History of Safa and Marwa: Complete Umrah Guide & Sacred Pilgrimage Packages

The Sacred Footsteps of Faith: History of Safa and Marwa

Every pilgrim who embarks on Umrah walks the path of Sa’i—the ritual walking and running between two historic hillocks. To truly appreciate this pillar of pilgrimage, one must uncover the deep history of Safa and Marwa, a journey defined by complete reliance on Allah (Tawakkul), maternal devotion, and divine mercy.

What is Safa and Marwa in Islam?

In Islamic tradition, Mount Safa and Mount Marwa are two small rocky hills situated adjacent to the Kaaba. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah states:

"Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)

Completing seven laps between these two points constitutes Sa’i, an essential rite (Wajib) of both Hajj and Umrah.

The Story Behind Safa and Marwa: Hajar’s Unshakable Devotion

The story of Hajar, Safa and Marwa is among the most moving accounts in Islamic history.

Centuries ago, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah to leave his wife Hajar (AS) and their infant son, Ismail (AS), in a barren, desolate valley of Makkah with only a small pouch of dates and a waterskin. When the water ran dry and Ismail began to cry in thirst, maternal instinct and faith drove Hajar to seek help:

1. Mount Safa: She climbed Safa first, scanning the horizon for passing caravans or traces of water.
2. The Run in the Valley: Descending the incline, she tucked up her robe and ran briskly across the valley basin to keep Ismail in sight.
3. Mount Marwa: She ascended Marwa, looking across the desolate dunes for any sign of life.

She repeated this passage seven times. Upon reaching Marwa for the seventh time, the Angel Jibreel (AS) struck the barren ground, causing a miraculous freshwater spring to gush forth: the well of Zamzam. Hajar’s desperate search was immortalized by Allah, requiring millions of believers across generations to trace her exact steps.

Where Safa and Marwa Sit Today

Many first-time pilgrims ask: where do Safa and Marwa sit inside the modern sanctuary?

Both hillocks are located inside the expanded perimeter of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah:

• Mount Safa sits approximately 100 metres southeast of the Holy Kaaba. It marks the starting point of Sa'i.
• Mount Marwa sits approximately 350 metres northeast of the Kaaba, marking the end of the 7th circuit.
• The total walking distance between the two points is roughly 450 metres (approx. 3.15 km across all 7 circuits).

The entire stretch is now housed within the multi-level, air-conditioned Masa'a gallery, equipped with smooth marble floors, wheelchair ramps, and electric cart tracks.

The Evolution: Safa and Marwa from 1970 to the 2000s and Beyond

The physical environment of Safa and Marwa has undergone remarkable historical preservation and architectural advancement:

• Safa and Marwa in the 1970s: Up until the mid-20th century, pilgrims walked along open-air gravel, dirt, and stone pathways between the two hills, often facing blistering desert heat and dense dust. By the 1970s, during the early Saudi expansions, the path was fully paved, covered with shaded roofing, and integrated directly into the grand structure of Masjid al-Haram.
• Safa and Marwa in the 2000s: With pilgrim numbers multiplying exponentially, the historic multi-level Masa'a expansion launched in the mid-2000s. This engineering feat widened the walkway from 20 metres to 40 metres, introduced dedicated wheelchair corridors, and created four operational levels capable of accommodating over 118,000 pilgrims per hour.
• Present Day: Exposed rock formations at both Safa and Marwa remain carefully preserved behind protective glass barriers, allowing pilgrims to stand upon the authentic bedrock where Hajar (AS) once stood.

Step-by-Step Sa'i Guide for Your Umrah

• Start at Safa: Face the Qibla, raise your hands, recite the Sunnah supplications (Takbir and Tahlil), and make personal Du'a.
• The Green Light Zone: Male pilgrims run at a moderate pace between the two sets of green fluorescent lights, commemorating Hajar's hurried pace through the low valley.
• Conclude at Marwa: Reach Mount Marwa to complete lap one. Repeat the journey back and forth until completing seven circuits, finishing on Marwa.
• Halq or Taqsir: Complete your Umrah by shaving or trimming your hair.

Walk in the Footsteps of History with Us

Experiencing the history of Safa and Marwa firsthand is a transformative journey. Our tailored Umrah packages ensure your pilgrimage is smooth, spiritually uplifting, and hassle-free:

• Direct Flights & Private Ground Transfers
• Handpicked 3-Star, 4-Star & 5-Star Accommodations within Walking Distance to the Haram
• Comprehensive Ziyarah Excursions & Guided Umrah Tutorials
• Full Visa Processing & 24/7 Dedicated Support

Would you like to tailor an itinerary or add specific hotel inclusions for your upcoming Umrah packages?