The Story Behind Safa and Marwa and Their Importance in Hajj

Safa and Marwa are the two hills on the eastern side of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, which pilgrims walk back and forth between seven times during both Umrah (small pilgrimage) and Hajj (big pilgrimage).

This ritual is known as Sa'ee, and it is an important part of Umrah and Hajj; Safa is the starting point for Saee, while Marwa marks the ending point for Sa'ee.

The path between the two points is known as Mas'aa. It consists of four floors to facilitate the easy movement of pilgrims during the rituals. There are also paths and corridors for both the elderly and people with disabilities. 

The Story Behind Safa and Marwa

According to Islamic historical records, this important ritual dates back to the life of Hajar, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him). He left her and their son, Ismail (Peace be upon him) there at a time when there was no vegetation or water there. 

To quench her son's thirst, Hajar walked back and forth between the hills seven times to search for water. She prayed to God to help her, so Angel Jibreel struck the land, and water burst forth, which Hajar quenched her and her baby's thirst with. 

She eventually built a small well to retain the water, which is now known as the Zamzam well. Angel Jibreel also informed Hajar that her husband and her son will build the House of God in the same place. 

When was Mas'aa First Built?

Saudi Arabia's Founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud first ordered the paving and tiling of mas'aa, which was completed in 1926. 

In 1947, King Abdulaziz ordered the installation of canopies over mas'aa to provide shade to the pilgrims. 

The mas'aa was first architecturally integrated in the Grand Mosque in 1956. The construction of this mas'aa led to the removal of Ajyad and Ma'saa areas and the shops and houses nearby.

The mas'aa area between Safa and Marwa was a busy market where grains, meat, fruits, and dates were sold. During the reign of Caliph Abu Jafar Al Masour, pilgrims had to climb twelve steps to reach Safa and fifteen steps to reach Marwa. 

During the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first and second floors of mas'aa were constructed. When King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reigned, the Safa area on the first floor was expanded to facilitate the easier movement of pilgrims. 

In King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's time, the width of the mas'aa doubled to accommodate pilgrims.