📖Sahih al-Bukhari 1867
Narrated Anas: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Medina is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and whoever innovates in it a heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.”
Description:
This hadith highlights the sacred status of Madinah – the city of the Prophet ﷺ and the heart of Islam after Makkah. It was declared a ḥaram (sanctuary), a place of peace, obedience, and purity. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its holiness by forbidding acts of disobedience, sinful innovations, and even cutting its trees – acts that disturb the sanctity of this blessed land, To innovate (bid’ah) or commit sins within Madinah is far more serious than doing so elsewhere. Why? Because this city was chosen by Allah to protect the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, and the early Islamic message. Its land carries barakah (blessing), and its rules are to be respected, The “curse of Allah, the angels, and all people” means that the violator is cut off from Allah’s mercy and will face severe punishment – not only in the Hereafter but also potentially in this world. Their sin is magnified due to the sacredness of the place.
The Curse = Stored Punishment:
This curse isn’t just a verbal expression – it means that the person who corrupts Madinah with sins or innovations will face punishment from every direction. Allah’s mercy will be withheld, the angels will not pray for him, and righteous people will disown his actions. His evil will echo through time.
Qur’anic Context:
📖Quran 9:120
It was not proper for the people of Madinah and those around them of the bedouins that they should remain behind after the Messenger of Allah or that they should prefer their own lives to his life.
➡ This verse honors the city and its people, showing their close connection to the Prophet ﷺ and their noble standing – a spiritual recognition of Madinah’s sanctity.
📖Quran 9:101
And among those around you of the bedouins are hypocrites, and also among the people of Madinah. They persist in hypocrisy; you (O Muhammad) do not know them. We know them. We will punish them twice; then they will be returned to a great punishment.
➡ Proves that sins and hypocrisy in Madinah are not like elsewhere – they’re doubled. Why? Because the land is sacred, and violating it is greater than doing so in normal places. This verse was revealed for that time, but their forefathers repented. Still, it’s not guaranteed that they wouldn’t repeat such actions. So, it applies whenever they fall back into evil.
📖Quran 33:60-61
If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is disease, and those who spread rumors in Madinah, do not stop, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbors there except for a little. Accursed wherever they are found, seized and massacred completely.