Table of contents
- The Grandeur and Greatness of Makkah Mukarramah
- The First House of the Creator of the Universe
- The Clear Signs of Allah Almighty
- A Haven of Peace and Tranquility
- A Land of Sanctity and Refuge
- Prohibition of Bloodshed and Cutting Trees in the Haram
- A City Sanctified from the Beginning of Time Until the Day of Judgment
- The Love and Affection of the Prophet (PBUH) for Makkah Mukarramah
- A Means of Forgiveness and Mercy
- The Hajar Aswad – An Interceding Stone from Paradise on the Day of Judgment
- The Reward of One Hundred Thousand Prayers
- Threats of Punishment for Expelling from the Sacred Sanctuary
Brothers in Islam! Makkah Mukarramah is the sacred city where the Holy Prophet ﷺ was born and raised. It is from this blessed city that the sun of Islam rose brightly. The very first revelation descended upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ here. Muslims from all over the world gather in this city to perform Hajj and Umrah, yearning day and night and praying for its visitation. In this blessed city lies the Qiblah of Muslims, the Ka’bah, Maqam Ibrahim, Safa and Marwah, and the Zamzam water. This is the holy place where the revelation of the Quran began. In this city, the Rightly Guided Caliphs and other Companions made immense sacrifices for the sake of Islam. This is the blessed place where divine mercy descends day and night.
The Grandeur and Greatness of Makkah Mukarramah
Makkah Mukarramah is the land of peace and security, the source of guidance and enlightenment for the entire world. The greatness and grandeur of this blessed city can be understood from the fact that Allah, the Lord of all worlds, has sworn by this city in the Holy Quran:
لَاۤ اُقْسِمُ بِهٰذَا الْبَلَدِۙ وَاَنْتَ حِلٌّۢ بِهٰذَا الْبَلَدِ([1])
“I swear by this city (Makkah), and you, [O Prophet], are free in this city.” (Quran 90:1-2).
Sadr al-Afazil, Allama Sayyid Naeemuddin Muradabadi, states that this verse indicates that the greatness of Makkah Mukarramah is due to the presence of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
My respected brothers! Reflect deeply: this blessed city contains the hills of Safa and Marwah, the well of Zamzam, Maqam Ibrahim, and most importantly, the Ka’bah. However, Allah did not swear by any of these places individually but swore by Makkah Mukarramah itself. The reason given is: “O Beloved! You are present in this city (hence I swear by this city!).”
Moreover, in the realm of souls, the Holy Prophet ﷺ has always been the most superior and exalted, and Allah knew from the beginning that the Holy Prophet ﷺ would be born in this city of peace and security. He would proclaim his Prophethood and begin his mission here. Therefore, due to the presence of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, Makkah Mukarramah was honored and given its virtue even before his arrival. Imam of the Ahl al-Sunnah, Imam Ahmad Raza, beautifully pointed out this reality:
“Such a status has God bestowed upon you, which none has received nor will receive. For the Noble Quran has sworn by your city, your speech, and your permanence!”
The First House of the Creator of the Universe
The blessed and peaceful land of Makkah Mukarramah possesses virtues that no other city on the face of the earth holds. The first house of the Creator of the universe, “Baitullah Sharif,” is also in this city. Allah Almighty has said:
اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِيْ بِبَكَّةَ مُبٰرَكًا وَّهُدًى لِّلْعٰلَمِيْنَ([2])
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” (Quran 3:96)
The Clear Signs of Allah Almighty
In this blessed city, there are numerous clear and evident signs from Allah Almighty that signify its sanctity and virtue. Allah Almighty has stated:
فِيْهِ اٰيٰتٌۢ بَيِّنٰتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْرٰهِيْمَ([3])
“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham.” (Quran 3:97)
According to the Tafsir al-Madarik and Tafsir al-Khazin, among these signs are that wild animals do not harm each other within the Haram (sanctuary), even dogs do not attack deer in this land, and they do not hunt there. People’s hearts are so drawn to the Ka’bah that just looking at it brings tears to their eyes. Every Thursday night, the spirits of the saints gather around this blessed house, and anyone who intends to disrespect this sacred house is destroyed. Among these signs are also the Maqam Ibrahim and other things mentioned in the verse.
The hills of Safa and Marwah, where pilgrims perform Sa’i, are also among Allah’s signs located in the city of Makkah. Allah Almighty has said:
اِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَآىِٕرِ اللّٰهِ١ۚ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ اَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ اَنْ يَّطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا([4])
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them.” (Quran 2:158)
A Haven of Peace and Tranquility
Dear Friends! The boundaries of the Haram in Makkah Mukarramah are a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Whoever enters it is safe and secure:
﴿وَمَنْ دَخَلَهٗ كَانَ اٰمِنًا([5])
“And whoever enters it shall be safe.” (Quran 3:97). “So much so that if a person commits murder or any crime and enters the Haram, he should not be killed there, nor should any punishment be inflicted upon him” (Tafsir).
A Land of Sanctity and Refuge
In another place, Allah Almighty has said:
: اَوَ لَمْ يَرَوْا اَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا اٰمِنًا وَّيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ([6])
“Do they not see that We have made [Makkah] a secure sanctuary while people are being taken away all around them?” (Quran 29:67). This means that the people around Makkah are being killed or captured, yet Makkah remains a place of safety and security.
Prohibition of Bloodshed and Cutting Trees in the Haram
Honorable Gentlemen! The reverence, honor, and sanctity of Makkah Mukarramah are such that within its boundaries (the Haram), not only is bloodshed forbidden, but even cutting trees is not allowed. It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Shurayh Adawi that the Prophet ﷺ said:
«إِنْ مَكَّةَ حَرَّمَهَا اللهُ، وَلَمْ يُحَرِّمْهَا النَّاسُ، لَا يَحِلُّ لِامْرِئٍ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَاليَوْمِ الآخِرِ، أَنْ يَسْفِكَ بِهَا دَماً، وَلَا يَعْضِدَ بِهَا شَجَراً، فَإِنْ أَحَدٌ تَرَخَّصَ لِقِتَالِ رَسُولِ اللهِ ﷺ فِيهَا، فَقُولُوا لَهُ: إِنَّ اللهَ أَذِنَ لِرَسُولِهِ، وَلَمْ يَأْذَنْ لَكُمْ، وَإِنَّمَا أَذِنَ لِي فِيهَا سَاعَةً مِنْ نَهَارٍ، وَقَدْ عَادَتْ حُرْمَتُهَا اليَوْمَ كَحُرْمَتِهَا بِالأَمْسِ، وَلْيُبَلِّغِ الشَّاهِدُ الغَائِبَ!»([7]).
“Indeed, Allah made Makkah a sanctuary, and it was not made a sanctuary by people. Therefore, it is not lawful for a person who believes in Allah and the Last Day to shed blood therein, nor to cut down its trees. If anyone tries to use the precedent of the Prophet’s battle in Makkah (during the conquest of Makkah) as an excuse, then say to him: Allah allowed His Messenger and did not allow you. It was permitted for me (the Prophet) only for a short period of the day, and its sanctity has returned as it was before. So let those present convey (this message) to those who are absent.” (Hadith)
A City Sanctified from the Beginning of Time Until the Day of Judgment
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
«إِنَّ هَذَا الْبَلَدَ حَرَّمَهُ اللهُ، يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ، فَهُوَ حَرَامٌ بِحُرْمَةِ اللهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ»([8])
“Indeed, Allah made this city (Makkah Mukarramah) sacred the day He created the heavens and the earth, so it is sacred by the sanctity of Allah until the Day of Judgment” (Hadith).
The Love and Affection of the Prophet (PBUH) for Makkah Mukarramah
The Prophet (PBUH) had immense love and affection for Makkah Mukarramah. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) states that the Master of the Universe (PBUH) addressed Makkah Mukarramah when migrating to Madinah, saying:
«مَا أَطْيَبَكِ مِنْ بَلَدٍ وَأَحَبَّكِ إِلَيَّ! وَلَوْلَا أَنَّ قَوْمِي أَخْرَجُونِي مِنْكِ، مَا سَكَنْتُ غَيْرَكِ!»([9])
“O Makkah! How pure you are and how dear you are to me! If my people had not forced me to leave, I would never have lived anywhere else but you!” (Hadith).
A Means of Forgiveness and Mercy
Beloved Members of the Muslim Ummah! The Qiblah of Muslims, the “Baitullah Sharif,” is in Makkah Mukarramah. Muslims from all over the world face it during their prayers and perform Hajj and Umrah, visiting and circumambulating it abundantly. Circumambulating this sacred house of Allah is a source of great blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
«مَنْ طَافَ بِالبَيْتِ خَمْسِينَ مَرَّةً، خَرَجَ مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ»([10])
“Whoever circumambulates the Ka’bah fifty times will be cleansed of his sins as if he were born today” (Hadith).
The Hajar Aswad – An Interceding Stone from Paradise on the Day of Judgment
Dear Brothers! One of the virtues of Makkah Mukarramah is the “Hajar Aswad,” a blessed stone brought from Paradise that will intercede for Muslims and bear witness for them on the Day of Judgment. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
«أَشْهِدُوا هَذَا الْحَجَرَ خَيْراً؛ فَإِنَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَافِعٌ مُشَفَّعٌ، لَهُ لِسَانٌ وَشَفَتَانِ، يَشْهَدُ لِمَنِ اسْتَلَمَهُ»([11])
“Bear witness to the goodness of this stone (Hajar Aswad); for it will intercede on the Day of Judgment, and its intercession will be accepted. It has a tongue and two lips, and it will testify for everyone who touched it” (Hadith).
The Reward of One Hundred Thousand Prayers
Another virtue of Makkah Mukarramah is that one prayer in Masjid al-Haram is equivalent to one hundred thousand prayers. Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
«صَلَاةٌ فِي الْمسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ بِمِئَةِ أَلْفِ صَلَاةٍ»([12])
“A prayer in the Masjid al-Haram is equal to one hundred thousand prayers” (Hadith).
Threats of Punishment for Expelling from the Sacred Sanctuary
Dear Respected Audience! While many virtues related to the honor and greatness of Makkah Mukarramah and the Haram are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, severe warnings of painful punishment are also stated for those who threaten, harass, or subject the residents, both locals and visitors, to hardships and sufferings. Allah Almighty says:
﴿اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا وَيَصُدُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ الَّذِيْ جَعَلْنٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ سَوَآءَ ا۟لْعَاكِفُ فِيْهِ وَالْبَادِ١ؕ وَمَنْ يُّرِدْ فِيْهِ بِاِلْحَادٍۭ بِظُلْمٍ نُّذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ اَلِيْمٍ﴾([13])
“Indeed, those who disbelieve and hinder people from the path of Allah and from the Sacred Mosque, which We made for all people, equally for those who reside therein and for those who visit, and whoever intends a deviation therein or wrongdoing, We will make him taste of a painful punishment” (Surah Al-Hajj: 25).
Allama Syed Naeemuddin Muradabadi (RA) explains that according to Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (RA), the term “Sacred Mosque” in this verse refers to the entirety of Makkah Mukarramah, meaning the whole Haram. Therefore, the meaning is that the Sacred Sanctuary is equally for all, both residents and visitors, and no one has the right to expel anyone forcibly (Tafsir Khazin).
([7]) “صحيح البخاري” كتاب المغازي، ر: ٤٢٩٥، صـ٧٢٧.
([8]) “صحيح مسلم” كتاب الحجّ، باب تحريم …إلخ، ر: ٣٣٠٢، صـ٥٧٠.
([9]) “سنن الترمذي” [باب] في فضل مكّة، ر: ٣٩٢٦، صـ٨٨٣.
([10]) المرجع نفسه، باب ما جاء في فضل الطواف، ر: ٨٦٦، صـ٢١٤.
([11]) “المعجم الأوسط” باب الألف، من اسمه إسماعيل، ر: ٢٩٧١، 2/188.
([12]) “سنن ابن ماجه” باب ما جاء في الصلاة في …إلخ، ر: ١٤١٣، صـ2٣8.