Sa'i is one of the essential rituals of Umrah. It involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, following the example of Hajar (AS), who searched for water for her son, Ismail (AS). Her patience and complete trust in Allah were rewarded with the miracle of Zamzam, making Sa'i a powerful reminder of faith, hope, and perseverance.

Many first-time pilgrims focus on booking Cheap Umrah Packages from UK but spend very little time learning the correct way to perform the rituals. As a result, they may unknowingly make mistakes during Sa'i that can cause confusion and unnecessary worry. Learning the Sunnah before your journey allows you to perform this important act of worship with confidence and peace of mind.

Allah says:

"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah..."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

This verse highlights the importance of Sa'i as an act of worship. Every step should be completed with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Why Performing Sa'i Correctly Matters

Sa'i is much more than walking between two hills. It is a ritual that reminds Muslims to trust Allah during times of hardship, just as Hajar (AS) did.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Take your rites from me."

(Sahih Muslim)

This instruction teaches us that Umrah should be performed according to the Sunnah. Understanding the correct method of Sa'i before arriving in Makkah helps pilgrims avoid common mistakes and focus on remembering Allah instead of worrying about whether they are doing it correctly.

1. Starting from Marwah Instead of Safa

One of the most common mistakes is beginning Sa'i from Marwah instead of Safa. According to the Sunnah, Sa'i must always start at Safa and finish at Marwah after completing seven laps.

Clear signs are displayed inside the Mas'a area, but some first-time pilgrims become confused because of the crowds. Before you begin, take a moment to identify the correct starting point.

2. Miscounting the Seven Laps

Many pilgrims lose track of the number of laps they have completed. This often happens when they become distracted by conversations, mobile phones, or the movement of large crowds.

Remember that travelling from Safa to Marwah counts as one lap, while returning from Marwah to Safa counts as the next. The seventh lap ends at Marwah.

Keeping count on your fingers or quietly repeating the lap number can help you avoid confusion.

3. Running Throughout the Entire Sa'i

Some people believe they should run for the entire distance between Safa and Marwah. This is incorrect.

The Sunnah is for men to walk briskly only between the two green markers. Outside this area, they should walk at a normal pace. Women are not required to run and should continue walking normally throughout Sa'i.

Following the Sunnah is always more rewarding than copying what others are doing.

4. Ignoring the Sunnah Supplications at Safa and Marwah

Another common mistake is starting Sa'i immediately without pausing at Safa or Marwah to remember Allah and make dua.

The Prophet ﷺ would face the Ka'bah, praise Allah, declare His greatness, and make sincere supplications before beginning and after reaching each hill.

There is no authentic evidence that every lap has a different prescribed dua. Instead, pilgrims should make personal supplications, remember Allah, and recite from the Qur'an throughout the journey.

5. Treating Sa'i Like a Race

Sa'i is an act of worship, not a competition to finish quickly. Some pilgrims rush through the walk, weave through crowds, or push past others to complete the ritual as fast as possible.

This approach often leads to unnecessary stress and reduces the opportunity to reflect on the story of Hajar (AS). Whether the Mas'a is quiet or busy, take your time, remain patient, and perform every lap with sincerity.

6. Spending Too Much Time on Mobile Phones

Modern technology makes it easy to capture every moment, but using your phone throughout Sa'i can distract you from worship. Some pilgrims spend more time taking selfies, recording videos, or making video calls than remembering Allah.

Sa'i is a special opportunity to strengthen your connection with Allah. Put your phone away unless it is needed for an important reason, and use the time to make sincere dua, seek forgiveness, and reflect on the blessings of your journey.

7. Believing Women Should Run Between the Green Lights

Some women think they should also walk briskly between the two green markers because they see men doing so. This is a common misunderstanding.

According to the Sunnah, only men are encouraged to increase their pace between the green markers. Women should maintain a normal walking pace throughout Sa'i. Following the correct guidance is more important than copying those around you.

8. Forgetting the Meaning Behind Sa'i

It is easy to focus on completing the seven laps without thinking about why Sa'i is performed. This ritual honours the patience, determination, and trust in Allah shown by Hajar (AS) as she searched for water for her son.

When you remember this story, every step becomes more meaningful. If you are travelling during busy periods, such as with December Umrah Packages, the crowds may be larger, but the purpose of Sa'i remains the same. Stay patient, remember Allah often, and reflect on the lessons of perseverance and reliance on Him.

9. Stopping in Busy Walkways Without Need

Some pilgrims stop suddenly in the middle of the Mas'a to rest, talk, or wait for family members. This can block the path and make it difficult for others to continue their Sa'i.

If you need a short break, move to the side where you will not interrupt the flow of pilgrims. Showing consideration for others is part of good Islamic manners and helps everyone complete the ritual comfortably.

10. Completing Sa'i Without Reflection or Gratitude

Finishing Sa'i should not simply be about completing seven laps. It is an opportunity to thank Allah for allowing you to visit His Sacred House and perform one of the greatest acts of worship.

Throughout Sa'i, remember Allah, make heartfelt dua, and ask Him for guidance, forgiveness, and acceptance. A sincere heart brings far greater reward than rushing to finish the ritual.

Simple Tips to Perform Sa'i with Confidence

Before beginning Sa'i, learn the correct order of the ritual and understand where each lap starts and ends. Count every lap carefully, remain patient during busy periods, and avoid unnecessary distractions. Keep your focus on worship instead of watching what everyone else is doing.

If you are travelling with a trusted operator such as Safa Travel, make use of any educational guidance they provide before your journey. Understanding the Sunnah in advance will help you perform Sa'i with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Quick Sa'i Checklist

Before starting, make sure you begin at Safa and finish at Marwah after completing seven laps. Men should only walk briskly between the green markers, while women should maintain a normal pace throughout. Make sincere dua, remember Allah often, and avoid blocking walkways or becoming distracted by mobile phones. Most importantly, perform every step with patience, gratitude, and sincerity.

Conclusion

Sa'i between Safa and Marwah is one of the most meaningful parts of Umrah. It reminds every Muslim to trust Allah, remain patient during hardship, and never lose hope in His mercy. Most mistakes during Sa'i happen because pilgrims are unfamiliar with the correct method, not because they intend to do anything wrong.

By learning the Sunnah before your journey, following authentic Islamic guidance, and staying focused on worship, you can complete Sa'i with confidence and peace of mind. May Allah accept your Umrah, reward your efforts, and make every step between Safa and Marwah a source of blessings and forgiveness. Ameen.