at Masjid al Haram. Mecca, Saudi Arabia.]]The Arabic term has a meaning of "sanctuary" or "holy site" in Islam. Etymology The Arabic language has two separate words, and , both derived from the same triliteral Semitic root . Both of these words can mean "forbidden" and/or "sacred" in a general way, but each has also developed some specialized meanings. A third related word derived from the same root, , most directly corresponds to English "harem". This article covers the word (with short vowels in the singular form). Protected zone As used in Islamic urban planning, the word () means "inviolate zone", an important aspect of urban planning in Muslim civilization. Such protected areas were sanctuaries, or places where contending parties could settle disputes peacefully. Towns were usually built near a river which provided d

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