What is the ruling on boasting about residing in Makkah and al-Madinah and committing sins therein?

The questioner : Yes. The sanctity of Makkah is well known, and so is the one who manages it, O Shaykh. Some people used to boast about it and commit sins, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : We ask Allah for safety.

The questioner : My brother.

The Shaykh : This is a mistake. A place does not make a person happy; happiness comes from the mindfulness of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Being close to the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) does not benefit the one who is near it; what benefits is following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). But this is ignorance from the ignorant people. They say, "That is enough, I am from the people of Makkah and in the vicinity of Allah (Mighty and Majestic)," and then they are negligent regarding sins. Glory be to Allah! If you are from the people of Makkah, respect it more. The same is said regarding al-Madinah.

The questioner : They say, O Shaykh, in al-Madinah, there are people who say that the one sleeping in al-Madinah is better than the one who is sinful.

The Shaykh : The one sleeping is better.

The questioner : Better than the one who commits sins and others.

The Shaykh : Yes, by Allah, it is an adornment. I say, if this statement is correct, then it is good. One goes to sleep at night and day in al-Madinah and says, "That is enough, it is better than worship." Sleep, without doubt, if it is for the purpose of strengthening oneself for the obedience of Allah, becomes an act of worship.