The Sacred Zone of Mecca: About the Haram and Its Boundaries

Harem

The word Haram literally means "forbidden, protected, inviolable" and refers to the area of Mecca whose boundaries were marked out by the Prophet (s.a.w.) himself (a zone extending 7-15 km around the noble Kaaba at its centre). No one may enter this area without being in the state of Ihram.

The city of Mecca and its surrounding area, bounded by the boundary markers, was made Haram by Allah Himself. For this reason Mecca is also called Al-Balad al-Haram, the Kaaba - the first house of worship built for mankind on earth - is called Al-Bait al-Haram, and the mosque surrounding it is called Al-Masjid al-Haram. When Mecca was conquered, the Prophet (s.a.w.) declared that this land had been made Haram by Allah on the day the heavens and the earth were created, and that it would remain so until the Day of Judgement. The Haram of Mecca al-Mukarramah has been honoured since the time of Adam (a.s.).

The area outside the Haram of Mecca is called "Hill", since the prohibitions of the Haram no longer apply there.

The boundary points of the Haram of Mecca, first determined by Abraham (a.s.), were marked with stones called "alam". While the markers on the main roads take the form of walls with explanatory inscriptions, the other markers generally consist of a pile of stones. The Prophet (s.a.w.) had these markers renewed after the conquest of Mecca, and they have been renewed at various times throughout history.

After performing the Farewell Hajj with the Messenger of Allah, Aisha (r.a.) entered the state of Ihram at Tan'im and performed an Umrah. The Mosque of Aisha at this location, the most frequently chosen place for entering Ihram for Umrah because of its proximity, carries her memory.

There are certain rules that must be observed both by the people living within the Haram area and by those coming to visit for Hajj and Umrah.

Hunting the game of this area, and cutting or uprooting its wild, undried trees and plants, is forbidden (haram) for everyone, whether in Ihram or not. There is, however, no objection to picking plants, trees and fruits that have been planted by people.