Saudi Arabia to destroy Prophet Mohammed’s tomb

Carlos the Jackal

The key Islamic heritage site, including Prophet Mohammed’s shrine, is to be bulldozed, as Saudi Arabia plans a $ 6 billion expansion of Medina’s holy Masjid an-Nabawi Mosque. However, Muslims remain silent on the possible destruction.
­Work on the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, is planned to start as soon as the annual Hajj pilgrimage comes to a close at the end of November.
“After the Hajj this year, in one months’ time, the bulldozers will move in and will start to demolish the last part of Mecca, the grand mosque which is at least 1,000 years old,” Dr. Irfan Alawi of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, told RT.
After the reconstruction, the mosque is expected to become the world’s largest building, with a capacity for 1.6 million people.
And while the need to expand does exist as more pilgrims are flocking to holy sites every year, nothing has been said on how the project will affect the surroundings of the mosque, also historic sites.
Concerns are growing that the expansion of Masjid an-Nabawi will come at the price of three of the world’s oldest mosques nearby, which hold the tombs of Prophet Mohammed and two of his closest companions, Abu Bakr and Umar. The expansion project which will cost 25 billion SAR (more than US $6 billion) reportedly requires razing holy sites, as old as the seventh century.
The Saudis insist that colossal expansion of both Mecca and Medina is essential to make a way for the growing numbers of pilgrims. Both Mecca and Medina host 12 million visiting pilgrims each year and this number is expected to increase to 17 million by 2025.
Authorities and hotel developers are working hard to keep pace, however, the expansions have cost the oldest cities their historical surroundings as sky scrapers, luxury hotels and shopping malls are being erected amongst Islamic heritage.
A room in a hotel or apartment in a historic area may cost up to $ 500 per night. And that’s all in or near Mecca, a place where the Prophet Mohammed insisted all Muslims would be equal.
“They just want to make a lot of money from the super-rich elite pilgrims, but for the poor pilgrims it is getting very expensive and they cannot afford it,”
Dr. Irfan Al Alawi said.
Jabal Omar complex – a 40 tower ensemble – is being depicted as a new pearl of Mecca. When complete, it will consist of six five star hotels, seven 39 storey residential towers offering 520 restaurants, 4, 360 commercial and retail shops.
But to build this tourist attraction the Saudi authorities destroyed the Ottoman era Ajyad Fortress and the hill it stood on.
The Washington-based Gulf Institute estimated that 95 percent of sacred sites and shrines in the two cities have been destroyed in the past twenty years.
The Prophet’s birthplace was turned into a library and the house of his first wife, Khadijah, was replaced with a public toilet block.
Also the expansion and development might threaten many locals homes, but so far most Muslims have remained silent on the issue.
“Mecca is a holy sanctuary as stated in the Quran it is no ordinary city. The Muslims remain silent against the Saudi Wahhabi destruction because they fear they will not be allowed to visit the Kindom again,” said Dr. Al Alawi.
The fact that there is no reaction on possible destruction has raised talks about hypocrisy because Muslims are turning a blind eye to that their faith people are going to ruin sacred sites.
“Some of the Sunni channels based in the United Kingdom are influenced by Saudi petro dollars and dare not to speak against the destruction, but yet are one of the first to condemn the movie made by non Muslims,” Dr. Al Alawi said.

http://rt.com/news/saudi-arabia-prophet-mosque-615/

Carlos the Jackal

If it wasnt already its now crystal clear who controls the wahabbi/salafi movement - zionist scumbags. Someone needs to put a stop to this

charlemont

Interesting stuff but it always appeared to me that the House of Saud just uses Islam for its own purposes. Wouldn't have any respect for the Wahhabism they preach anyway.

brimal

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

If it wasnt already its now crystal clear who controls the wahabbi/salafi movement - zionist scumbags. Someone needs to put a stop to this

Could you please explain your rather blunt phrase "zionist scumbags"?

Thanks

Sulla Felix

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

If it wasnt already its now crystal clear who controls the wahabbi/salafi movement - zionist scumbags. Someone needs to put a stop to this

Yes, because honest to Allah Muslims just wouldn't do something like this. Ever heard of the No True Scotsman fallacy?

Anyway, looks to be an act of cultural and historical vandalism. Unfortunately the Saud family can do pretty much what it wants for geopolitical reasons. I doubt you'll even see much condemnation of this from official western/international channels.

donaghs

This has been going on for ages. This article from last year points out that: "When the Wahabis took Mecca in the 1920s they destroyed the dome on top of the house where the Prophet Mohammed was born."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mecca-for-the-rich-islams-holiest-site-turning-into-vegas-2360114.html

But as this other good article mentions, all sorts of destruction can be justified by this interpretation of Islam: " Wahabis are obsessed with idol worship and believe visiting graves, shrines or historical sites that are associated with the Prophet encourages shirq (the worship of false gods)".

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/why-dont-more-muslims-speak-out-against-the-wanton-destruction-of-meccas-holy-sites-8229682.html

But, "The rampant commercialism meanwhile is inspired by something much simpler – greed."

wes

The Saudi's simply have far to much money for anyone to stop what there doing. They have complete control of the country and 0 respect for there own history.

irishconvert

This article is not accurate. I think the writer got confused as they initially refer to Madina, then Mecca when they quote Dr Alawi:

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

The key Islamic heritage site, including Prophet Mohammed’s shrine, is to be bulldozed, as Saudi Arabia plans a $ 6 billion expansion of Medina’s holy Masjid an-Nabawi Mosque.However, Muslims remain silent on the possible destruction.
­Work on the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, is planned to start as soon as the annual Hajj pilgrimage comes to a close at the end of November.
“After the Hajj this year, in one months’ time, the bulldozers will move in and will start to demolish the last part of Mecca, the grand mosque which is at least 1,000 years old,” Dr. Irfan Alawi of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, told RT.

antoniolgj

brimal wrote: »

Could you please explain your rather blunt phrase "zionist scumbags"?

Thanks

Yep, an explanation is really needed here. To me this is not only an blunt phrase but also anti-Semitic.

I'm sure boards.ie won't tolerate this kind of speech here, will they?

oceanclub

antoniolgj wrote: »

Yep, an explanation is really needed here. To me this is not only an blunt phrase but also anti-Semitic.

I'm sure boards.ie won't tolerate this kind of speech here, will they?

If Jews are so clever that they secretly control Saudi Arabia, the Arab world really should just give up.

P.

Carlos the Jackal

antoniolgj wrote: »

Yep, an explanation is really needed here. To me this is not only an blunt phrase but also anti-Semitic.

I'm sure boards.ie won't tolerate this kind of speech here, will they?

How is it in any way anti-semetic? Zionism is a supremacist political ideology. There are many non-Jewish Zionists and many Jews who are opposed to Zionism.

oceanclub

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

How is it in any way anti-semetic? Zionism is a supremacist political ideology. There are many non-Jewish Zionists and many Jews who are opposed to Zionism.

It is anti-Semitic when one indulges in conspiracy theories involving Zionism that ascribe all the evils of the world to it, including all evils perpertrated by extremist Islam.

P.

Carlos the Jackal

irishconvert wrote: »

This article is not accurate. I think the writer got confused as they initially refer to Madina, then Mecca when they quote Dr Alawi:

It seems to be a simple slip of the tongue on the behalf of Dr. Alawi. The article does state that there will be work going on in both Makkah and Madinah

"The Saudis insist that colossal expansion of both Mecca and Medina is essential to make a way for the growing numbers of pilgrims. Both Mecca and Medina host 12 million visiting pilgrims each year and this number is expected to increase to 17 million by 2025."

Carlos the Jackal

oceanclub wrote: »

It is anti-Semitic when one indulges in conspiracy theories involving Zionism that ascribe all the evils of the world to it, including all evils perpertrated by extremist Islam.

P.

anti-Zionism is not anti-semitism, it never was and never will be.

antoniolgj

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

anti-Zionism is not anti-semitism, it never was and never will be.

Keep saying that, with time even you will believe in it...

PS. I see that you not only reject "Zionism" but also the state of Israel... I think we have seen enough...

oceanclub

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

anti-Zionism is not anti-semitism, it never was and never will be.

I never said it was, but nevertheless there can be an overlap and some people use anti-Zionism as a cover for their anti-Semitism, attempting to pin all the evils of the world onto 7 million people.

P.

Carlos the Jackal

antoniolgj wrote: »

Keep saying that, with time even you will believe in it...

Please do enlighten me as to how anti-Zionism is anti-semitic?

Carlos the Jackal

oceanclub wrote: »

I never said it was, but nevertheless there can be an overlap and some people use anti-Zionism as a cover for their anti-Semitism, attempting to pin all the evils of the world onto 7 million people.

P.

http://www.jewsnotzionists.org/

I have absolutely no problem with Jews or Judaism in general, on the contrary I have quite a few friends who are Jewish.

And where are you getting the 7 million number from? the worldwide Jewish population numbers around 13 million.

hivizman

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

It seems to be a simple slip of the tongue on the behalf of Dr. Alawi. The article does state that there will be work going on in both Makkah and Madinah

"The Saudis insist that colossal expansion of both Mecca and Medina is essential to make a way for the growing numbers of pilgrims. Both Mecca and Medina host 12 million visiting pilgrims each year and this number is expected to increase to 17 million by 2025."

I've also read in other places that there are plans for redevelopment and massive expansion at both Mecca and Medina.

The tomb of Muhammad (and Abu Bakr and Umar) is embedded within the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina. Unless the whole site is flattened, there is no reason why the tomb should be destroyed. However, when the Saudis captured Medina in the early 1920s, some of the more rigid Wahhabis wanted the tomb to be demolished to prevent its becoming a focus of prayer (Wahhabism holds that veneration of historical sites can lead to shirk, with Muslims praying to created beings rather than to the Creator).

For further information, see the Wikipedia article on the destruction of early Islamic heritage sites.

oceanclub

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

http://www.jewsnotzionists.org/

I have absolutely no problem with Jews or Judaism in general, on the contrary I have quite a few friends who are Jewish.

And where are you getting the 7 million number from? the worldwide Jewish population numbers around 13 million.

7 million = population of Israel.

I'm well aware that (a) not all Jews are Zionist and (b) criticism of Zionism is not necessarily anti-Semitism. You can stop posting images to prove this point.

Again, I repeat myself; blaming all the sins of the world, including acts by Saudi Arabia, on Zionists is a conspiracy theory that bolsters the anti-Semitic myth of Jewish hegenomy.

P.

Siuin

How the hell did this become a thread about Jews?!
Anyone who believes any of these 'Zionist Conspiracies' is seriously mentally deranged- as much as everyone loves to blame Jews for all the problems of the world, we're unfortunately not QUITE that powerful...!

Carlos the Jackal

oceanclub wrote: »

7 million = population of Israel.

I'm well aware that (a) not all Jews are Zionist and (b) criticism of Zionism is not necessarily anti-Semitism. You can stop posting images to prove this point.

Again, I repeat myself; blaming all the sins of the world, including acts by Saudi Arabia, on Zionists is a conspiracy theory that bolsters the anti-Semitic myth of Jewish hegenomy.

P.

where have I done that? I said this specific event is being carried out in accord with a zionist agenda, I didnt mention anything else. Would you call me a conspiracy theorist for saying Saudi Arabia has a conservative agenda, or a right wing agenda? No

Siuin

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

where have I done that? I said this specific event is being carried out in accord with a zionist agenda, I didnt mention anything else. Would you call me a conspiracy theorist for saying Saudi Arabia has a conservative agenda, or a right wing agenda? No

Are you for real?!
Surprised you're not blaming aliens too while you're at it :rolleyes:

Carlos the Jackal

Siuin wrote: »

How the hell did this become a thread about Jews?!
Anyone who believes any of these 'Zionist Conspiracies' is seriously mentally deranged- as much as everyone loves to blame Jews for all the problems of the world, we're unfortunately not QUITE that powerful...!

It didnt. Its about the saudi Regime (whom I believe to have a zionist agenda) destroying important historical sites.

As I've pointed out already, zionism does not equal Judaism,

As Ive pointed out already, I have no problem with Jews or Judaism.

Carlos the Jackal

Siuin wrote: »

Are you for real?!
Surprised you're not blaming aliens too while you're at it :rolleyes:

Please do point out for everyone to see what else I allegedly blamed zionism for.

Siuin

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

Please do point out for everyone to see what else I allegedly blamed zionism for.

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

If it wasnt already its now crystal clear who controls the wahabbi/salafi movement - zionist scumbags. Someone needs to put a stop to this

Oh please, let's not complicate matters here- what you blame Jews for.
The Arab world has already had 'mossad' sharks, an eagle which was a 'Zionist spy' and even Zionist infiltrators which took on the forms of squirrels and pidgeons-all they're missing is a unicorn and some fairy dust and tah dah! They'll be ready to take you with them to Never Never Land!

oceanclub

Carlos the Jackal wrote: »

It didnt. Its about the saudi Regime (whom I believe to have a zionist agenda) destroying important historical sites.

P.

wes

I think perhaps the "Zionist" discussion needs to be dropped. I am no fan of Zionism, but the Saudi regimes, motivation come from there own extremist take on Islam, Wahhabism. That has been there motivation from the start of there regime.

Carlos the Jackal

Siuin wrote: »

Oh please, let's not complicate matters here- what you blame Jews for.
The Arab world has already had 'mossad' sharks, an eagle which was a 'Zionist spy' and even Zionist infiltrators which took on the forms of squirrels and pidgeons-all they're missing is a unicorn and some fairy dust and tah dah! They'll be ready to take you with them to Never Never Land!

Let me dissect the nonsense you just posted.

1. Why are you quoting that post? I openly admit I believe the saudi regime (i.e. the leaders of the wahabbi movement) to have a zionist agenda. If you cant point out an instance of me 'blaming everything on zionism' then I ask that you retract your statement.

2. Where have I blamed Jews for anything? I have repeatedly said that my argument is with Zionism and NOT Jews or Judaism.

3. i'm not arab so I dont give a toss about what certain arabs say.

4. I've never heard of any of those claims before. I assume you can back them up with reliable sources and citation?

Carlos the Jackal

oceanclub wrote: »

P.

Oh well done, you've utterly refuted my point using facts and reliable sources.

tfitzgerald

I think it's all the queens fault:)