Q 1: I bought pigeons in Jeddah, and brought them into Makkah where they were slaughtered and eaten. Am I sinful for what I did?Is it permissible to slaughter pigeons inside Makkah?

A: It is Haram (prohibited) to hunt pigeons inside Makkah for fear that they may be pigeons that fly inside the Haram of Makkah Al-Mukaramah, as the Hadith authentically reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has made Makkah as a Haram, and so it was not lawful for anyone else before or after me, rather it has been made lawful for me (only for) an hour of the day. In Makkah, its surroundings should not be disturbed, its trees not plucked, its birds not hunted or frightened, and its Luqatah (a lost item found by someone else) should not be taken except by one who would search for its owner. Related by Al-Bukhari and others. As for private-owned pigeons and those brought from outside Makkah, whether bought or hunted - but not hunted by a Muhrim (pilgrim in the ceremonial state for Hajj and `Umrah) himself or assisted in its hunting - there is nothing wrong with eating such pigeons.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.