Women’s Guide to Performing Sa’i at Safa During Umrah

Sa’i is a prominent Hajj and Umrah ritual. Although all the pilgrimage rituals are the same for men and women, there is a slight difference in how they are performed. If you are going for the pilgrimage soon, you might need a woman's guide to performing Sa’i at Safa during Umrah. It is not a complex ritual, and the rules are not complex either. Therefore, you should stop stressing and just go through this comprehensive guide to fully understand the ritual.

Learning about and preparing for the Umrah rituals is very crucial. Sa’i is one of the most spiritually moving parts of the pilgrimage. It connects you to rich Islamic history and offers many life lessons. From patience to the power of faith in the Almighty, you know a lot as you trace the footsteps of Hajar during this ritual. Every year, thousands of UK Muslimahs perform Umrah. If you are going to be among them soon and have started looking for Umrah packages, it is also time that you start learning about Sa’i, one of the primary Umrah rituals. Here is a guide on how a woman should perform this ritual perfectly.

What is Sa’i?

Let’s start with what Sa’i is and how it is performed. Sa’i refers to the Umrah ritual that is performed after Tawaf around the Kaaba. To complete this ritual, pilgrims must walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. It starts at Safa and ends at Marwa. It is done to commemorate Hajar's hardship. She ran between these two hills in the desperate search for water for her infant in the middle of the desert.

She wholeheartedly trusted the Almighty, which is why He miraculously helped her. As a woman, you will be able to connect to this powerful story much more closely. It shows you the ease and dignity that comes with having complete faith in the Almighty in all matters of life.

Requirements for Women Before Sa’i

Before you go for Sa’i, you must fulfil the following requirements.

1. Make sure that you have completed the Umrah rituals that are required to be completed before Sa’i, i.e. entering the state of Ihram and performing Tawaf.
2. Try to be in the state of Wudu.
3. You must be physically ready before you arrive at Safa to begin your Sa’i. If you feel tired after the Tawaf or you are hungry, make sure to take a break. You can rest for a while and eat before you begin your next ritual. As Sa’i involves walking some 3 to 4 kilometres, you must be refreshed and energised before performing this ritual.
4. Sa’i can be performed in the state of menstruation. However, it is prohibited to perform Tawaf in this state. So, if you have completed your Tawaf, you can perform Sa’i even if you have your menses.

Step-by-Step Guide for Women to Perform Sa’i

Here is a step-by-step guide for women to perform Sa’i.

Begin at Safa

Follow the signs from Haram to Safa or the spot for Sa’i. You can immerse yourself in supplication as you arrive at Safa. After arriving at Safa, face the Kaaba and recite the following supplication.

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah…”

You can also make personal duas after that.

Walk Toward Marwah

Walk from Safa towards Marwah. As you arrive at Marwah, ascend slightly and face the Kaaba if possible. Here, you can repeat the same dua you made earlier. Remember that from Safa to Marwah is one lap, and from Marwah to Safa is the second. You have to complete seven laps like this.

Complete All Seven Laps

As mentioned earlier, you will have to complete all seven laps between the two hills to complete your Sa’i. There is no requirement for women to change their pace during the ritual as it is required for the men.

Tips for Women Performing Sa’i

Do you need some helpful tips for performing Sa’i? We got you. Here are some exceptional tips that will make your Umrah ritual a lot easier and more comfortable.

1. Don’t compromise on footwear. Try to pack comfortable footwear with you that allows you to walk long distances without any hindrance. Closed shoes, cushion slippers, and sports sandals are a great option.
2. Make sure your Ihram garment is comfortable, breathable, and modest. Pin your Hijab ideally to avoid any distractions.
3. Women prefer walking along the inner lanes during Sa’i because they are less crowded. So, if you want to escape the crowds, you know where to walk.
4. Stay hydrated at all times. You will only be able to perform the ritual perfectly if you are healthy, so carry a water bottle with you at all times and pack some powerful snacks.
5. It is an act of devotion and not a competition. You should walk at your own pace.
6. Make sure to supplicate throughout your journey.

Final Words

No doubt, Sa’i is one of the most meaningful experiences for Muslims, especially women, who can connect to the struggles of Hajar. Try to make the most of this sacred ritual by immersing yourself in supplication and in the remembrance of the Almighty. Walk at your own pace and try to avoid competing with others who are speeding.