This is because following his example means doing what he did, in the manner in which he did it, because he did it. If he deliberately chose a particular place for prayer and worship, then deliberately choosing that place for prayer and worship constitutes following his example. But if he did not deliberately choose that spot, then deliberately seeking it out constitutes departing from his example, not following it.

An example of the former is his deliberately stopping for remembrance of Allah and supplication at ‘Arafah, Muzdalifah, and between the two stoning pillars: deliberately seeking out those places constitutes following his example. Likewise, when he circumambulated the Ka‘bah and prayed two units of prayer behind the Station of Abraham, doing the same constitutes following his example. Similarly, when he ascended al-Safā and al-Marwah to remember Allah and supplicate, deliberately doing so constitutes following his example.

Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ used to make a point of praying beside the pillar. He said, “Because I saw the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—make a point of praying beside it.” Since he saw him deliberately choose that spot for prayer, deliberately choosing it for prayer constituted following his example.

Likewise:

“When ‘Itbān ibn Mālik wished to establish a mosque after becoming blind, he sent word to the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—saying, ‘I would like you to come and pray in my home, so that I may make that spot a place of prayer.’ In another version, he said, ‘Come and designate a place of prayer for me.’ The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—came, accompanied by those of his Companions who wished to come. In another version: ‘The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and Abū Bakr al-Siddīq came to me when the morning was well advanced. The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—asked permission to enter, and I gave him permission. He entered the house and, before sitting down, said, “Where in your house would you like me to pray?” I pointed to a corner of the house. The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—stood to pray, and we stood behind him. He prayed two units of prayer and then concluded with the salutation of peace.’” The hadith continues.