Is continuity required for the Sa'i between Safa and Marwah?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The dominant view holds that continuity is not obligatory for the Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. This is supported by the statement that stopping to greet an acquaintance during the Sa'i is permissible, unlike stopping during the Tawaf around the House. This ritual is not directly attached to the Kaaba and is thus not subject to the same strict requirement of continuity as Tawaf. This view is supported by the report that Sawdah bint Abdullah bin Umar performed her Sa'i over three days because she was large in stature. Atta also saw no issue with resting between Safa and Marwah.
Supporting text
Another view, attributed to Al-Qadi and recorded by Abu Al-Khattab as a narration from Ahmad, holds that continuity is required for the Sa'i, by analogy (Qiyas) with Tawaf. However, this analogy is rejected because Sa'i is a rite not directly related to the Kaaba, unlike Tawaf, which is likened to prayer requiring purity and covering.