Umrah is a profound spiritual journey for Muslims around the world. One of the significant rituals performed during Umrah is the Sa’i, which involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual commemorates the story of Hajar (pbuh) and her son Isma’il (pbuh) and holds deep historical and religious significance. Before embarking on this sacred journey, it is essential to understand the significance of Safa and Marwa and the words to say before starting Sa’i. In this article, we will explore the importance of this ritual and the words traditionally spoken before beginning the Sa’i.
What Do You Say Before Starting Sa’i?
Before embarking on the Sa’i, pilgrims recite specific words to affirm their intention and seek blessings from Allah. These words are known as the Talbiyah, and they are as follows:
“Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am.
Here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am.
Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You.
You have no partner.”
لبَّيكَ اللهمَّ لبَّيكَ،
لبَّيكَ لا شريكَ لك لبَّيكَ؛
إنَّ الحمدَ والنِّعمةَ لك والمُلْك،
لا شريكَ لك
These words reflect complete submission to Allah and acknowledge His uniqueness and sovereignty. By reciting the Talbiyah,
pilgrims declare their readiness to fulfill their religious obligations and seek Allah’s acceptance and blessings throughout their Umrah journey.
Understanding the Story of Safa and Marwa
The story of Safa and Marwa dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his wife Sarah As mentioned in Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to leave his wife and infant son, Isma’il, in the barren valley of Mecca.
With limited provisions, Hajar and Isma’il faced immense hardship. In search of water, Hajar ran between two hills, Safa and Marwa, seven times, desperately looking for help.
Eventually, by the grace of Allah, the well of Zamzam miraculously appeared, providing sustenance for Hajar and her son.
This is how the Sa’i symbolized the reenactment of Hajar’s search for water and her unwavering faith in Allah’s mercy. Pilgrims perform this ritual by walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa,
covering a distance of approximately 450 meters. This act holds great significance as it represents the perseverance, trust, and reliance on Allah exhibited by Hajar.
FAQs
Q: How is The Sa’i Performed?
A: The Sa’i is performed by walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa, covering a distance of approximately 450 meters.
Pilgrims start at Safa and walk towards Marwa, then back to Safa until 7 rounds are completed.
Q: Is the Sa’i Performed Only During Umrah, or Is it Performed During Hajj as Well?
A: The Sa’i is performed during both Hajj and Umrah. It is a required ritual for both pilgrimages and is carried out in a similar manner in both cases.
Q: What is the Purpose of Sa’i Ritual During Umrah?
A: The Sa’i ritual during Umrah serves as a commemoration of Hajar’s search for water and her unwavering faith in Allah’s mercy. It symbolizes perseverance, trust, and reliance on Allah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Sa’i ritual during Umrah holds deep historical and religious significance, commemorating the unwavering faith of Hajar and her ultimate triumph against adversity.
As pilgrims prepare to embark on this sacred journey, reciting the Talbiyah before starting Sa’i is a powerful way to reaffirm their commitment to Allah and seek His guidance and blessings. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Hajar and serves as a source of inspiration for Muslims worldwide. May every pilgrim’s Sa’i be accepted, and may they find spiritual fulfillment and closeness to Allah during this sacred act of worship.
