Excellence of Salah offered in Makkah

Q: Is the reward for offering Salah (Prayer) anywhere in Makkah multiplied the same as that offered in Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah)? Is the punishment for committing sins in Makkah multiplied just like the reward for good deeds?

A: 1- There is a disagreement among the scholars concerning this issue. (Part No. 6; Page No. 224) However, the most preponderant opinion is that rewards are multiplied anywhere in the Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah), because in its entirety it is called Al-Masjid Al-Haram in the Qur’an and Sunnah. 2- As for sins, they are not multiplied in terms of their number either in Makkah or anywhere else. Sins are multiplied in terms of their kind and manner, which vary in intensity and gravity depending on the time and place where they are committed. For example, gravity of sins increases if they are committed during Ramadan, in the Sacred Sanctuary, in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and the like. Allah (Glorified be He) says: Whoever brings a good deed (Islâmic Monotheism and deeds of obedience to Allâh and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم) shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed (polytheism, disbelief, hypocrisy, and deeds of disobedience to Allâh and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم) shall have only the recompense of the like thereof There are many Sahih (authentic) Hadiths to the same effect.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.