This excerpt is taken from Sheikh al-Islam Imam Ibn Taymiyyah's book Al-Jawab al-Bahir fi Zuwar al-Maqabir, translated by Sheikh Ataullah Saqib.
Purity and sanctity are related to human character, not to any land
Consider carefully that when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established brotherhood between the Muhajireen and Ansar, Salman al-Farsi and Abu Darda رضي الله عنهما became brothers. Abu Darda was in Damascus and Salman al-Farsi was in Iraq. Abu Darda wrote to Salman al-Farsi رضي الله عنهما inviting him to come to the sacred land. In response, Salman al-Farsi رضي الله عنه sent a message worthy of being written in golden letters. He said:
”إن الأرض لا تقدس أحدا وإنما يقدس الرجل عمله“
“The sacred land does not make anyone pure; rather, it is a person’s character that makes him sacred.”
Reference: Muwatta Imam Malik (769/2) Kitab al-Wasiyyah - Hilyat al-Awliya by Abu Nu'aym (1/205)
Residing on the borders for jihad is better than living in Mecca and Medina
Scholars agree that residing in the Two Holy Sanctuaries is less virtuous than engaging in jihad for Islam at the borders. For the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, residing in Madinah Munawwarah for migration and jihad was preferable. Allah Almighty created all creatures. He alone grants them guidance and sustenance and provides help. No one other than Allah owns even the smallest particle.
