Riaz ul Jannah: History, Meaning, Timings and What to Do
Last updated: 04.02.2026
Sai is one of the core rituals of Umrah and refers to walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual is performed after completing Tawaf around the Kaaba and represents an essential part of the pilgrimage. Without performing Sai, Umrah is considered incomplete according to Islamic rulings.
Sai is carried out inside the area of Masjid al-Haram, along a designated pathway that connects the two hills. The ritual consists of seven rounds, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Each round represents a single traversal from one hill to the other.
The act of Sai is not symbolic in a general sense but rooted in a specific historical and religious context. It commemorates perseverance, trust in Allah, and the importance of effort combined with faith. These elements make Sai a practical expression of worship rather than a purely verbal or reflective act.
Sai is carried out inside the area of Masjid al-Haram, along a designated pathway that connects the two hills. The ritual consists of seven rounds, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa. Each round represents a single traversal from one hill to the other.
The act of Sai is not symbolic in a general sense but rooted in a specific historical and religious context. It commemorates perseverance, trust in Allah, and the importance of effort combined with faith. These elements make Sai a practical expression of worship rather than a purely verbal or reflective act.
Sai Meaning and Definition
The word “Sai” comes from the Arabic term sa‘y, which means effort, striving, or walking with purpose. In the context of Umrah, Sai refers specifically to the ritual movement between the two hills of Safa and Marwa.
As a defined Islamic ritual, Sai has a clear structure:
As a defined Islamic ritual, Sai has a clear structure:
- it is performed after Tawaf,
- it consists of seven complete rounds,
- it begins at Safa and ends at Marwa.
Sai is not optional or symbolic only. It is a required act of worship with precise guidelines that must be followed for Umrah to be valid.
Scholars emphasize that the meaning of Sai lies in active obedience, combining physical movement with remembrance and intention.
Scholars emphasize that the meaning of Sai lies in active obedience, combining physical movement with remembrance and intention.
Sai Artinya (Meaning of Sai in Islam)
In many languages, particularly Indonesian and Malay, the phrase “sai artinya” refers to the explanation or meaning of Sai in Islam. In this context, Sai is understood as an act of purposeful effort carried out in obedience to Allah.
Islamic scholars explain that Sai reflects:
Islamic scholars explain that Sai reflects:
- persistence during hardship,
- reliance on Allah alongside personal effort,
- remembrance of historical acts of faith.
Sai is not defined by speed or physical strength. Pilgrims may walk at a natural pace, focusing on intention and conduct rather than performance.
This understanding helps ensure that Sai remains accessible to pilgrims of all ages and physical abilities.
This understanding helps ensure that Sai remains accessible to pilgrims of all ages and physical abilities.
What Does Sai Mean in Umrah and Hajj
Sai holds significance in both Umrah and Hajj, although it is performed within different pilgrimage frameworks.
In both cases, the ritual represents continuity with prophetic tradition and obedience to divine instruction.
In both cases, the ritual represents continuity with prophetic tradition and obedience to divine instruction.
In Umrah, Sai is performed after Tawaf al-Umrah and before exiting the state of Ihram. In Hajj, Sai may be performed in association with Tawaf al-Ifadah or Tawaf al-Qudum, depending on the type of Hajj being undertaken. Despite these contextual differences, the meaning of Sai remains consistent. It is an act of worship rooted in remembrance and perseverance rather than a standalone symbolic gesture.
Sai Adalah – Explanation in Simple Terms
In simple terms, “sai adalah” means “Sai is” an act of walking between Safa and Marwa as part of Islamic pilgrimage. It is a physical ritual with a clear beginning, defined path, and fixed number of rounds.
Put simply, Sai:
Put simply, Sai:
- follows Tawaf,
- involves seven crossings,
- must be completed in sequence.
This explanation helps first-time pilgrims understand Sai without complex terminology.
While the ritual has deep historical meaning, its practical execution is straightforward and guided by established rules.
While the ritual has deep historical meaning, its practical execution is straightforward and guided by established rules.
Difference Between Sai in Umrah and Sai in Hajj
There is no difference in how Sai is physically performed in Umrah and Hajj. The same path, number of rounds, and starting and ending points apply in both pilgrimages.
However, differences exist in timing and context:
However, differences exist in timing and context:
- in Umrah, Sai is performed immediately after Tawaf,
- in Hajj, Sai may be delayed depending on the pilgrimage type,
- in Hajj, Sai forms part of a longer sequence of rituals.
Despite these differences, the rules, meaning, and structure of Sai remain unchanged.
This consistency ensures that pilgrims performing either Umrah or Hajj can rely on the same foundational understanding of the ritual.
This consistency ensures that pilgrims performing either Umrah or Hajj can rely on the same foundational understanding of the ritual.
History and Significance of Sai
The ritual of Sai is rooted in early Islamic history and is directly connected to events that took place long before the formal establishment of Umrah and Hajj as structured acts of worship. Its significance comes from a real historical event that is preserved in Islamic tradition and commemorated through physical action rather than symbolic narration.
Sai represents effort, perseverance, and reliance on Allah during moments of hardship. Unlike rituals that are limited to verbal remembrance, Sai requires physical movement, reinforcing the idea that faith in Islam is expressed through both intention and action.
The historical foundation of Sai explains why it remains an essential ritual in both Umrah and Hajj. Its performance today follows the same sequence and location associated with its original story, ensuring continuity across generations of pilgrims.
Sai represents effort, perseverance, and reliance on Allah during moments of hardship. Unlike rituals that are limited to verbal remembrance, Sai requires physical movement, reinforcing the idea that faith in Islam is expressed through both intention and action.
The historical foundation of Sai explains why it remains an essential ritual in both Umrah and Hajj. Its performance today follows the same sequence and location associated with its original story, ensuring continuity across generations of pilgrims.
Story of Safa and Marwa
The origin of Sai is linked to the story of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim and the mother of Prophet Ismail. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim left Hajar and their infant son in the valley of Makkah in obedience to Allah’s command, at a time when the area had no visible source of water.
When Hajar ran out of provisions and her child began to suffer from thirst, she sought help by moving between the hills of Safa and Marwa. She walked back and forth repeatedly, searching for water or assistance, while trusting in Allah for relief.
Key elements of this story include:
When Hajar ran out of provisions and her child began to suffer from thirst, she sought help by moving between the hills of Safa and Marwa. She walked back and forth repeatedly, searching for water or assistance, while trusting in Allah for relief.
Key elements of this story include:
- persistence in the face of hardship,
- active effort combined with reliance on Allah,
- eventual relief provided through divine mercy.
Her effort was answered with the appearance of the Zamzam well, which continues to provide water to pilgrims today.
The movement between Safa and Marwa performed by pilgrims during Sai directly mirrors Hajar’s actions. Rather than simply recounting the story verbally, Islam preserves it through embodied practice. Pilgrims physically retrace her steps, reinforcing the lessons of patience, determination, and trust.
Importantly, the story of Safa and Marwa emphasizes that effort is not separate from faith. Hajar did not remain passive while waiting for help; she acted while maintaining reliance on Allah.
This balance between action and trust forms the foundation of the Sai ritual.
The movement between Safa and Marwa performed by pilgrims during Sai directly mirrors Hajar’s actions. Rather than simply recounting the story verbally, Islam preserves it through embodied practice. Pilgrims physically retrace her steps, reinforcing the lessons of patience, determination, and trust.
Importantly, the story of Safa and Marwa emphasizes that effort is not separate from faith. Hajar did not remain passive while waiting for help; she acted while maintaining reliance on Allah.
This balance between action and trust forms the foundation of the Sai ritual.
Why Sai Is an Essential Ritual
Sai is considered essential in Umrah and Hajj because it was established through prophetic tradition and reinforced by Islamic rulings. Its obligation is not based on symbolism alone, but on its clear connection to historical events and religious instruction.
Islamic scholars explain that Sai is essential because it:
Without completing Sai, Umrah or Hajj is considered incomplete. This requirement ensures that pilgrims engage with the full scope of the pilgrimage rather than performing isolated actions.
Islamic scholars explain that Sai is essential because it:
- preserves a foundational story of faith and perseverance,
- requires physical participation rather than passive observance,
- reinforces the principle that worship involves effort.
Without completing Sai, Umrah or Hajj is considered incomplete. This requirement ensures that pilgrims engage with the full scope of the pilgrimage rather than performing isolated actions.
Sai also holds significance because it equalizes pilgrims regardless of background. All pilgrims, regardless of status or nationality, perform the same movement along the same path. This shared action reflects the broader Islamic emphasis on equality in worship.
Additionally, Sai serves as a reminder that moments of difficulty are part of spiritual growth. By repeating Hajar’s search for relief, pilgrims are reminded that hardship and patience are central themes in the Islamic understanding of faith.
Through its historical roots and continued practice, Sai remains a living ritual rather than a historical reenactment. Its significance lies in the way it connects belief, action, and remembrance into a single act of worship that remains relevant across time.
Additionally, Sai serves as a reminder that moments of difficulty are part of spiritual growth. By repeating Hajar’s search for relief, pilgrims are reminded that hardship and patience are central themes in the Islamic understanding of faith.
Through its historical roots and continued practice, Sai remains a living ritual rather than a historical reenactment. Its significance lies in the way it connects belief, action, and remembrance into a single act of worship that remains relevant across time.
How to Perform Sai in Umrah
Sai is performed after completing Tawaf and is one of the essential rituals of Umrah. It takes place inside Masjid al-Haram along the designated corridor between the hills of Safa and Marwa. The ritual involves walking between these two points in a specific sequence and number of rounds.
Sai is a physical act of worship that must be performed correctly for Umrah to be complete. While the movement itself is straightforward, understanding when to perform Sai, how many rounds are required, and how to follow the correct order helps pilgrims avoid mistakes and complete the ritual with confidence.
Sai is a physical act of worship that must be performed correctly for Umrah to be complete. While the movement itself is straightforward, understanding when to perform Sai, how many rounds are required, and how to follow the correct order helps pilgrims avoid mistakes and complete the ritual with confidence.
When to Perform Sai
Sai is performed after completing Tawaf around the Kaaba. A pilgrim should finish all seven rounds of Tawaf before beginning Sai. Performing Sai before Tawaf is not valid according to Islamic rulings.
In Umrah, the sequence is fixed:
Pilgrims should ensure that Tawaf is completed properly before proceeding to Sai.
In Umrah, the sequence is fixed:
- first, Tawaf of the Kaaba,
- second, prayer after Tawaf if possible,
- third, Sai between Safa and Marwa.
Pilgrims should ensure that Tawaf is completed properly before proceeding to Sai.
There is no requirement to perform Sai immediately after Tawaf without pause, but it should be done before exiting the state of Ihram.
In most cases, pilgrims move directly from the Tawaf area to the Sai corridor. However, short breaks due to crowd conditions or personal needs do not invalidate the sequence as long as Sai follows Tawaf.
Pilgrims are advised to remain mindful of crowd flow and follow directional signs inside the mosque. Mosque staff and signage help guide pilgrims to the correct starting point at Safa.
In most cases, pilgrims move directly from the Tawaf area to the Sai corridor. However, short breaks due to crowd conditions or personal needs do not invalidate the sequence as long as Sai follows Tawaf.
Pilgrims are advised to remain mindful of crowd flow and follow directional signs inside the mosque. Mosque staff and signage help guide pilgrims to the correct starting point at Safa.
Number of Rounds in Sai
Sai consists of seven rounds in total. One round is counted as walking from Safa to Marwa, and the next round is from Marwa back to Safa. The ritual begins at Safa and ends at Marwa.
The structure of the rounds is as follows:
The structure of the rounds is as follows:
- round 1: Safa to Marwa
- round 2: Marwa to Safa
- round 3: Safa to Marwa
- round 4: Marwa to Safa
- round 5: Safa to Marwa
- round 6: Marwa to Safa
- round 7: Safa to Marwa
Completing fewer or more than seven rounds means Sai is incomplete or incorrect.
Pilgrims who lose count are advised to rely on the lower number to avoid exceeding the required rounds.
Walking pace is flexible. Pilgrims may walk at a natural speed, stop briefly if needed, and continue without concern as long as the sequence and count are maintained.
Pilgrims who lose count are advised to rely on the lower number to avoid exceeding the required rounds.
Walking pace is flexible. Pilgrims may walk at a natural speed, stop briefly if needed, and continue without concern as long as the sequence and count are maintained.
Saie Umrah Step by Step
The following step-by-step outline explains how Sai is typically performed during Umrah. While individual movement may vary due to crowd conditions, the core steps remain consistent.
1. Proceed to Safa after completing Tawaf
Pilgrims move toward the Safa hill and face the Kaaba if visible. At this point, many pilgrims make brief supplications.
2. Begin walking from Safa to Marwa
This walk counts as the first round. Pilgrims proceed along the marked pathway toward Marwa.
3. Reach Marwa and complete one round
Upon reaching Marwa, pilgrims may pause briefly before turning back toward Safa.
4. Walk back from Marwa to Safa
This return walk counts as the second round.
5. Continue until seven rounds are completed
Pilgrims repeat this movement until they finish the seventh round at Marwa.
1. Proceed to Safa after completing Tawaf
Pilgrims move toward the Safa hill and face the Kaaba if visible. At this point, many pilgrims make brief supplications.
2. Begin walking from Safa to Marwa
This walk counts as the first round. Pilgrims proceed along the marked pathway toward Marwa.
3. Reach Marwa and complete one round
Upon reaching Marwa, pilgrims may pause briefly before turning back toward Safa.
4. Walk back from Marwa to Safa
This return walk counts as the second round.
5. Continue until seven rounds are completed
Pilgrims repeat this movement until they finish the seventh round at Marwa.
Throughout Sai, pilgrims may engage in:
There are no mandatory duas required during Sai. Pilgrims are encouraged to focus on calm movement, awareness, and consideration for others sharing the space.
After completing the seventh round at Marwa, Sai is concluded. The pilgrim then proceeds to the next stage of Umrah, which involves trimming or shaving the hair to exit the state of Ihram.
Performing Sai correctly ensures that Umrah is completed according to established Islamic guidelines. By understanding the timing, number of rounds, and step-by-step process, pilgrims can approach this ritual with clarity and confidence, focusing on its spiritual purpose rather than procedural uncertainty.
- personal supplication,
- quiet remembrance,
- silent reflection.
There are no mandatory duas required during Sai. Pilgrims are encouraged to focus on calm movement, awareness, and consideration for others sharing the space.
After completing the seventh round at Marwa, Sai is concluded. The pilgrim then proceeds to the next stage of Umrah, which involves trimming or shaving the hair to exit the state of Ihram.
Performing Sai correctly ensures that Umrah is completed according to established Islamic guidelines. By understanding the timing, number of rounds, and step-by-step process, pilgrims can approach this ritual with clarity and confidence, focusing on its spiritual purpose rather than procedural uncertainty.
Sai Umrah Rounds Explained
Sai in Umrah consists of seven clearly defined rounds performed between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Understanding how these rounds are counted is essential, as incorrect counting is one of the most common mistakes among first-time pilgrims.
A single round is counted as one complete walk from one hill to the other. The ritual always begins at Safa and ends at Marwa. This sequence is fixed and must be followed for Sai to be valid.
The seven rounds are counted as follows:
A single round is counted as one complete walk from one hill to the other. The ritual always begins at Safa and ends at Marwa. This sequence is fixed and must be followed for Sai to be valid.
The seven rounds are counted as follows:
- round 1: Safa to Marwa
- round 2: Marwa to Safa
- round 3: Safa to Marwa
- round 4: Marwa to Safa
- round 5: Safa to Marwa
- round 6: Marwa to Safa
- round 7: Safa to Marwa
Completing the seventh round at Marwa marks the end of Sai.
Pilgrims may walk at a comfortable pace throughout Sai. There is no requirement to walk quickly, except for a brief marked section traditionally associated with brisk movement for those who are able.
This practice is optional and does not affect the validity of Sai if omitted.
Pilgrims may walk at a comfortable pace throughout Sai. There is no requirement to walk quickly, except for a brief marked section traditionally associated with brisk movement for those who are able.
This practice is optional and does not affect the validity of Sai if omitted.
If a pilgrim is unsure about the number of completed rounds, scholars advise counting the lower number to avoid exceeding seven. Mosque signage and corridor markers also assist pilgrims in maintaining correct direction and sequence.
Sai rounds must be continuous in order, but short pauses for rest or crowd management do not invalidate the ritual. What matters is maintaining the correct start point, end point, and total number of rounds.
Sai rounds must be continuous in order, but short pauses for rest or crowd management do not invalidate the ritual. What matters is maintaining the correct start point, end point, and total number of rounds.
Duas to Recite During Sai
There are no mandatory or fixed duas that must be recited during Sai. Islamic scholars consistently explain that Sai remains valid even if no verbal supplication is made.
Duas during Sai are recommended as a way to remain spiritually focused rather than as a required component.
Pilgrims may recite:
Duas during Sai are recommended as a way to remain spiritually focused rather than as a required component.
Pilgrims may recite:
- personal supplications in any language,
- general remembrance and praise,
- silent reflection without verbal recitation.
This flexibility allows pilgrims of different backgrounds and language abilities to perform Sai without difficulty or stress.
Many pilgrims choose to make dua at specific moments during Sai, such as when reaching Safa or Marwa.
These pauses provide an opportunity for focused supplication, but they are not obligatory and should be brief to avoid obstructing others.
Many pilgrims choose to make dua at specific moments during Sai, such as when reaching Safa or Marwa.
These pauses provide an opportunity for focused supplication, but they are not obligatory and should be brief to avoid obstructing others.
Scholars advise pilgrims to:
Understanding that dua is optional helps prevent confusion and ensures that Sai remains accessible and calm, especially during busy periods.
- avoid loud or group recitations,
- keep movement steady and respectful,
- prioritize safety and awareness in crowded areas.
Understanding that dua is optional helps prevent confusion and ensures that Sai remains accessible and calm, especially during busy periods.
FAQ About Sai in Umrah
Yes. Sai is an essential ritual of Umrah. Without completing Sai, Umrah is considered incomplete.
No. Sai must be performed after completing Tawaf around the Kaaba.
The duration varies depending on walking pace and crowd conditions, but most pilgrims complete Sai within a manageable time frame.
No. There are no required duas. Any sincere supplication or quiet remembrance is acceptable.
If unsure, pilgrims are advised to continue based on the lower confirmed number to avoid exceeding seven rounds.
Yes. Facilities and assistance options are available, and walking pace may be adjusted according to ability.
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