The strip of ground between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah is referred to as the Mas’
aa. It is where Hajra (upon her be peace) rushed seven times to see if she could spot any water or anyone from whom she could get some in order to give to her infant Ismail (upon him be peace). This action is copied by all pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah and is known as Sa’
ee.
- When Hajra (upon her be peace) was passing through the valley between Safa and Marwah in her search for water she kept her eye on her baby son, Ismail (upon him be peace). However, for part of the valley he was hidden from view and she ran this length. It is in emulation of this action that men are required to rush through the same section of the Mas’
aa. The area where she ran is today clearly demarcated by green lighting.
- The distance between the mountains of Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 meters which means that the seven trips taken amount to roughly 1.96 miles (3.15 km).
