment see this guide on leaving Umrah.

By learning the short phrases for the hilltops and giving yourself permission to speak naturally between them, you can approach Sa'i with confidence and peace. May Allah accept your pilgrimage and your prayers.​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​