LIMITS OF SANCTUARY

The limited area surrounding Mecca is called 'Sanctuary' (haram). Haram means the area around Mecca where one cannot go without Ih'raam (pilgrim robe). The Almighty Allah has made this area a land of peace for man, animals and plants. The boundaries of haram are as follows:

1. From north, there is Masjide Tan'eem wihich is about 6 Km. from Masjid-ul-Haram on the way to Medina.

2. From south, there is Iz"-e-Tahleen which is on the way to Yemen and about 12 Km. away from Masjidul Haraam.

3. From east, there is Ja'raanah which is on the way to T'aef. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) tied Ih'raam from here only for Umrah.

4. From west, there is an area of Hudaybiyyah which is on the edge of the way to Jeddah. This is a place of 'Baya't-e-Riz'wan.'

There are some rules in Islamic law for the persons going for Hajj or visiting this land which they should take into consideration. They are wirrten in the books of Islamic law and rites of pilgrimage (Hajj).