The Significance of Makkah Al-Mukarramah
The reverence of a true believer for the sacred city of Makkah has been enduring since time immemorial. As a result, whenever the name of this city is mentioned, respectful expressions naturally flow from their lips. Almighty Allah has referred to this city as the "Mother of Cities." He stated, "And thus We have revealed to you a Quran in Arabic so that you may warn the Mother of Cities (Makkah) and those around it." — Surah Ash-Shura, Ayah 7. Allah swears by the fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and this safe city. — Surah At-Tin. He also said, "I swear by this city, and you are a resident of this city." — Surah Al-Balad.
"Indeed, the first house established for mankind was at Bakkah (Makkah), blessed and a guidance for the worlds." — Surah Aal-e-Imran. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cherished this city deeply. When leaving Makkah during his migration, he lamented, saying, "How excellent and beloved you are to me, O city! If my people had not forced me out, I would not have lived anywhere else." — Bukhari.
Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) supplicated, "O my Lord, make this a safe city and provide its people—those who believe in Allah and the Last Day—with fruits." — Surah Al-Baqarah. This is the city where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, spent his childhood, adolescence, and most of his adult life, reaching the brink of old age. He spent 53 years of his life here, received divine revelation, and attained prophethood. From here, he embarked on the journey of Isra and Mi'raj. The sacred house of Allah, the Kaaba, is located in this holy city, which Allah has referred to as His own house: "Purify My House for those who perform tawaf, those who stay in it for worship, and those who bow and prostrate." — Surah Al-Baqarah. Allah has honored the Kaaba as a blessed house and a source of benefit for humankind. — Surah Al-Maidah. "I have been commanded to worship the Lord of this House, who has made it sacred." — Surah An-Naml.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "My ummah will remain secure as long as they honor Makkah appropriately. When they fail to do so, they will be destroyed." — Mishkat. Honoring Makkah and the Kaaba and conducting all acts with utmost humility and reverence are duties of every Muslim. Therefore, Imam Bukhari narrated a hadith in his Sahih under the title Taking a Bath Before Entering Makkah. When Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would come to Makkah, he would spend the night at a place called Dhu Tuwa. In the morning, he would bathe, pray Fajr there, and then enter Makkah, narrating that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did the same. — Bukhari and Muslim.
Because of the sanctity of the Haram, hunting, guiding a hunter, or aiding in hunting is prohibited within its boundaries. Since ancient times, the Haram has been regarded as a safe and honored place. Even during the era of ignorance, warring Arab tribes would not kill enemies within the Haram or wield weapons against them. This honor will remain until the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "It will remain sacred by Allah's decree until the Day of Judgment." Therefore, even thorny trees cannot be cut, nor can the animals be disturbed within the Haram. — Bukhari and Muslim.
Allah declared, "Whoever enters the Haram will be safe." The residents of the Haram are esteemed guests of Allah. Even towards a lifelong enemy, no misconduct, harm, or distress is permitted. Therefore, entering the Haram after thoroughly bathing, wearing clean clothes, and attaining physical, mental, and spiritual purity is Sunnah. Upon seeing the Kaaba, one should proclaim Allahu Akbar and La ilaha illallah. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would say Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. Entering the Masjid al-Haram through Bab as-Salam is recommended. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would raise his hands upon seeing the Kaaba and supplicate, "O Allah, increase the honor, dignity, and respect of this House and of those who perform Hajj or Umrah here." Prayers offered upon first seeing the Kaaba are accepted. Therefore, one should stand away from the crowd and pray sincerely with deep conviction.
The first act should be performing tawaf of the Kaaba, followed by two rakats at Maqam Ibrahim, and then drinking Zamzam water.
One must always remember to avoid three things that can invalidate Hajj:
1. Any form of obscenity, especially guarding one's gaze from non-mahram women
2. Avoiding all sinful actions
3. Staying away from all kinds of disputes, gossip, slander, jealousy, accusations, and defamation.