Is he who commits a major sin within the city of Medina included in the curse mentioned in the Hadith: "Madinah is a sanctuary from 'Air to Thawr. So whoever innovates in it an innovation or shelters an innovator, then upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all of mankind," or do the meanings of "innovation" (حدث) and "innovator" (محدث) specifically pertain to heresy and its perpetrator?

The Hadith is agreed upon, narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him. The meaning of "حدث" (event/innovation) in the Hadith refers to sins, including major sins (Al-Kaba'ir), and also encompasses innovations (Bid'ah).

Al-Shatibi said: "This Hadith is in the context of generality, thus it includes every event (حدث) innovated therein that contradicts the Shari'ah."

Al-Nawawi said: "Whoever commits a sin therein, or shelters someone who commits it and protects him... They (scholars) used this as evidence that this is among the major sins, because the curse is only for a major sin."

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar said: "The meaning of 'حدث' and 'محدث' (event/innovator) is oppression and the oppressor, or what is more general than that." He also said: "He innovated a sin."

Ibn Battal said: "Whoever shelters people of disobedience shares their sin, for whoever approves of the action and deed of a people joins them, but Madinah was specifically mentioned due to its honor."

Accordingly, whoever commits a major sin in Madinah Al-Munawwarah falls within the meaning of the "حدث" (event/innovation) whose perpetrator is cursed.