On the day of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is no more emigration (from Mecca) but Jihad and intentions, and whenever you are called for Jihad, you should go immediately. No doubt, Allah has made this place (Mecca) a sanctuary since the creation of the heavens and the earth and will remain a sanctuary till the Day of Resurrection as Allah has ordained its sanctity. Fighting was not permissible in it for anyone before me, and even for me it was allowed only for a portion of a day. So, it is a sanctuary with Allah's sanctity till the Day of Resurrection. Its thorns should not be uprooted and its game should not be chased; and its luqata (fallen things) should not be picked up except by one who would announce that publicly, and its vegetation (grass etc.) should not be cut." Al-`Abbas said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Except Al-Idhkhir, (for it is used by their blacksmiths and for their domestic purposes)." So, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Except Al-Idhkhir."
Penalty of Hunting while on Pilgrimage
Sahih al-Bukhari 1834
Contextual Background
This profound declaration was delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on the momentous day of Mecca's conquest, marking a pivotal transition in Islamic history. The sanctity of Mecca, established since creation, was reaffirmed with permanent injunctions.
Scholarly Commentary on Sanctity
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized Mecca's eternal sanctity (ḥurmah) ordained by Allah Himself, not by human decree. This sanctity precedes Islamic revelation, dating to the creation of heavens and earth, demonstrating Mecca's unique status in divine cosmology.
The prohibition against fighting in Mecca was absolute for all previous prophets and remained so for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) except for the limited period during the conquest. This exception underscores the extraordinary nature of that specific historical moment.
Prohibitions and Their Wisdom
Uprooting thorns preserves the natural state of the Haram. Chasing game protects wildlife within the sacred precincts. The prohibition against picking up lost items except through public announcement safeguards property rights and prevents theft.
Cutting vegetation is forbidden to maintain the sanctuary's natural environment, though an exception for Al-Idhkhir (a fragrant grass) was granted due to essential human needs, demonstrating Islam's balance between preservation and practicality.
Legal Implications for Pilgrims
For pilgrims in state of ihrām, these prohibitions carry greater weight. Hunting within the Haram boundaries constitutes a violation requiring expiation. The sanctity of Mecca demands heightened reverence from all visitors, especially those performing pilgrimage.
Transition from Hijrah to Jihad
The declaration that "there is no more emigration" signifies the completion of the Meccan phase of Islamic struggle. Henceforth, spiritual striving (jihād) and sincere intention replace physical migration as the primary means of religious dedication.