Is it permissible for a person from Mecca, if he performs the Hajj and circumambulates a voluntary circumambulation (tawaf nafilah) before the Day of Arafat, to make the Sa'i (ritual walk) of this circumambulation count as the Sa'i for Hajj, and would that be sufficient for him?

Scholars have differed on the validity of Sa'y (the ritual circumambulation between Safa and Marwa) if performed after a supererogatory (nafl) circumambulation (tawaf). The Shafi'is and Hanbalis consider it invalid, stipulating that it must occur after a pillar (rukn) tawaf or a tawaf al-qudum (arrival tawaf). The Malikis hold that it is not complete unless it follows an obligatory (fard) or necessary (wajib) tawaf performed with the intention of it being obligatory; if performed after a supererogatory tawaf, it must be repeated or a compensatory sacrifice (dam) is due. As for the Hanafis, they validate Sa'y performed after a supererogatory tawaf, but they consider it preferable for it to occur after a necessary tawaf.

The closest opinion to correctness is that of the Shafi'is and Hanbalis, based on the Almighty's saying: "Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj to the House or performs 'Umrah - there is no blame upon him for circumambulating between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing." [Al-Baqarah:158]. The Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) actions clarified this, as he never performed Sa'y after a supererogatory tawaf. Rather, he performed Sa'y after the 'Umrah tawaf, the tawaf al-qudum, and the tawaf al-ifadah. And his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): "Take your rituals from me."

Therefore, Sa'y is not valid if performed after a supererogatory tawaf. It is stipulated that it must occur after the tawaf al-qudum or the pillar tawaf (for 'Umrah or Ifadah).