Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said on the day of the conquest of Mecca, "There is no migration now, but there is Jihad (i.e.. holy battle) and good intentions. And when you are called for Jihad, you should come out at once" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) also said, on the day of the conquest of Mecca, "Allah has made this town a sanctuary since the day He created the Heavens and the Earth. So, it is a sanctuary by Allah's Decree till the Day of Resurrection. Fighting in it was not legal for anyone before me, and it was made legal for me only for an hour by daytime. So, it (i.e. Mecca) is a sanctuary by Allah's Decree till the Day of Resurrection. Its thorny bushes should not be cut, and its game should not be chased, its fallen property (i.e. Luqata) should not be picked up except by one who will announce it publicly; and its grass should not be uprooted," On that Al-`Abbas said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Except the Idhkhir, because it is used by the goldsmiths and by the people for their houses." On that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Except the Idhkhir."
Context and Significance
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 3189 marks the historical moment of Mecca's conquest in 8 AH. The Prophet's declaration "There is no migration now" signifies the completion of the Hijrah era, as Muslims had returned to their original spiritual center. Jihad remains obligatory, but its nature shifts from defensive migration to active struggle for truth.
Sacred Status of Mecca
The Prophet establishes Mecca's eternal sanctity by divine decree, tracing it back to creation itself. This emphasizes that Mecca's holiness precedes Islam and reflects Allah's eternal wisdom. The limited permission for fighting during conquest demonstrates Islam's respect for sacred spaces even in warfare.
The prohibition against cutting trees, hunting game, and uprooting plants preserves the natural sanctity of the Haram. These regulations maintain the environmental purity of Islam's holiest site and teach respect for Allah's creation.
Practical Wisdom in Legislation
Al-Abbas's intervention regarding Idhkhir grass shows how Islamic law accommodates human needs while maintaining spiritual principles. The Prophet's acceptance demonstrates the flexibility of Shariah in addressing legitimate necessities, particularly for livelihoods and daily sustenance.
This incident illustrates the collaborative nature of Islamic legislation, where companions could respectfully seek clarification and the Prophet would consider their valid concerns, establishing a precedent for scholarly ijtihad.
Contemporary Application
The sanctity of Mecca remains perpetual, requiring Muslims worldwide to honor its special status. The principles of respecting sacred spaces extend to other mosques and Islamic centers. The balance between spiritual ideals and practical needs continues to guide Islamic jurisprudence in modern contexts.