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Safa and Marwa are two hills in the neighbourhood of Masjid-ul-Haram.
The literal meaning of Sa'i is to run. In the terminology of Shari'at
(Islamic Law) to make seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, in a particular
way, is called Sa'i. It is observed as a memorial of a particular action
of Hazrat Isma'il (peace be upon them). This Sa'i is 'Wajib' both in 'Hajj'
and Umra.
Rules And Conditions For Sai
It is a condition for Sa'i to be performed after Tawaf. A Sa'i performed
before Tawaf is not valid. It will have to be performed again after Tawaf.
(Zubda). It is not, however necessary to perform a Sa'i immediately after
Tawaf. Though it is a Sunnat to do so yet there is no harm if there is
a pause in between due to one's being tired or on account of some other
requirement (Zubda).
Rule Of Action
For a Sa'i performed after the stay at Arafat and along with the Tawaf
of Ziyarat, Ihram not a condition. It is even preferable and desirable
to perform Tawaf-e-Ziyarat, after taking off Ihram in Mina on the 10th
of Zilhijja when you already become free from offering a sacrifice and
having your head shaven, although it is also permissible to perform Tawaf-e-Ziyarat
before putting off Ihram. But Ihram is a condition for the Sa'i of Hajj
which is performed before the stay at Arafat. Similarly, Ihram stands
a condition for a Sa'i of Umra as well.
Rule Of Action
If Sa'i was not performed after Tawaf-e-Qudom, it must be performed within
Ayyam-e-Nahr after the Tawaf-e-Ziyarat. It is Makroh to delay Sa'i after
the days of Nahr (Hayat-ul-Qulob).
Rule Of Action
Though Sa'i is 'Wajib' to be performed on foot yet in case of some excuse
it is allowed with the help of some sort of conveyance like rickshaw etc.
If someone performs Sa'i on a vehicle without any excuse, he falls under
the obligation of Dam i.e. offering a sacrifice.
Masnon Mode Of Sai
After Tawaf when you become free from having a drink of Zamzam Water and
ready to go for Sa'i you should go again to Hajar-e-Aswad and offer an
Istilam for the 9th time, i.e. you kiss Hajar-e-Aswad if possible, otherwise
touch Hajar-e-Aswad with some stick or your hand and then kiss it. In
case it is also not possible, kiss both your hands while keeping them
in a confronting position to Hajar-e-Aswad and proclaim.
Thereafter, according to the traditions of the Holy Prophet you come out
through 'Babus Safa', though it is also permissible through some other
gate. Then you are to ascend Safa so high as you may have a look of Baitullah.
Thereupon you are to stand with your face towards Ka'ba and make up your
mind as follows to perform Sa'i:
"O Allah ! for the sake of Thy pleasure I intend to complete seven
rounds of Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. Now render it easy for me and
accord it Thy approval."
Vitalizing this Niyyat (your intention) in mind is sufficient, but to
pronounce it in words is however preferable. Then you are to raise your
hands as they are raised at the time of invocation and not to raise them
in a position similar to that of Takbir-e-Tahrima in prayers as most of
the ignorant people do (Manasik, Mulla Ali Qari). Thereafter, pronounce
Takbir and Tahlil loudly and Darod Sharif with a tender voice, and Pray
to Allah, humbly and submissively. This is also a place attracting Allah's
approbation. Though it depends upon your own choice, you may Praise Allah
with whatever words you like and you may pray to Him whatever you are
desirous for, yet the invocation narrated from the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him), particularly for this place is preferable. The invocation
is :
"There is no God but Allah, He is Unique, He hath no partner ; The
whole universe is only for Him and for Him is the praise. He gives life
and He brings death."
"He hath power over all things. There is no God but Allah. He is
Unique. He fulfilled His promise and helped His slave and He alone defeated
the enemies."
Following this invocation there is another invocation to be recited, narrated
from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
"O Allah ! Thou said, 'Call on me, I would respond' and Thou never
breakest Thy promise ; and I ask Thee that as Thou hath guided me to Islam,
do not derive me of it till thou takest me unto Thee while I am a Muslim."
These Takbirat and invocations are to be repeated three times. Besides
this, you may invoke whatever blessings you desire as it is a place of
approbation. Hereafter you are to walk, while reciting the name of Allah,
from Safa to Marwah with usual pace. When you reach within a distance
of six cubits from the place where green pillars have been erected within
the wall, you are to start running and keep running even after crossing
the other green pillars, upto a distance of six cubits from these latter
pillars. Then again you are to walk with usual steps. For this occasion
the following invocation has been narrated from the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) :
"My Lord! Forgive and have mercy! Thou art Most Powerful, Most Gracious.
(Zubda)"
You may however pray for whatever else you desire as prayers are granted
at this place also.
Rule Of Action
If you are performing Sa'i by means of some carriage you should speed
it up between the two green pillars provided it does not hurt others.
To run whether on foot or on a carriage is Sunnat only upto such an extent
that it does not cause annoyance to others. When you reach Marwah, the
hill confronting to Safa, you are to ascend it and stand there with your
face towards Baitullah. Here also you are to repeat the practice you observed
on Safa like raising your hands, pronouncing Takbir-o-Tahlil and praying.
You have thus completed a round of Sa'i. Thereafter you are to walk back
from Marwah to Safa. This time as well you are to start running a short
while before reaching the green pillar and upto a short distance beyond
the other green pillar you are to continue running. Then walking on usual
steps, you are to ascend Safa and as detailed above you are to raise your
hands in the position of invocation, repeat Takbir-o-Tahlil and pray as
before, Thus you have completed the 2nd round. In this way you are to
complete seven rounds. Sa'i commences from Safa and ends on Marwah.
Rule Of Action
It is a Sunnat of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) to complete
seven rounds of Sa'i and then to offer two Rak'ats of prayers by the side
of 'Mataf' (where Tawaf is performed in the Haram. It is howover permissible
to offer two Rak'ats some-
where at Bab-ul-Umra.
Rule Of Action
Cleanliness, ablution and wearing clean clothes are treated to be Mustahab
for the observance of Sa'i though it stands accomp-
lished otherwise as well (Ghunya).
On Being Free From Sai
Now all the practices pertaining to Ihram and Umra have come to end provided
the 'Ihram' was worn with the intention of Umra or of Tamattu in Hajj.
After being free from Sa'i you may have your head shaven or at least have
its hair cut equal to a finger's joint (about an inch) in length. To shave
the head is called 'Halq' and to cut the hair is called Qasr. With this
Halq or Qasr, Ihram formality has ended. Now, the observer of Umra alone
has become free. Similarly the observer of Umra pertaining to Hajj-e-Tamattu
has now stood relived from the obligation of Umra or Tamattu. Formalities
of Ihram have now ended for both of them. They may now stay in Mecca,
like common inhabitants and wait for the days of Hajj which will commence
from the 8th day of Zilhijja. During this intervening period they should
not stroll unnecessarily in Bazars or in meetings. Presences in Haramand
frequent Nafl Tawafs should be treated as Allah's great bounty.
On the other hand, if a person is Mufrid that is to say he has worn Ihram
from Miqat for Hajj only or if he is a Qarin and has worn Ihram from Miqat
for Hajj and Umra both; in each case, Ihram formality is still existing
and as such both of them are bound to stay in Mecca with all the restrictions
of Ihram. They should try to remain present in Masjid-e-Haram and spend
most of their time in observing Tawaf to Baitullah which in fact, should
be considered a great boon. They should avoid useless meetings and bazars
and wait far the days of Hajj which are due to commence on the 8th day
of Zilhijja.
Rule Of Action
During this waiting period a Nafl Tawaf, if made, will not include Idhtiba
and Ramal.
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