Is the cutting of thorns (shawk) and sidr bushes (awsaaj) in the Sacred Precinct (Haram) forbidden?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The cutting of thorns (shawk) and sidr bushes (awsaaj) within the Sacred Precinct is forbidden. The evidence for this ruling is the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Its trees shall not be cut down." Furthermore, there is a narration from Abu Hurayrah stating: "Its thorns shall not be plucked." Since the majority of the trees within the Haram are thorny, the Prophet's prohibition on cutting its trees, which are predominantly thorns, clearly indicates their prohibition.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi and Abu Al-Khattab hold that cutting thorns is not forbidden. This view is narrated from 'Ata, Mujahid, 'Amr ibn Dinar, and Al-Shafi'i. Their reasoning is that thorns cause harm by their nature, making them analogous to predatory animals.