Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Ata used to prefer that Witr (odd prayer) should not be performed without (first) performing Tawaf.

Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair says that performing two circuits (Tawaf) and then returning is more preferable to me than performing one circuit (Tawaf).

Whenever Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) would return during the day or night, he would return after performing an odd number of circuits of Tawaf.

Hazrat Ata used to prefer returning after performing an odd number of circuits (Tawaf), and Hasan said that performing ten circuits of Tawaf is more preferable to me than performing nine, and performing eight circuits of Tawaf is more preferable than performing seven.

Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair says that performing two circuits (Tawaf) is more beloved to me than performing one circuit (Tawaf) and returning.

It is narrated from Hazrat Ata that Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr was performing Tawaf during the governorship of Hazrat Saeed. When Hazrat Saeed went out for prayer, Hazrat Abdur Rahman said, "Wait for me until I complete the odd number of circuits and return." He waited for him; he (Abdur Rahman) returned after completing three circuits and did not repeat it.

Hazrat Ata says that returning after performing three circuits is more preferable to me than returning after performing four circuits.