How are the seven circuits of Sa'i counted?
Chapter on Mentioning Hajj and Entering Makkah
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The Sa'i is initiated from Safa and concluded at Marwah. Each movement from one point to the other constitutes one circuit (shaṭwa): the going from Safa to Marwah counts as one circuit, and the return from Marwah to Safa counts as another circuit, making a total of seven. The description mandates moving from Safa until reaching the green landmark (al-'alam), then performing intense movement (Sa'i shadīd) until the next set of green landmarks near the house of Al-Abbas, after which one walks until reaching Marwah.
Supporting text
A dissenting opinion attributed to Ibn Jarir and some Shafi'i scholars held that the going and returning together constitute one circuit. This view is refuted by reference to the description of the Prophet's Sa'i narrated by Jabir, which implies the final action was at Marwah, not Safa.