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In this respect it is advisable to note that the Sacred Ka'ba is an exceedingly
august and sublime place. Allah the Exalted has drawn three circles around
it as a sign of its veneration. There are some distinct and specific dictates
relating to every circle thereof. The first circle is that of 'Masjid-ul-Haram'
(the Mosque around Ka'ba), in the centre of which Baitullah is situated.
Next to Baitullah, the place held to be the most distinguished and venerable
is the place which has been encircled by 'Masjid-ul-Haram'. Related to
this place there are many particular precepts but as they have no special
relation with Ihram they need not be mentioned here. The 2nd circle is
that of the boundaries of Haram. This circle is formed by some fixed territorial
around Mecca where some marks of the boundries of Haram have been raised.
The distance of these boundries of Haram from Mecca is three miles from
one side, nine from another, and some what more or less from other sides.
People living within this circle are named as 'Ahl-e-Haram' (the people
of the sacred place). The 3rd circle is that of the Mawaqit mentioned
here before. People living within the 2nd circle that is to say with in
the boundaries of Haram are called Ahl-e-Haram while those who live outside
the Haram but within the circle of Mawaqit, they are called 'Ahl-e-Hill'
(people of the place of admissibilities).
The inhabitants of out-side the precincts of Mawaqit are known as Ahl-e-Afaq.
Regarding Ihram, particular instructions for Ahl-e-Afaq have already
been explained that whenever they intend to go Mecca they are under obligation
of wearing 'Ihram' before the time they step forward beyond the precincts
of Miqat or their confronting points. This obligation is irrespective
of one's intention being for the purpose of 'Hajj' and 'Umra' or for some
commercial purposes or in order to pay a visit to friends etc.
For the inhabitants of 2nd circle that is to say for persons living within
the Miqat boundaries but outside the precincts of Haram, (who are called
Ahl-e-Hill), the rule of action in this respect is that in case they intend
to go to Mecca for the Purpose of 'Hajj' or 'Umra' they are to wear 'Ihram',
at the time they leave their home or at the most before reaching the precincts
of Haram. If their proceeding to Mecca is for some commercial purposes
or for any other need, they are not obliged to observe 'Ihram' formality.
They can go to Mecca without Ihram whenever they like.
The inhabitants of the first circle, that is to say the persons living
within the precincts of Haram, are also under no restrictions of 'Ihram'.
When they desire to perform 'Umra' they should go outside the precincts
of Haram and wear Ihram. When they intend to perform Hajj they are to
wear 'Ihram' from the Haram itself.
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