Is the fast-paced walk with short steps—known as ramal or khabab—which was among the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) ways of walking during Hajj, or the walk that involves an upright posture and a straight back, like an athletic walk, forbidden?

Walking with strength and vitality, without affectation or pretentiousness, is the Sunnah. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to walk with vigorous movement and strong limbs. An arrogant gait (al-ikhtiyāl) exceeds the bounds of moderation in walking and indicates arrogance, which is religiously forbidden. A military or athletic gait that involves exaggeration and affectation is not from the Sunnah; rather, it is closer to arrogance.