Al-Safa and Al-Marwah - The Sa'i

The Sa'i

See also: Sa'yee

Performing the Sa'i, also known as Sa'ee, (Arabic: سعى‎ saʿy "ritual walking") serves to commemorate Hagar'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. 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.

• Sa'yee towards Al-Safa

• Central section reserved for the elderly and disabled.
  Note that it is also divided into two directions of travel.

• Sa'yee returning from Al-Safa