Safa and Marwah: An Old History

clipped from www.islamonline.net Safa and Marwah: An Old History 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. 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.”