Pilgrimage journey is a journey of the heart. It turns into a religious emigration based on the faith. Millions of Muslims come to Makkah every year to perform Hajj or Umrah in order to get blessed. The walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, the Sa’i, is one of the most important rituals. At the heart of this sacred act is the Safa Marwah Dua, which connects every pilgrim to the past and deepens their spirituality.
It is not just another physical act. It is a major worship. At Sa’i, pilgrims devote full attention to recalling the particular Safa Marwah Dua. Each step is sacred with the prayers that are full of sincerity. Through the Safa Marwah Dua, the worshipper becomes connected to the mighty tale of Hajar. This paper educates you about the meaning, importance, and procedure of the Dua and offers a full comprehension of it.
The Historical Roots of Sa’i and Safa Marwah Dua
The story of the Safa Marwah Dua is a story that you should know to fully appreciate it. The ritual recalls the story of Hajar, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, and his wife in search for water in the Makkah desert. Ibrahim left Hajar and his son Ismail with minimal supplies following the command of Allah. In a short time, water and food became depleted.
When Ismail became thirsty and cried, Hajar began seeking water. She ran uphill towards Safa in the hope that she might be assisted. Nothing appearing, she ran to the hill of Marwah. Still, she found nothing. Hajar has made this journey seven times between Safa and Marwa, and her heart was always in dua, relying on Allah. Hajar came back after the seventh round and was witness to the miracle of Zamzam. Water flowed near Ismail. It is still there, and it quenches the thirst of millions.
The Sa’i recalls the faith of Hajar and her Safa Marwah Dua repeated. Her race is a synonym of trust and patience. Every pilgrim who is doing Sa’i recites or contemplates the Safa Marwah Dua by connecting the past and the present in worship.
The Prophetic Practice and the Safa Marwah Dua
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) venerated the ritual by his presence and action. He demonstrated the procedure and the very Safa Marwah Dua to read. Sahih Muslim (Book 7, Hadith 1218) was a narration of what the Prophet did by his companion Jabir. These activities constitute the essence of the Sunnah of all pilgrims in the present day.
As he approached Safa, the Prophet first recited a verse from the Quran—an excellent start for the Safa Marwah Dua:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Quran 2:158)
He then said:
أبدأ بما بدأ الله به
I begin with what Allah began with.
This declaration forms the spiritual introduction to the Dua. It submits the worshipper to Allah’s command and reminds them that this act is divinely ordained.
The Safa Marwah Dua at Safa
When the Prophet stood atop Safa, he faced the Kaaba. This was a moment of deep connection. He raised his hands and began the special Safa Marwah Dua.
He said three times:
الله أكبر
Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
This Takbir focuses the mind. It prepares the heart for theDua that follows. Pilgrims realize Allah is greater than every hardship or difficulty.
The Prophet then recited the Safa Marwah Dua three times:
“لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، وهو على كل شيء قدير. لا إله إلا الله وحده، أنجز وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده.”
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir. La ilaha illallah wahdahu, anjaza wa’dahu, wa nasara ‘abdahu, wa hazama al-ahzaba wahdahu.
Translation:
None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without a partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise. He is over all things omnipotent. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, aided His slave, and single-handedly defeated the confederates.
Pilgrims read and reflect on every part of this Safa Marwah Dua.
Part One: Oneness and Power
This section of the Dua affirms tawhid. All authority and power belong to Allah. Pilgrims declare this truth while standing at Safa, as Hajar had relied only on Allah.
Part Two: Fulfillment and Help
The second part of the Safa Marwah Dua recalls divine help in history. Allah fulfilled His promise to both Hajar and Prophet Muhammad. He gave victory and help in impossible situations.
Reciting the Dua brings hope to every heart. It reminds you of Allah’s power to change any situation. With conviction, pilgrims repeat the Dua and make personal prayers. The entire sequence is followed three times before leaving Safa.
Safa Marwah Dua During the Walk and at Marwah
Pilgrims move to Safa after completion and proceed to Marwah. A highly marked part shows men running, imitating the rush of Hajar. Women move slowly, the usual way. In this walk, pilgrims can keep on reciting the Dua or make some personal pleas and Zikr. Strictness is not something to follow, but the Safa Marwah Dua is very much nurtured in the process.
The ritual and Dua is repeated, arriving at Marwah. The pilgrim turns back and again faces the Kaaba and recites Takbir thrice and then says the complete Dua thrice. Every time one repeats, it is an opportunity to bond, to request, and to get closer to Allah.
One lap is the walk between Safa to Marwah, and vice versa. Pilgrims go round seven times, starting with their visit to Safa and ending at Marwah, basing all their journey at Safa Marwah Dua.
Timeless Connection Through Safa Marwah Dua
Dua is not tied to history. It is in the heart of every pilgrim. It is a dua that creates a spiritual bridge and links the Hajar narrative to the challenges faced by the worshippers in the modern world. Standing on those hills, you get the crude feeling of the old and the optimism of the mercy of Allah.
Whenever you make the Dua, you realize you need Allah. You testify to the fact that He governs all results, that He makes good promises, and that He is the reliever of all hardships. It is not a mere memorization, but a proclamation of faith and hope that any Muslim requires; not only when performing Hajj or Umrah but also in everyday life.
The Perennial Relevance of Safa Marwah Dua.
Safa Marwah Dua teach a lot of humility and patience. Millions of people repeat these words, which brings them together as a group of believers. The Dua deprives pride and constructs faith, demonstrating that the true strength is reliance on Allah.
When there is trouble, in hope, in all the strides–get the Dua. Make it a strength and a soothing assurance, and help you through your hardships the way it helped Hajar through the desert. This immortal dua makes alive all the generations, the teachings of sacrifice, fait,h and divine assistance.
