While performing the Hajj rituals, a pilgrim should follow the exact example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who said: “Learn your rituals from me.” As known, the Tawaf rounds are to be started at the Black Stone.
Focusing more on this issue, the late Sheikh Muhammad Al-`Uthaymeen, a prominent Saudi Muslim scholar, (may Allah shower mercy on his soul) issued the following fatwa: “The one who starts his Tawaf from the door of the Ka`bah and completes it on this basis is not regarded as having completed Tawaf because Allah says: “and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka`bah)” (Al-Hajj: 29).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) started his Tawaf at the Black Stone and said to the people: “Learn from me your rituals (of Hajj).”
If he starts Tawaf at the door of the Ka`bah, or not in line with the Black Stone, even if he is only off by a little, then this first circuit is invalid because it is not complete. He has to repeat it if he remembers shortly afterwards; otherwise he has to do the whole Tawaf over again, starting in line with the Black Stone.
A line has been placed on the ground in line with the Black Stone, extending to the edge of the area for Tawaf, as a sign of where to start and end Tawaf. Since this line was drawn, people’s mistakes in doing Tawaf have become fewer, but there are still a few ignorant people. Whatever the case, people have to pay attention to this mistake, lest they fall into the serious danger of their Tawaf not being complete.”