As for the remaining circuits, he says “Allah is the Greatest” whenever he comes in line with the Stone, following the example of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (1).

Question: How is one to gesture? Is it as ordinary people do—gesturing toward it as though making a gesture in prayer, that is, raising both hands while saying, “Allah is the Greatest”?

Answer: No. Rather, one gestures with the right hand, just as one touches it with the right hand. But should he gesture while walking, with the Stone on his left, or should he face it?

Answer: It is narrated from Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to him: “You are a strong man, so do not crowd others and thereby harm the weak. If you find an opening, then touch the Stone; otherwise, face it and proclaim the oneness of Allah and declare His greatness” (2). He said: “Otherwise, face it.”

Thus, what appears correct is that, when gesturing toward it, one should face it, since this gesture takes the place of touching and kissing it, and one necessarily faces it when touching and kissing it.

However, if this too is difficult because of the large crowd, there is no harm in gesturing while walking.

His statement, “and he keeps the House to his left,” means that when he circumambulates, he keeps