saʿy

The term "sa'y" refers to the ritual of running or walking seven times between the hills of al-Safa and al-Marwah. This is a significant part of both the Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca, and the Umrah, the minor pilgrimage. Both pilgrimages are important religious duties for adult Muslims who are financially and physically able to undertake them, and are considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Hajj is mandatory at least once in a lifetime, while the Umrah is optional but highly meritorious. Both rituals involve entering a state of ihram (ritual purity) and performing specific ceremonies in Mecca, including circumambulating the Kaaba.12