The Two Sanctuaries and Holy Places
This subtopic gathers questions on Makkah, Madinah, the Kaaba and the sacred sites, asked about the places themselves. They ask about names, sanctity, boundaries, history and features.
Questions readers ask here:
- Is it true that Makkah Al-Mukarramah, may Allah protect it, is safeguarded from aggression?
- What are the holy places and what is their sacredness?
- Is it permissible to live near the Sacred Mosque (Al-Haram Al-Makki) while fearing the commission of some sins?
- What is the difference between Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Al-Bayt Al-Haram?
A rite performed at a site belongs under its Hajj or Umrah subtopic, and visiting the Prophet's mosque under Visiting Madinah.
13 questions
What is it that is in Paradise and is also found in the Kaaba?
What is the difference between what is forbidden in the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) and elsewhere, and is there anything forbidden in Mecca that is permissible elsewhere? What time of day was made lawful for the Messenger? What is the ruling on offensive jihad (jihad al-talab) and defensive jihad (jihad al-difaa') within the Sacred Mosque? And when does killing become permissible therein?
What is the meaning of the Rukn al-Yamani, what is its relation to the Black Stone, and does it have a story?
Is the rock in Jerusalem suspended in mid-air, and have authentic narrations been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, concerning it?
Why is the Kaaba building not elevated to be higher than the surrounding buildings?
Is it narrated that an angel held the stone upon which Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood and moved it to facilitate construction during the building of the Kaaba?
Is it true that a mountain from Palestine moved to Mecca so that stones could be taken from it for the building of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him?
What is the meaning of the the Kaaba, what is its benefit, and what is the meaning of the Black Stone?
Why was the Kaaba in Mecca named the Sacred House of Allah?
What is the ruling on taking samples from the plants of the Haram for purposes of scientific research, and is expiation obligatory upon the one who does so, and what is it?
What are the Islamic holy sites?
Are Medina and Jerusalem considered holy sanctuaries (harams) like Mecca?
Could you please tell me the complete history of Al-Aqsa Mosque?