We all understand that there are many disputes among scholars of islam on this topic. But you must understand that the disputes are about between “More” and “Even More”.
No one is saying that there is no reward or even less reward. The disputes are only about how great the reward is.
And that’s why you should not care about the disputes and maximize your time in the Haram. Pray, make dua, recite the quran. And dont think Allah Rabbul Alameen who’s another name is Al-Ghani (The Abundant) will measure before giving you rewards. In sha allah, he will give you rewards as you intended.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said –
“Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am.”
Rewards for Praying at Masjid Al Haram
Let’s start with this hadith
Evidence: Narrations Establishing the Reward
The reward for praying in Al-Masjid al-Haram is established by several reports:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except the Sacred Mosque, and one prayer in the Sacred Mosque is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.
One narration states: “One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers anywhere else except Al-Masjid Al-Haram; one prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is one hundred times better [than the Prophet’s Mosque].”
A different report from Anas ibn Malik suggests the increase in the Mosque of the Prophet is fifty thousand.
– Ibn Majah
Authenticity: Evaluation of the Reports
The strength of these narrations varies significantly according to the provided texts:
- The 100,000x Reward: This multiplication is considered authentic (Sahih or Hasan). Scholars like Al-Mundhiri and Al-Busayri classed the chain as authentic. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani mentions that Bazzar stated this narration is Hasan (fair/good).
- The 50,000x Reward: This figure is deemed weak. It is mentioned that its chain of narrators includes Abu al-Khattab al-Dimashqi, whose state is not known. Furthermore, it opposes numbers stipulated in much stronger narratives.
Understanding the Scale of Authenticity
In the context of these documents, a “weak” narration means the report’s chain is unreliable or contains unknown individuals, making it unsuitable for establishing definitive rulings. An authentic (Sahih) or fair (Hasan) narration is one that is clearly established and supported by reliable chains of narrators.
Views of the Scholars
The primary schools of Islamic jurisprudence interpret the scope of this reward as follows:
Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi`i: The majority view within these schools is that the multiplied reward applies to the entire Haram (sanctuary) of Makkah. They argue the term “Al-Masjid al-Haram” denotes the whole area where hunting is prohibited, as the entire Haram is considered a mosque.
Hanbali and Specific Shafi`i Views: Some scholars, including Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and certain Hanbali jurists, hold that the multiplication is unique specifically to the mosque building containing the Ka’bah and its modern enlargements.
Final Verdict
Based on the strongest evidence provided, a single prayer in Al-Masjid al-Haram is worth 100,000 prayers. While a report exists mentioning a 50,000x reward, it is considered weak and is not clearly established.
Despite disagreements between schools of thought regarding whether the reward is limited to the building or covers the whole city, the core reward of 100,000x remains a reliable promise.
In practice, because Allah’s bounty is vast and scholars suggest the broad view facilitates ease for pilgrims, one should expect the best from Allah and assume the maximum reward.
The Boundaries of the Multiplied Reward in Makkah
Scholars disagree on whether the 100,000x reward is limited to the physical mosque or the entire city.
Scholarly Interpretations of “Masjid al-Haram”
The term “Masjid al-Haram” has four possible meanings in Islamic jurisprudence:
- The Kabah: Only the structure of the Kabah itself.
- The Surrounding Mosque: The Ka`bah and the immediate building, including all modern expansions and enlargements.
- The City of Makkah: The entire residential city of Makkah.
- The Whole Haram Zone: The entire “inviolable” sanctuary area where hunting and cutting trees are prohibited.
The Majority vs. Specific Views
- The Broad View (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi`i): The well-known position among these schools is that the reward includes the entire Haram zone. This view is supported by the fact that the Prophet (ﷺ) would stay outside the sanctuary at Hudaybiyah but enter the Haram boundaries specifically to pray.
- The Specific View: Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and Ibn ‘Uthaymin argue the reward is unique only to the mosque building where congregational prayers are held. They cite narrations that specifically name the “Mosque of the Ka’bah” rather than the whole city.
What Should be Your View
It is entirely up to you. The scholars have given their opinion. Both sides have very strong opinions. Whatever you choose, Allah will have mercy on you if you do it with the right intent.