✿ Definition of Raml
Raml (الرمل):Raml refers to walking briskly in Tawaf with small, quick steps, chest out, and shoulders moving energetically. This form of walk is symbolic of vigor and strength and was initially introduced to counter the disbelievers’ claim that Muslims had become weak due to the fever of Madinah.
✿ Origin and Reason for Raml
Sayyiduna ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما) narrated that:When the Prophet ﷺ and his companions came to Makkah, the polytheists said, “A people are coming upon you weakened by the fever of Yathrib (Madinah).” The Prophet ﷺ then instructed the companions to perform Raml in the first three circuits of Tawaf and to walk normally between the two Yemeni corners. The Prophet ﷺ did not command Raml in all seven rounds only to ease the companions.
✿ Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
Sayyiduna ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) reported:“I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ upon arriving in Makkah, and when he began the Tawaf, he kissed the Black Stone and performed Raml in the first three rounds.”
This shows that Raml is a practical Sunnah, affirmed both by the words and actions of the Prophet ﷺ.
✿ Practical Method of Performing Raml
✔ Perform Raml in the first three rounds of Tawaf when doing Tawaf after entering Makkah.✔ Start the Tawaf by kissing or touching the Black Stone (if possible).
✔ In the first three circuits, walk briskly, lifting your feet with short, energetic steps, keeping the chest forward and shoulders slightly raised.
✔ In the remaining four circuits, walk normally.
✿ Important Guidelines
① Raml is performed only in Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival Tawaf) and only for men.② Women do not perform Raml, as modesty and grace are more appropriate for them.
③ If Tawaf is performed while riding (e.g., on a camel), then Raml is not applicable.
④ If the pilgrim is weak, elderly, or ill, they are exempted from Raml.
✿ Prophet ﷺ's Ride During Tawaf
In Hajjat al-Wadāʿ, the Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf on a camel, as narrated by Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما), using a curved staff (محجن) to touch the Black Stone. This indicates the permissibility of performing Tawaf while riding in case of need and shows the flexibility and compassion in the Sunnah.✿ Limits of Istilām (Touching the Corners)
Sayyiduna ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) stated:“I never saw the Prophet ﷺ touching any part of the Kaʿbah except the two Yemeni corners (Rukn al-Yamānī and Ḥajar al-Aswad).”
Hence, in Tawaf, one should only attempt to touch or point toward Ḥajar al-Aswad and Rukn al-Yamānī, while no touching is required for the other two corners.
