Virtues of Prayer at Masjid Makkah and Madinah

Sahih al-Bukhari | Hadith Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1189

Exegesis of the Prophetic Prohibition

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic travel jurisprudence. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly forbade undertaking journeys for the purpose of prayer except to these three sacred mosques, thereby distinguishing them with unique spiritual status.

The specification of these three mosques indicates their exceptional merit above all other places of worship. Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah contains the Ka'bah, the first house of worship established for mankind. The Mosque of Allah's Messenger in Madinah is blessed by his presence and burial. Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem was the first qiblah and site of the Prophet's Night Journey.

Scholarly Interpretation of the Restriction

The prohibition "do not set out" applies specifically to journeys undertaken solely for devotional visitation and prayer. It does not prohibit travel for other legitimate purposes such as trade, study, or visiting relatives, during which one may pray in local mosques.

Classical scholars explain that the exceptional status granted to these mosques stems from their historical and spiritual significance in the Abrahamic tradition. Prayer in them carries multiplied rewards - a single prayer in Masjid al-Haram equals 100,000 prayers elsewhere, in the Prophet's Mosque equals 1,000 prayers, and in Masjid al-Aqsa equals 500 prayers.

Practical Implications and Wisdom

This teaching prevents excessive travel that may lead to hardship and neglect of family responsibilities while preserving the special status of these holy sites. It also maintains the unity of the Muslim community by focusing collective devotion on these historically significant locations.

The wisdom behind this restriction includes protecting believers from innovation in religion, preventing the veneration of secondary sites to the exclusion of primary ones, and maintaining the unique spiritual connection to these three mosques that span the history of prophethood from Abraham to Muhammad (peace be upon them all).