Safa and Marwah are the names of two mountain-hills where one of the most important rituals of Hajj is performed. A pilgrim goes between both of them as if searching for something that he lost. In the past, when she ran out of water, Hajar, wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon him, went here and there between the two mountain-hills searching for water.

She was supplicating to Almighty Allah to help her in finding some water in that barren place. A miracle occurred when this barren land oozed water from beneath the feet of her baby. Up till now, millions and millions of people drink from this blessed water.

When a pilgrim goes between Safa and Marwah, he implores Allah to save him from want and to shower His mercy upon him as He showered His mercy upon Hajar. This going also marks a reminder lest we forget this great miracle and Divine Favor.

Almighty Allah says: “Lo! (the mountains) Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House (of God) or visiteth it, to go around them (as the pagan custom is). And he who doeth good of his own accord (for him), Lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware.” (Al-Baqara: 158)

Also, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says: “Go between Safa and Marwah, for Allah has obliged you to do so.” 

Ifrad, Qiran, Tamattu` Restrictions of Ihram An Interrupted Hajj For Medical Reason Short History of the Ka`bah Ar-Ramal: Walking Briskly in Dignity So That Our Hajj May Be Accepted The Rebuilding of the Ka`bah Experience of Hajj and Umrah Entering the Sacred Mosque Zamzam Water - A Miracle Hajj Requirements and Regulations