of the Islamic University, the royal palaces, al-Jurf, Biʾr Rūmah (Rūmah Well) together with the orchards that surround it all the way to Mount Uhud—every one of these sites lies within the sanctuary limits. When the line reaches the point where it meets the bypass road, that road itself becomes the boundary: a marker is set on its eastern side and the line is carried along the bypass until it comes level with Mount Thawr, which stands to the north-east behind Uhud. From there the line turns right, heading south, until it meets the well mentioned earlier on the eastern lava field, leaving the bypass at that point, for the road continues eastward until it reaches Airport Road. In this manner the sanctuary limits link up on every side, whether one measures from ʿAyr to Thawr, by the two lava fields, or by the traditional span of twelve miles—one barīd by one barīd—as has already been explained and its distance recorded.
Because this is essentially engineering work that calls for a professional surveyor, the Municipality of Medina should be formally commissioned to have its engineers conduct a technical survey, placing the required markers in accordance with what we have set forth, all under the supervision of Shaykh Muḥammad al-Ḥāfiẓ.
Let me add, for the sake of completeness, that the sanctuary of Medina differs from the sanctuary of Mecca in three respects:
- Hunting within it and cutting its trees carry no compensatory penalty, unlike in Mecca.
- Whoever brings game into Medina from outside the sanctuary may keep it and slaughter it, as evidenced by the Prophet’s words: “Abu ʿUmayr, what happened to the little nughayr?”—again, unlike the ruling for Mecca.
- It is permissible to cut whatever farmers need for agricultural tools and riding equipment, such as yokes and the like.
Such are the results of our study and our written findings after thorough investigation and diligent effort. Allah is the One whose assistance is sought; He is sufficient for us and the best Guardian. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muḥammad, his family, and all his Companions.
Committee for the Demarcation of the Boundaries of Medina