Visitors of the Holy city are not allowed to hunt pigeons. Violators must sacrifice a cattle for every pigeon killed.
Pigeons in Mecca get special treatment. They have privileged position compared to other birds.
Even attacking their eggs is illegal in Mecca.
Why do these pigeons get all these privileges?
Scholars trace it back three prime beliefs.
1- These pigeons are believed to be descendants of the pigeon that protected Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the Cave of Hira.
2- These birds are said to be descendants of the pigeons that protected the Kaaba during Abraha’s attack.
3- They guided Prophet Noah during the devastating flood.
COURTESY: Al Arabiya English.
