What is the Sunnah at the beginning of tawaf, and what is the ruling on adhering to it?

Question : These are questions regarding the first tawaf. The first asks what one says or does before beginning the tawaf: does one say the name of Allah and say takbir, or only say takbir? And does one face the Black Stone with one’s entire body, or what? What is the ruling on adhering to the wall between the Black Stone and the door, and likewise all parts of the House?

Answer : We have already answered these questions in what we discussed, and there is no need to repeat the answer, so refer to the recording. As for adhering to the wall, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did this. It is for a person to press his chest and cheek against it and extend his hands between the Black Stone and the door; this is the place for adhering. The other pillars of the Ka'bah and the rest of the walls of the Ka'bah are not places for adhering, so it is not recommended to adhere to them. One should point out to anyone who does this—anyone who adheres in a place other than the designated place—that this is not part of the Sunnah.