Is hunting, taking trees, or grass from Medina prohibited?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The hunting of the city of Medina, its trees, and its vegetation are prohibited. This ruling is held by Malik and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is the authenticated narration from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Al-Madinah is a sanctuary (Haram) between Thawr and Uhud." This is supported by narrations from Abu Hurayrah, Rafi', Abdullah ibn Zayd, Sa'd, Jabir, and Anas, indicating a comprehensive prohibition similar in status to the sanctuaries of the Haram, which were accepted and acted upon.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa holds that it is not prohibited. He argues that if it were prohibited, the Prophet, peace be upon him, would have declared it with a general declaration, and a penalty (Jaza') would have been obligatory, just as it is for the hunting of the Haram.