Definition of the Sa'ii

As-Sa'ii refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small mounds of Safa and Marwa, which are adjacent to the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram. The following illustration depicts the proper circumambulation of the Sa'ii:

Types of Sa'ii

Sa'ii of 'Umrah / Sa'ii of Hajj

The Sa'ii of 'Umrah is identical to the Sa'ii of Hajj except for the intention. In both 'Umrah and Al-Tamatu' Hajj, the Sa'ii of 'Umrah is performed. After Tawaf Al-Ifada (at Tamatu'), the Sa'ii is performed from Hajj. During Hajj Al-Ifrad and Hajj Al-Qiran, only the Sa'ii is performed from Hajj.

Requirements for Sa'ii

1- The intention (Niyah)

The right intention (Niyah) is a prerequisite for Allah to accept a good deed and for it to benefit us on the Last Day. Every good deed should be performed solely for the satisfaction and pleasure of Allah and in hope of His reward.

2- Proper order between Tawaf and Sa'ii

The Sa'ii is only valid if it is performed after the Tawaf.

3- Performing the Sa'ii without interruption

The Sa'ii may not be interrupted without compelling necessity. If it is, the entire Sa'ii must be performed again. However, if there is a compelling necessity (compelling necessities include, for example: performing the obligatory prayer, performing the emergency ablution, renewing the state of purity, necessity of resting...), the Sa'ii may be continued where it was interrupted.

4- Completion of seven routes between Safa and Marwa

For the Sa'ii to be valid, it is a prerequisite that the seven routes between Safa and Marwa be completed. The Sa'ii is started at Safa and finished at Marwa.

The Sa'ii also includes sunan which are not mandatory.