According to the author’s view, one must align oneself with the Stone with one’s entire body. The correct view, however, is that this is not obligatory: if one aligns with it even with part of one’s body, that is sufficient. This was the view preferred by Shaykh al-Islam. There is no need to align oneself with it using one’s entire body. Certainly, if that is easily possible, it is undoubtedly better.

His statement, “then he aligns himself entirely with the Black Stone,” indicates that one should not proceed toward the Yemeni Corner and begin before reaching the Stone, for this is an innovation. The Prophet ﷺ began his circumambulation at the Black Stone. Thus, beginning before the Stone is an innovation and an undue excess in Allah’s religion. A person should not take even a single step before the Black Stone; rather, he should begin at the Stone.

His statement, “and he touches it,” means that he wipes it with his hand, as the Prophet ﷺ did (1). Touching each thing is done in a manner appropriate to it. Thus, taking possession of money from a purchaser is by receiving it in the hand. A hadith is reported from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet ﷺ, who said: “The Black Stone is Allah’s right hand on earth, and whoever shakes hands with it is as though he has shaken hands with Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He.” (2) This hadith is not