What is the ruling on grazing sheep in Makkah and gathering firewood for heating?

Question : The questioner asks: What is the ruling on grazing sheep in Makkah, and likewise gathering firewood for warmth? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer : Yes, grazing sheep in Makkah, as well as camels, cattle, and others, is permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was on his mount, and his Companions were likewise on their mounts, and he offered one hundred camels as a gift during the Farewell Pilgrimage, all of which were grazing. However, you must not gather grass for them; let them graze with their own mouths. As for firewood, if the tree is dry and dead, there is no harm in taking it, because it is no longer a tree. But if it is one of the trees that dries out in the hot days and comes back to life in the winter days, do not touch it, even if it is dry, because its interior has not dried out. But if you know that it has ended, its veins have broken, and it has dried out, then there is no harm in taking it and warming yourself with it.