Sa’i is a pilgrimage ritual performed in both Hajj and Umrah. It involves walking between the two sacred hills, Safa and Marwa. Being one of the most spiritually powerful rituals, Sa’i requires patience and proper planning. Many people are curious about how to perform this ritual and about the distance between the two hills, as it requires walking back and forth seven times. If you are also curious about how the Safa-Marwa distance has changed with modern expansion, you have come to the right place.
One misconception is that the distance between Safa and Marwa may have changed over the decades due to expansion. No doubt, Masjid al-Haram has been continuously expanded, which has also led to changes in the two hills. This changed the experience of covering the distance. However, the distance between Saf and Marwa remains the same as it was centuries ago. So, if you are searching for an Umrah package from the USA, it is time that you learn about Safa and Marwa in detail to have a spiritually moving experience through proper preparation.
The Original Safa and Marwa Distance
Let’s start with the original distance between Safa and Marwa. Historically, the distance between the two hills has been approximately.
- One-way distance: ~450 meters
- Total Sa’i (7 laps): ~3.15 km
As this measurement is according to the natural geography of Safa and Marwa, it remains unchanged. There are many developments in the mosque and even the hills, but the distance remains the same. To complete the ritual, you just have to complete the seven laps, starting from Safa and ending at Marwa. Therefore, you must know that everything has changed except the distance between Safa and Marwa.
A Simple Open Path Before Expansion
As we mentioned earlier, everything about Safa and Marwa has changed except the distance. Centuries ago, Safa and Marwa were two separate hills outside Masjid al-Haram. An open, sandy pathway connecting the hills.
One major concern for the pilgrims was that Safa and Marwa were exposed to extreme heat and other weather conditions during that time. Pilgrims had to walk on an uneven terrain with minimal facilities, without a structured corridor, no air conditioning, and limited crowd control.
Integration of Safa and Marwa in Masjid al-Haram
The 1950s brought many changes to Safa and Marwa. There was a major transformation in the hills from 1955 to 1956. This was the time when the Saudi government decided to integrate Safa and Marwa into Masjid al-Haram.
A dedicated corridor called Mas’aa was built between the hills. After this, the Sa’i became much more organised and safer. This was also the beginning of modern infrastructure being introduced to this pilgrimage site.
Multi-Level Expansion to Increase Capacity
With the passing years, the number of pilgrims arriving in Makkah for Hajj or Umrah began to increase dramatically. Therefore, it became vital to implement a multi-level expansion to increase the capacity of Safa and Marwa and to ensure a more comfortable experience for the guests of Allah Almighty.
There were many key developments over the years. Some of them are listed below;
- Construction of multiple floors for Sa’i
- Addition of entry/exit gates and wider pathways
- Dedicated lanes for wheelchairs and elderly pilgrims
- Installation of roofing, flooring, and lighting
With these changes, millions of pilgrims began performing Umrah much more comfortably.
Modern Expansion and Its Efficiency
Modern expansion has dramatically changed the whole Sa’i experience. Some significant changes occurred in recent years, when the width and capacity of Mas’aa were increased to accommodate more pilgrims.
Some of the key developments of the modern expansion of Safa and Marwa are listed below;
- The width expanded from about 20 meters to 40 meters
- Total built-up area reached 125,000 square meters
- Capacity increased to over 100,000 pilgrims per hour
How does it benefit the Pilgrims?
The distance between Safa and Marwa is still 450 metres. But the expansion has resulted in many benefits for the pilgrims, which are listed below;
- Created multiple walking lanes
- Added upper levels, slightly increasing walking variation
- Improved flow and reduced congestion
Therefore, keep in mind that even though the distance between the two hills is the same, the experience of performing has changed. The actual walking experience is not like it was centuries ago. It is a lot more comfortable and convenient.
Comfort and Accessibility in the Modern Era
Safa and Marwa are now enclosed pilgrimage sites with various facilities. The comfort and accessibility of performing the pilgrimage ritual have also increased. Here are some comfort and accessibility features that you get at Safa and Marwa in the modern era.
- Air-conditioned corridors
- Smooth marble flooring
- Wheelchair access and electric carts
- Clear signage and green lights marking the jogging area
Spiritual Continuity Amid Physical Change
Even though there have been many modern advancements, the essence of Sa’i remains untouched. You will still feel the same atmosphere of the sacred hills that the earliest Muslims might have felt.
- It still commemorates Hajar’s (AS) struggle
- Pilgrims still walk the same sacred path between the same two hills
- The ritual continues to symbolise faith, patience, and reliance on Allah
Summing Up
As performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is a primary ritual of both Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims always get curious about the hills and how to perform the ritual. Once you know that you have to complete seven laps between these two hills, you might want to know about the distance between them to ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared to perform the ritual. Therefore, as you book an Umrah from Dallas, you can take ideas from this blog about the distances and developments at Safa and Marwa. This will help your Umrah planning and preparation.