Analyzing the Feasibility of Following the Rulings of Sacred Places in Their Newly Developed Areas

Some religious locations, such as the city of Mecca, Masjid al-Haram, and Masjid al-Nabi, are mentioned in verses and Islamic narrations as enjoying special reverence and set of rulings. A man, who has to perform ghusl, for instance, is not permitted to enter these two mosques without first being purified; and a man, who has already performed Umrah, is not permitted to leave Mecca at all, even if supposed to lose Hajj. It should be observed that these holy locations have undergone development and changes over time, expanding in both size and scope. The feasibility of observing these rulings, made specifically for these locations, regarding their expanded scope is therefore uncertain. Due to this uncertainty, some jurists feel that the rulings specified for these locations are only legitimate within their former scopes, while others hold that development has no bearing on the performance of Sharia rulings. The findings of this research, presented in the form of a library study with software, and evidence analysis, show that the development of holy places does not affect their rulings. In this regard, jurists are correct in their belief that “as long as the customary title is valid for the place developed from these places, the Sharia rulings must be performed.”