Safa

Safa is an Arabic term meaning purity or serenity. It is used as a given name in Arab and Muslim communities and appears in various transliterations across languages and regions.

In Islamic tradition, Safa refers to one of the two small hills located in Mecca near the Masjid al-Haram. Along with Marwah, Safa is part of the Sa'i ritual that pilgrims perform during Hajj and Umrah, circling between the two hills seven times. The story of Hajar (Hagar) is associated with Safa and Marwah, as she and her son Ishmael sought water; the Zamzam well is connected to this narrative and is nearby.

The term is also used more broadly as a personal given name in many Muslim-majority communities and, less commonly, as a surname. Variants and spellings include Safa, Seafa, or Safi depending on language and region.

Additionally, Safa is used as a place name in various countries and may appear in the names of organizations, institutions, or cultural works. The term’s usage as a toponym and as a personal name reflects its cultural and religious associations across the Arabic-speaking world and beyond.