The ruling on transferring the deceased to Makkah

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, some Bedouins say that when righteous people die, there are angels who transfer them to Makkah, even if they were buried in a place other than the Sacred House, and that this is for the purpose of burying them there. What is the validity of this statement? They mention some reports (athar) from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in this regard.

Answer:
As far as I know, nothing has been established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding this, nor that angels transfer the deceased to Makkah to bury them there. As far as I know, nothing has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on this matter. Their deeds, whether they are buried in Makkah or in any place on earth, they have nothing but their deeds. Places do not sanctify anyone, ever. Rather, what benefits a person is his deed, whether he is buried in the desert, in the sea, in Makkah, in al-Madinah, or in any place in the lands of Allah and the earth of Allah. This does not benefit a person except his deed. It is true that burial in the sacred lands is desirable if it can be done without hardship or difficulty; it is good and desirable. But if one goes to the trouble or incurs hardships in doing so, there is no blame, but there is no need for it. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to die in the East, in the West, and in every place, and they were buried in their places, despite their virtue and honor. They were not transferred to [Makkah], and this indicates something to the Muslims. As for what is in the question about angels transferring [the deceased], I do not know any basis for it.