Q 2: Is there anything special about the pigeons of Makkah and Al-Madinah ?

A: There is nothing special about the pigeons of Makkah and Al-Madinah, except that they must not be hunted or disturbed, as long as they are within the boundaries of Al-Haram (the Sanctuary), based on the general meaning of the Hadith that states: “Allah made Makkah a sanctuary; it was not made lawful for anyone before me and it will not be made lawful for anyone after me. It was only made lawful for me (i.e. I was allowed to fight there) for an hour of a day. Its shrubs should not be uprooted, its trees cut down, or its game disturbed.” (Related by Al-Bukhari) He (peace be upon him) also said, “Ibrahim (peace be upon him) made Makkah a sanctuary; and I made Madinah - the area between its two tracts of black stones - a sanctuary. None of its thorny trees should be cut down and none of its game should be hunted.” (Related by Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.