Chapter 45 – Entering Mecca
Nafi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
When Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came to Mecca, he would spend the night in Zi Tuwa (a valley), bathe, and then enter Mecca during the day, saying that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) used to do likewise. [597]
COMMENTARY:
Entering Mecca at night is permissible. However, entering during the day is more preferable.
It is related that in the year the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) entered into ihram from Jiranah, he entered Mecca at night. This narration indicates that entering at night is permissible.
Zi Tuwa: The name of a location on the pilgrimage route below Mecca, where there are wells.
Those coming for Hajj would bathe in those wells before entering Mecca.
From the narration of Ibn ‘Omar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) would enter Mecca from the upper seniyyah.
Related by Musaddad and Ibn Hanbal from Yahya: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) entered Mecca from Kida’, from Seniyyat al-Matha, and exited from the lower seniyyah.
Barmaki said: He exceeded both seniyyas of Mecca; the hadith of Musaddad is more complete.
According to a narration from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) would leave Medina by the way of Zuhluleyfe and enter through the way of Muarras. [599]
COMMENTARY:
Muarras is a place located six miles from Medina.
By "tree," Zuhluleyfe is meant. This narration indicates that it is desirable to enter Mecca from one route on pilgrimage (Hajj) or during festivals, and return by another route.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) entered Mecca on the day of its conquest through Kida, and during his pilgrimage he entered through Kuida. Urwa (may Allah be pleased with him) would enter with them both, but frequently passed through Kuida because it was closer to his home. [600]
COMMENTARY:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) entered Mecca on the day of its conquest through Kida, and during his pilgrimage he entered through Kuida. Urwa (may Allah be pleased with him) would enter through both of these routes, but frequently passed through the Kuida route because it was closer to his home. Kida and Kuida are two separate districts of Mecca.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) entered Mecca from the upper side [of the mountain] (from Kida’) and exited from the lower side (from Quda’).