The Sanctuary of Medina

The sanctuary of Medina is the area that the Prophet ﷺ declared sacred around the city of Medina, as Abraham declared Mecca sacred. It has known boundaries in the reports. ²

The reports say that its boundary is "between Ayr and Thawr," or "up to Uhud" in most of the reports al-Samhudi transmits, and that it lies "between its two lava fields," that is, its two basalt plains to the east and west. ²

Al-Samhudi notes that hunting and cutting trees are forbidden within it except where excepted; that the blood-money for accidental killing there is made heavier; and that introducing innovations there, or sheltering one who introduces them, is forbidden. ²

Al-Bukhari relates that "Medina is a sanctuary from such a place to such a place; its trees may not be cut and no innovation may be introduced in it." ³ In another report, "what lies between its two lava fields is made sacred." ⁴ In the document of Ali it is said that "the protection of the Muslims is one." ⁵

Al-Samhudi holds that the blessing of the sanctification turned away from the city a fire in the year 654, when it reached its sacred area. This is al-Samhudi's opinion. ²