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| Arabic | سبعة أشواط |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | SAB-a-tuh ash-WAAT |
| Etymology | From Arabic سبعة (sab'ah, 'seven') and أشواط (ashwat, plural of shawt, 'a single lap/round'). The number seven holds significance in Islamic ritual, also appearing in tavaf. |
Seven Laps (Say)(سبعة أشواط) The required number of traversals between Safa and Marwah during the ritual of Say in Hac and Umre. Seven one-way walks constitute a complete Say, starting from Safa and ending at Marwah.
سبعة أشواط
The seven laps of Say commemorate the actions of Hagar (Hajar), wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah desperately searching for water for her infant son Ismail. Each one-way walk between the hills counts as one shawt (lap). The count begins at Safa (lap 1: Safa to Marwah), continues back (lap 2: Marwah to Safa), and alternates until completing seven laps, ending at Marwah. The total walking distance is approximately 2.76 km. Pilgrims should make dua at both Safa and Marwah, facing the Kabe. If a haci loses count, they should take the lower number and continue. Completing fewer than seven laps invalidates the Say.
From Arabic سبعة (sab'ah, 'seven') and أشواط (ashwat, plural of shawt, 'a single lap/round'). The number seven holds significance in Islamic ritual, also appearing in tavaf.