The Story and Symbolism Behind the Hills of Safa and Marwah

Safa and Marwah are the two historical hills in the sacred city of Makkah, located adjacent to the Holy Kaabah. These hills are significant in Islam because of their close association with Islamic history. The story and symbolism behind the hills of Safa and Marwah are enough to make them an integral part of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. 

All the pilgrims must perform Sa’i on these two sacred hills. Sa’i means to make seven rounds between Safa and Marwah. This is a significant Hajj and Umrah ritual and pays tribute to Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. It marks her struggle to quench her son’s thirst and her unwavering faith in Allah Almighty. 

If you are going for an Umrah through Umrah packages, you must know the story and symbolism behind the hills of Safa and Marwah. 

Story of Safa and Marwah

The story of Safa and Marwah Hills revolves around the ancestors of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar and their son Prophet Ismail. As soon as Prophet Ismail was born, Allah Almighty ordered Prophet Ibrahim to leave his wife and infant son in a deserted land. This deserted land is now Makkah. 

At first, Hajar, the Prophet’s wife, resisted, but then she agreed when told that it was the order of Allah Almighty.

Therefore, Prophet Ibrahim left Hajar and Ismail between the hills of Safa and Marwah with a few resources. The scholars claim these resources were dates and water. But soon, the resources ran out, and Prophet Ismail started crying out of thirst. 

As he was just a baby, he began having seizures and was nearly dying. This was when Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah to look for water to give to her infant. She repeated this act seven times.

She ran from one hill to another to seek any passing travellers or a water source anywhere. But she could not find anything. Therefore, she prayed to Allah Almighty to save her son’s life and returned to him in distress. 

This is when Allah heard her prayers and sent Angel Jibrail to help Hajar and Prophet Ismail. Angel Jibrail used his wings, and the water started flowing from where Prophet Ismail was hitting his feet while crying.

Hajar quenched her thirst and nursed Prophet Ismail, that saved his life. After that, she dug a well around the constantly flowing holy water source. This is now called ZamZam wel which has a constant flow of holy waterl. Angel Jibrail reassured Hajar that nothing would happen to her son as her husband and son would one day build the holy house of Allah Almighty in the same place. 

Mention of Safa and Marwah in the Holy Quran

Safa and Marwah are two of the most sacred hills in Islam and are also mentioned in the Holy Quran. Their mention in the Holy Quran shows their exceptional significance for the Muslims. It is mandatory to visit them and revive the traditions of Hajar during their Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. 

The mention of Safa and Marwah in the Holy Quran is in the below-mentioned verse. 

“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers is good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

The symbolism behind the Hills of Safa and Marwah

Safa and Marwah are significant because running between them is the integral Hajj and Umrah ritual. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions performed the same ritual of running seven times between the sacred Safa and Marwah hills. Therefore, it is also mandatory for Muslims to make seven rounds between these hills. 

The story of Safa and Marwah symbolises the unwavering faith of Hajar and her devotion to Allah Almighty. Moreover, it represents her struggles as she climbs the hills and runs between them to get water to save her son’s life. 

Therefore, pilgrims perform Sa’i between these hills and remember the struggle and devotion of Hajar. Moreover, it also symbolises the daily struggles of people and teaches them the lesson of having faith in Allah Almighty no matter what. 

The God of Hajar and Muslims is the same, and He doesn’t leave His men distressed. Therefore, you must not worry about your daily struggles if you are devoted to Him. This is the main lesson that the story and symbolism behind the Hills of Safa and Marwah teach all Muslims. 

Conclusion 

If you have planned your Umrah through a professional Islamic travel agency, you will not have to worry about your preparations and bookings. And thus, you can utilise your free time and learn more about the Islamic history of the holy places you will visit during your Umrah journey. 

One of the major holy sites you will visit is the hills of Safa and Marwah. The heart-touching story of the patience and devotion of Hajar is a source of great lessons for all Muslims. 

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