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He then touches the Stone and leaves through its gate for Safa, ascending it until he can see the House.

His statement, “He then touches the Stone,” means that after the prayer, he returns behind the Station and touches the Stone, as is authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ. (1)

Apparently, touching the Stone is prescribed for one who intends to perform sa‘i. As for one who performs tawaf alone and does not intend to perform sa‘i, it is not sunnah for him to touch it. This touching of the Stone is like bidding farewell when one rises to leave a gathering: when he comes to the gathering, he offers greetings of peace, and when he leaves it, he offers greetings of peace.

The author mentioned only touching it; accordingly, it is not sunnah on this occasion to kiss it or gesture towards it. Rather, if he is able to touch it, he does so; otherwise, he leaves his place and proceeds to the place of sa‘i.

His statement, “and leaves through its gate for Safa,” means through the Gate of Safa, because it is easier. In the past, the Sacred Mosque had gates before the area of sa‘i—that is, its boundaries ended before the area of sa‘i—and people would leave through those gates.

His statement, “ascending it,” means Safa, “until he can see the House,” that is, the Ka‘bah. The author, may Allah have mercy on him, did not mention what is sunnah when one approaches Safa, because the book is concise. However, when one draws near to Safa, it is sunnah to recite:

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” [al-Baqarah 2:158]

“I begin with what Allah began with.” (2)

Reciting this verse is like reciting: “And take the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer.”

That is, a person should feel that he is doing this in obedience to Allah and in compliance with His command, Glorified and Exalted is He.