Ibn ‘Umar said that when God’s messenger observed the circumambulation at the hajj or the ‘umra immediately on his arrival, he ran three circuits and walked four, then after making two prostrations he would go between as-Safa and al-Marwa. Bukhari and Muslim.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2564
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) elucidates the precise manner in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed the initial circumambulation (tawaf) upon arriving for Hajj or Umrah.
The Practice of Ramal
The running (ramal) in the first three circuits demonstrates vigor and strength in worship, while walking normally in the remaining four circuits shows the completeness of the ritual. This practice was initially prescribed to demonstrate the Muslims' strength to the polytheists who claimed they were weakened by illness.
Scholars note that ramal is specifically recommended for the arrival circumambulation (tawaf al-qudum) in Hajj and for all circumambulations in Umrah, as it reflects the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in these particular circumstances.
The Prayer After Tawaf
The two prostrations refer to the two rak'ahs of prayer performed behind the Station of Ibrahim (maqam Ibrahim) or elsewhere in the Sacred Mosque after completing the circumambulation. This prayer is a confirmed Sunnah, with great reward, as it follows the direct example of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa
The sequence mentioned - performing Sa'i between as-Safa and al-Marwa immediately after the circumambulation and its prayer - establishes the proper order of rites. This demonstrates that for those performing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad, the Sa'i of Hajj may be performed immediately after the arrival tawaf.
The wisdom behind this sequence lies in completing the arrival rituals before proceeding to other rites, ensuring each act of worship is performed in its proper time and manner as taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him).