The Hanbalis state that there is discussion regarding the issue of selling the lands of Makkah; what is the stronger position on selling its lands?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: The Hanbalis (may Allah have mercy on them) mention the selling of the lands of Makkah, and that there is discussion in this issue. What is the stronger position on selling its lands?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with selling the lands of Makkah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked when Allah opened Makkah for him. They said: Will you descend tomorrow to your house? He said: Has 'Aqil left us any lands or houses?
Because 'Aqil ibn Abi Talib sold the properties of the Quraysh, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) validated this sale and did not invalidate it. This indicates the permissibility of selling the houses and lands of Makkah. Otherwise, Makkah would not have been developed; if it had been left as it was, where selling was not permissible, it would not have been developed. So there is no objection to that, and praise be to Allah. Do you take these tall buildings and say, "This is lawful for us"? No, this is not permissible. Yes.