Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

Abu Shurayh Khuwaylid ibn ‘Amr al-Khuzā‘i al-‘Adawi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he said to ‘Amr ibn Sa‘īd ibn al-‘Ās, when the latter was sending troops to Makkah (to fight ‘Abdullāh ibn Az-Zubayr): "O Commander, allow me to tell you what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said on the day following the Conquest of Makkah. My ears heard it, my heart understood it thoroughly, and I saw it with my own eyes when he spoke it.

He glorified Allah and praised Him then said: 'It was Allah, the Almighty, and not the people, who made Makkah a sanctuary, so it is impermissible for anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day to shed blood in it or to cut down its trees.

If someone argues that fighting in it is permissible because the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fought in it, say to him: 'Allah gave permission to His Messenger and did not give permission to you.' Allah only gave me permission for a few hours of daytime, and its sanctity today is as it was yesterday.

So, let those who are present inform those who are absent (of what I just said)." Abu Shurayh was asked: "What did he say to you?" He replied: He said: "O Abu Shurayh, I know better than you in this respect. Makkah does not give protection to a sinner, a fugitive murderer, or a thief."