Characteristics and Rulings of the Haram (Sanctuary)
· Its merits (i.e. that the haram is sacred and has many virtues) and the fact that worship within this boundary is more meritorious than outside it.
· The severity of evil deeds within it. Allaah says (what means): “whoever intends [a deed] therein of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing – We will make him taste of a painful punishment.” (22:25)
· Prohibition of hunting within it.
· Trees and shrubs (which grow naturally) in it cannot be uprooted, with the exception of al-ithkhir (a type of grass)
· No kaafir (non-Muslim) may enter it as Allaah says (what means): O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-haraam after this, their [final] year. (9:28)
