that is, blood is poured out there. Grammatically, Minā is declinable, so we say: “to Minā,” with tanwīn. Its eastern and western boundaries extend from the Valley of Muhassir to Jamrat al-Aqabah.

The apparent meaning of the author’s words, based on the implication of “from,” is that the valley is part of Minā. But this is not so.

As for Jamrat al-Aqabah, it is not part of Minā, because he said, “to Jamrat al-Aqabah.” It is well known in the meanings of prepositions that the starting point of a limit is included, whereas its endpoint is not. However, when the matter concerns a defined boundary, neither its starting point nor its endpoint is included.

Thus, if you say, “You have from this land such-and-such to such-and-such,” the boundary is not included within what is bounded, neither at its beginning nor at its end. It is thereby established that the Valley of Muhassir is not part of Minā, and that Jamrat al-Aqabah is not part of Minā.

As for its northern and southern boundaries, the scholars said: all the slopes and faces of the large mountains that face Minā are part of Minā. On this basis, Minā is very expansive and could accommodate the pilgrims if it were fully organized upon a just system. Yet injustice occurs there, and you find some people taking up a large area that exceeds their needs.

A problem exists at the present time: some people say, “I cannot find any land in Minā except for rent.” Is it permissible for him to rent land in Minā?

The answer is: Yes, it is permissible, and the sin rests upon the lessor who takes money without right. As for the renter, there is no sin upon him. For this reason, the Hanbali jurists, may Allah have mercy on them, said: “It is not permissible to rent out the houses of Mecca.” But if he cannot find a house