In the name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent
The unbelievers who debar others from the path of God and the Sacred Mosque which We have set up for all people alike, both those who dwell there and those who come from abroad… Anyone who seeks to profane it by evildoing We shall cause to taste grievous suffering.
When We assigned to Abraham the site of the (Sacred) House, (We said), "Do not associate anything as partner with Me. Purify My House for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it, and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer.
"Proclaim to all people the duty of pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every kind of fast mount. They will come from every far-away quarter.
(The Pilgrimage, Al-Haj: 22: 25-27)
The Kaaba, or the Sacred Mosque in Makkah was, as we mentioned last week, the first sanctuary ever established on earth. It preceded any attempt by people to establish such a sanctuary anywhere in the world. The rules applicable to this sanctuary ever since it was built by the Prophets Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them) are: no arms are allowed, opponents are safe, bloodshed is ended and everyone enjoys peace and security. No one may claim any favor for observing these rules. These are privileges equally extended to all people at all times.
Scholars have different views on the permissibility of ownership of houses in Makkah which are not used for personal living. Scholars who accept such ownership also differ on whether such houses may be let. Al-Shafie believes that such houses may be owned, inherited and let out. The basis of his view is the authentic report that Umar ibn Al-Khattab bought from Safwan ibn Umayyah a house for 4000 dirhams to make it a prison. Ishaq ibn Rahaweih, on the other hand, says that such homes may neither be inherited nor let. He argues: "At the times when God’s Messenger, Abu Bakr and Umar died, dwellings in Makkah were known only as sawa’ib (which means ‘left vacant’): whoever needs a place may live in any of them, and whoever has no need gives to others." Abdullah ibn Umar is quoted as saying: "It is not permissible to sell or let houses in Makkah." Ibn Jurayj mentions that Ataa’, an early scholar, "used to warn against letting homes in the Haram area. He further told me that Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to order the people of Makkah not to have front doors for their homes, so that pilgrims might feel free to stop anywhere.
The first person to put up a door to his home was Suhayl ibn Amr. Umar sent to him for an explanation and he replied saying: ‘Let me explain: I am engaged in trade and I only wanted to have two doors so that my camels stay put.’ Umar accepted his explanation and allowed him to have these doors."
Umar is further quoted as addressing the people of Makkah, saying: "Do not put up front doors to your homes. Let the traveling pilgrims stop wherever they wish." Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal takes a middle line that satisfies all reported statements. Thus, he says that homes in Makkah may be owned and inherited, but my not be let.
We see how Islam was far ahead of the rest of humanity, establishing an area of peace and security for all, as well as a home open to every human being.
The Qur’an threatens with painful suffering anyone who tries to cause any deviation from this well-defined system: "Anyone who seeks to profane it by evildoing We shall cause to taste grievous suffering." What is, then, the punishment merited by a person who does not stop at seeking to profane the Sacred Mosque, but goes on to actually do it? The Qur’anic verse threatens with grievous suffering anyone who seeks that, or has the intention to do it. This makes the warning much more powerful and far-reaching.
Another aspect of the fine style of the Qur’an is the omission of the predicate in the first sentence of the verse. Thus, the sentence points out "The unbelievers who debar others from the path of God and the Sacred Mosque…" It does not say what happens to them, or what punishment they will receive. Thus, the verse suggests that their mere mention and description is more than enough to determine their fate.
The surah now refers to the establishment of this Sacred Mosque which the idolaters had usurped. They worshipped idols there and prevented believers in God’s oneness, who purged themselves from idolatry, from entering it. Yet it was built by Abraham (peace be upon him) on God’s own instructions. The surah also mentions the fundamental basis of God’s oneness which served as the basis of its foundation. It adds also the purpose of its building: it would serve as a place to worship God alone, dedicated to those who walk around it, and stand before it submitting themselves to God: "When We assigned to Abraham the site of the (Sacred) House, (We said), "Do not associate anything as partner with Me. Purify My House for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it, and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer. Proclaim to all people the duty of pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every kind of fast mount.
They will come from every far-away quarter, so that they might experience much that shall be of benefit to them, and that they might extol the name of God on the days appointed (for sacrifice), over whatever heads of cattle He may have provided for them. Eat, then, of such (sacrificed cattle) and feed the unfortunate poor. Thereafter let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfill their vows, and again walk around the Ancient House."
It was for celebrating the glory of God alone that this House was built. God showed its place to Abraham, and gave him clear instructions so that he would raise it on the proper foundations: "Do not associate anything as partner with Me." It belongs to God alone, without partners of any sort. Abraham was also required to purify the House for those who come to it for pilgrimage and for those who stand up in prayer there. "Purify My House for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it, and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer." It is for those who worship God alone that this House was built. It has nothing to do with others who associate partners with Him or address their worship to anyone other than Him.