Anyone who is planning their pilgrimage to Makkah soon might have learned about the sacred hills, Safa and Marwa. Walking between these hills is a prominent ritual of both Hajj and Umrah. The hills’ historic and spiritual significance is also unmatched. It is a reminder of the need to have complete faith in Allah Almighty despite the hardships of life. We learn this lesson through the historic story of Hajar (RA). If you are going for Umrah soon, you might be curious about the distance from Safa to Marwa in km, the number of steps, and the time it takes to complete the ritual, so you can perform it perfectly.
There is no denying that every pilgrim wants to have a perfect performance of the rituals. Performing Umrah is the dream of every Muslim, as it promises a revival of faith and endless rewards unlike any other act of worship. If you are among the fortunate Canadian Muslims looking for Umrah packages 2026 this year, it is time that you start learning about the pilgrimage rituals in detail. Here is a comprehensive guide on Sa’i and everything you must know about Safa and Marwa.
About Safa and Marwa Hills
Before we delve deeper into the things that you need to know about Safa and Marwa to complete the pilgrimage ritual, let’s talk about the significance of these hills. Safa and Marwa are two hills located near Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Walking between these two hills during the pilgrimage is called Sa’i and is a common ritual in both the obligatory and the voluntary pilgrimage.
The walk between Safa and Marwa commemorates the struggle of Hajar (RA). She ran between these hills in search of water for her infant Prophet Ismail (AS) while placing his complete trust in Allah Almighty. Because of her unwavering faith, Allah Almighty helped her miraculously through the Zamzam well. This serves as a reminder for all Muslims to trust Allah Almighty in all their hardships and struggles.
Exact Distance from Safa to Marwa in Km
Sa’i involves walking between the two hills seven times. A walk from Safa to Marwa counts as one round, and from Marwa to Safa will be the second one. This is why every pilgrim becomes curious about the exact distance between the hills, so they can be prepared to complete their ritual beforehand. Here is the exact distance between Safa and Marwa in km.
- The distance from Safa to Marwa is approximately 0.45 km.
- Seven laps between the two hills will make around 3.15 kilometres.
- You start at Safa and finish at Marwa.
How Many Steps Does Sa’i Take?
Many people also ask about the total number of steps it takes to complete Sa’i. It makes it easier for those who count their steps every day to understand the distance. We will discuss the total number of steps Sa’i takes, but before that, you must understand that it can vary from person to person.
Various factors affect the number of steps required to complete the ritual. From your height and stride length to walking pace and crowd conditions, various factors affect the number of steps it might take you to complete Sa’i.
Estimated Step Count
- One-way (Safa to Marwa): ~600 to 800 steps
- Full Sa’i (7 rounds): ~4,500 to 5,500 steps
Why Step Counts May Vary?
- Slower walking in crowds increases steps.
- Extra movement (pauses, detours, duas) adds to the count
- Fitness trackers may show higher readings
Time Required to Complete Sa’i
The time it might take you to complete Sa’i also varies. Not everyone completes the ritual at the same time due to differences in stamina, pace, and crowd density. Moreover, some people like to take longer breaks for supplication and making duas in between their seven laps of Sa’i. This also affects the time it takes to complete the rituals. Here is a list of the average time that it might take for you to complete Sa’i, depending on your pace.
- Fast pace: 30 to 40 minutes
- Moderate pace: 45 to 60 minutes
- Slow pace (with duas and rest): 1 to 1.5 hours
During the peak seasons like Hajj and Ramadan, it might take longer than this to perform Sa’i due to the huge crowds. During such times, it might take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete Sa’i.
The Green Light Area (Ramal Section)
There are two green-lit markers on the pathway between Safa and Marwa. This is called the Ramal section. Men have to briskly jog in this area, while women can continue walking at a normal pace. This ritual symbolises the struggle of Hajar (RA) and commemorates her run between the hills in search of water. It has spiritual significance as follows;
- Urgency in seeking Allah’s help
- Complete reliance (tawakkul) on Allah
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Performing Sa’i
Here are some common mistakes that you must avoid while performing Sa’i.
- Miscounting rounds
- Starting from Marwa instead of Safa
- Thinking running is required for women
- Rushing and missing the spiritual essence
- Assuming specific duas are compulsory
Final Words
Walking between Safa and Marwa is one of the most spiritually moving rituals of the pilgrimage. During this ritual, you are reminded of the power of unwavering faith and the reward of placing your complete trust in Allah Almighty. If you are planning an Umrah from Vancouver soon, you might have found this guide on Sa’i really helpful. It is time for you to prepare for the most spiritually reviving journey of your life.