What is the ruling on raml (brisk walking) during الطواف?

الرَّمَل is the brisk walking with short steps during the first three circuits of الطواف al-Qudum (arrival الطواف). It is a confirmed سنة for men only and is not prescribed for women. The evidence is the hadith of Ibn Umar: 'النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed raml from the الحجر الأسود to the الحجر الأسود in three circuits and walked in four' (صحيح البخاري 1603, صحيح مسلم 1261). الشيخ ابن عثيمين stated: 'الرَّمَل is سنة in the first three circuits of الطواف al-Qudum only. It is not prescribed in الطواف al-Ifadah or الطواف al-Wida.' الشيخ ابن باز stated: 'If unable to perform raml due to crowding, the الحاج is excused and should walk normally' (Fatawa ابن باز, vol. 16). Additionally, idtiba' (exposing the right shoulder) is done throughout all seven circuits of the same الطواف where raml is prescribed.