Looking at the Ka'bah and the Mushaf during prayer

Question:
It is not the case that your Shaykh is in the Makkah Haram, looking and praying toward the Ka'bah, or toward a place where he resides so that he is distracted by it.

Answer:
He looks at the place of his prostration and does not look at the Ka'bah or at the passersby, because this disturbs his prayer. He looks at the place of his prostration because this is more conducive to gathering his thoughts and focusing on his prayer. As for if his gaze wanders to the Ka'bah and to those passing by, it does not disturb him. Yes. What?
Nothing is established by it. Tawaf of the Ka'bah is worship, and praying toward it by facing it is worship. As for looking at it, is it? Recitation, and he reads and what he memorizes, he finds that he is looking at the Mushaf. As for his looking at the Mushaf, it is a mere look only, and he says this is worship; nothing is established regarding it. Yes. Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.