Transliteration:( Innas Safaa wal-Marwata min sha'aaa'iril laahi faman hajjal Baita awi'tamara falaa junaaha 'alaihi ai yattawwafa bihimaa; wa man tatawwa'a khairan fa innal laaha Shaakirun'Aleem )
"Surely, Safa and Marwa are of the symbols [331] of Allah. Then whosoever performs Hajj and Umrah of the Sacred House, there is no sin [332] upon him walking between the two of them [333]. And whoever volunteers to do any good, then, surely, Allah is the Most Appreciative, All-Knowing [334]." (Kanzul Imaan Translation)
Three key points emerge from this verse:
Sanctity of Safa and Marwa: These hills are sacred because of Hazrat Hajira's actions. They became symbols of Allah through her effort, marking a significant act of worship.
Respect for Sacred Relics: Showing respect for places associated with the righteous is a part of religious teachings. Hence, performing Sa’ee (running between Safa and Marwa) became an essential rite of Hajj.
Eradication of Idolatry: Despite their earlier association with idolatry, after the conquest of Makkah, these hills remain sacred and should be respected.
Sa’ee is Wajib: It is a compulsory act in Hajj, and not performing it is sinful. Muslims should continue this practice despite its past connection with idol worship.
Jahiliyya and Idols: In the pre-Islamic era, the idolaters worshiped Asaaf and Naila on Safa and Marwa. After Makkah's conquest, these idols were removed, and Muslims were hesitant to perform Sa’ee out of concern it resembled idol-worship. Allah revealed this verse to clarify that Sa’ee is a compulsory rite and should not be avoided.
Nafl Acts: Voluntary acts of worship, such as Nafl Hajj, Umrah, or Tawaaf, are rewarded by Allah. Their omission does not incur sin.
Allah's Appreciation: Allah, the Most Appreciative, rewards those who perform good deeds sincerely. This is akin to Allah’s forgiveness and acceptance of repentance for those who seek it.
The tafsir of Surah Baqarah verse 157 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Baqarah ayat 155 which provides the complete commentary from verse 155 through 157.
(2:158) Surely, al-Safa and al-Marwah are the symbols of Allah. Hence, whoever performs Hajj (Full Pilgrimage)[157] to the House (of Allah) or makes Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage), will find that it is no sin for him to ambulate between the two.[158] And whoever does a good work voluntarily[159] should know that Allah is Appreciative, All-Knowing.
157. The pilgrimage to the Ka’bah along with a set of other rites on certain fixed dates of Dhu al-Hijjah is known as hajj. Pilgrimage at other times is known as ‘Umrah.
158. Safa and Marwah are the names of two hillocks near the Holy Mosque in Makka. To run between these two hillocks was among the rites which God had taught Abraham in connection with hajj. Later, when Pagan Ignorance prevailed in Makka and the neighbouring regions, altars were built for Isaf at Safa and for Nai’lah at Marwah, and people began to circumambulate them. After the advent of the Prophet, when the light of Islam had spread to the people of Arabia, Muslims came to doubt whether running between Safa and Marwah was one of the original rites of Pilgrimage or was merely an invidious religious innovation of the Age of Ignorance. If it was in fact such, they feared they might be committing an act of polytheism.
Moreover, we learn from a Tradition transmitted from ‘A’ishah that even in pre-Islamic times the people of Madina were not favourably disposed to this practice. Although they believed in al-Manat they did not believe in Isaf and Nai’lah. For these reasons, it was necessary, at the time of the change of the qiblah, to dispel popular misconceptions about this rite. It seemed necessary to tell people that running between these two hillocks was part of the original rites of Pilgrimage and that the sanctity, of Safa and Marwah, far from being an invidious innovation of the people of the Age of Ignorance, stemmed from the revealed Law of God.
159. It is best that one should perform this ritual obligation with wholehearted devotion. But if devotion is lacking one is not thereby exempt from fulfilling one’s obligation. One must perform this ritual if only out of a sense of duty.
[55]- Places designated for the rites of ḥajj and ʿumrah. [56]- Some believers had previously feared that this might be a pagan practice, so Allāh confirms that saʿī is among the rites of His religion. [57]- i.e., He rewards generously.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics