It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: This Makkah Mukarramah is a sanctuary; Allah Almighty made it a sanctuary on the day He created the heavens and the earth, and He placed it upon two wooden beams (rafters). Before me and after me, it has not been made lawful for anyone, and for me too, it was made lawful only for a part of the day. Its thorns are not to be uprooted, its game is not to be frightened away, its grass and herbs are not to be cut, and nothing fallen in it is to be picked up except by one who will announce it. Hazrat Abbas submitted: O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! The people of Makkah cannot do without idhkhir (a type of grass) for construction purposes (they will surely cut it). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Except for idhkhir (it may be cut).