How to do Ramal?

You might have noticed some people walking quickly while performing Tawaf, lifting their legs forcefully and sticking out their chests. I used to get annoyed until I got to know that it is a sunnah act which is called Ramal.

It is sunnah to perform Ramal in the first 3 rounds of Tawaf-ul-Umrah or Tawaf-ul-Qudoom. The purpose of doing so is to imitate to warriors. However, missing Ramal will not invalidate the performance of Umrah.

Ramal is a Sunnah of Umrah

There are many fard and Sunnah acts of performing Umrah. It is very important for the pilgrims to know about it before they start the Umrah. Recommended: What are the Fard and Sunnah acts of Umrah?

Jabir narrated: “The Prophet performed Ramal from the (Black) Stone to the (Black) Stone for three (circuits), and he walked four (circuits).” – Jami` at-Tirmidhi 857

Jabir narrated: “When the Prophet arrived in Makkah, he entered the Masjid and touched the (Black) Stone, then went to his right and performed Ramal (walking quickly) for three (circuits) and walking for four. Then he came to the Maqam and said: ‘And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.’ Then he performed two Rak’ah while the Maqam was between him and the House. Then he came to the (Black) Stone after the two Rak’ah to touch it, then he left to As-Safa – I think – he said: Indeed As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” – Jami` at-Tirmidhi 856

It was narrated that Bajir said: “The Messenger of Allah circumambulated the House seven times, walking rapidly (Ramal) in the three, and walking (at a regular pace) for four. Then he stood near the Maqam and prayed two Rakahs – Sunan an-Nasa’i 2961