The Virtue of Praying in the Sacred Mosque
Numerous Hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlight the multiplied rewards of praying in the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram). Undoubtedly, one of the significant merits of the holy city of Mecca is that it harbors the Sacred House of Allah. Scholars have noted that while the entire region of Mecca is considered sacred, the amplified rewards for prayer apply specifically to the confines of the Sacred Mosque itself, not to all of Mecca. They support this assertion with the understanding that a Muslim intending to perform I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) must do so within the Sacred Mosque; performing I’tikaf in any other mosque in Mecca is insufficient. The multiplied rewards for prayer are, therefore, exclusive to the boundaries of Al-Masjid Al-Haram, while prayers elsewhere in Mecca only merit the standard rewards associated with regular prayer.
The Merits of Mecca
Mecca holds a distinguished status compared to other cities and locations around the world. Below are some of its notable merits:
- Home to the Sacred House of Allah.
- Designated as a sanctuary, where acts of violence, destruction of trees, hunting, and other forms of harm are prohibited.
- Serves as the Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide, who face the revered Kaaba during their prayers.
- Regarded as the best of Allah’s lands and the dearest to the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Chosen for the performance of Hajj rituals, setting it apart from other locations.
The Blessing of Burial in Mecca
Scholars have elucidated the desirability of burial in places regarded as sacred and virtuous. For instance, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) often sought martyrdom in Medina due to its high status. Likewise, Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) asked Allah to allow him to be close to the holy land when he died so that he could be buried there. Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated, “It is recommended to seek death in a noble land.” Consequently, one of the merits a person can attain is to be buried in Mecca or other areas that possess unique virtues and sanctity.