ihyaus sunnah

Sa'i

What if I started Sa'i at Marwah by mistake?

The first walk from Marwah to Safa does not count, because Sa'i begins at Safa. Count from Safa and add one more lap so that you finish at Marwah after seven.

The Kaaba and the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
Pilgrims at tawaf around the Kaaba

How to correct it

Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah. If you began at Marwah, do not count that first walk. Count from Safa, and add one more lap so that you finish at Marwah after seven.

Keeping count

Safa to Marwah counts as one lap and the way back counts as two, so you finish at Marwah. Our Sa'i counter moves between Safa and Marwah so you always know which way you are walking.

Related

Read how to perform Sa'i.

More questions

Can I pause during Sa'i?

Yes. Keeping the laps together is a sunnah, so a rest does not spoil it.

What if I lose count?

Use the counter on our Sa'i page. In doubt, ask a scholar.

How many laps is Sa'i?

Seven, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.

Perform your Umrah with confidence

Follow every rite in order, with counters and duas in Arabic, in our step by step Umrah guide. To study the Hanafi rulings behind it with qualified teachers, see our courses, or explore our apps. Ihya us Sunnah is sustained by its community, so please consider supporting our work.

This guide follows the Hanafi method and is based on Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal's Umrah book, Essential Islam. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.