Makkah and Medinah are the two cities in Saudi Arabia which you can say have a special protected status prohibiting non-muslims from entering their boundaries. In fact, the boundaries are clearly marked so there should be no confusion to a non-muslim whether entering into the prohibited area. So the question is, do any non-Muslims actually go to Makkah or Medinah? The answer may surprise some of you for it is Yes. But before jumping to wrong conclusions here, because unless one is a muslim one SHOULD NOT cross the boundaries, I’ll explain how this does happen. And, some of you might be surprised.
Now I can only share what I know and there could be other cases or examples. However the several cases in which I am aware of a non-muslim entering into the sanctity of Makkah are all at the personal invitation of a Saudi. It seems that it is not unusual that in the cases of where a Saudi and non-muslim foreigner have become friends, some Saudis in turn have invited their friend to come with them to Makkah in order to better understand the rites of Islam and see the Grand Mosque (Haram). Yes, these Saudis are aware that what they have done is prohibited and could have serious repercussions. They probably also realize that as long as one conforms and does not do anything to stand out, he or she is unlikely to be challenged in either Makkah or Medinah if one is really muslim or not. That would be rather tacky when you think about it, preparing to enter the Grand Mosque (Haram) and asked to show identification confirming you are a muslim.
One particular case brought to my attention highlights though the sensitivity and serious repercussions that could happen. A non-muslim expat and a Saudi national worked together and became very close friends. They both worked for a high profile institute. The expat accompanied his Saudi friend to Makkah where together they performed the ritual of Umrah. When back at work, the expat was sharing his experience of being able to see the Grand Mosque (Haram), what it felt like to go through the motions of Umrah and seeing the devoted (muslims) from all around the world. Not surprisingly news of this trip made its way to a very senior official of the institution. Both the Saudi national and the non-muslim expat were called to the executive offices. They were both severely chastised on their poor judgment in violating the law, culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia. The official reminded them that such actions can not only harm them as individuals but also the institution and its reputation. Everyone in the institution received a warning on the consequences if anyone else were to even think of committing a similar act.
In another incident I had a non-muslim expat tell me how he accompanied a Saudi friend to Makkah and Medinah to perform Hajj. It is not unusual for some Saudis to simply go and perform Hajj in an “informal” capacity; ie, not staying in the tent city with the other Hajjis but having their own independent program. The expat was instructed to stick very close to his Saudi friend and “follow him.” Similar to the expat and his umrah experience, the expat who “performed” and observed the rites of Hajj had similar feelings and emotions.
Neither of these individuals converted to Islam after their experience. Although both felt they had an even greater appreciation for Islam and the dedication of muslims to their faith.
Filed under: islam, religion, Saudi Arabia, travel, Uncategorized
EID MUBARAK!
This was an interesting post. I always thought that in order to actually enter the cities you had to provide proof that you were actually a muslim before they even let you in the gates so to speak.
I’ve never really gotten the hoopla about not allowing nonmuslims into those 2 cities. I’m assuming it has to do with rulings based on religious texts, but I can hardly imagine it making a difference in the grand scheme of things. I figure there are most likely already nonmuslims actually living there, not just visiting. Its not like every saudi/arab/pakistani/etc is muslim despite the IDs stating they are. I’m sure there is a fair share of closet atheists/agnostics/bahais/convertstowhatever living there so who cares.
On a side note, I’m not really sure if this is true or not but I read somewhere that there was some kind of a seige on a masjid in mekkah or medina once and the Saudis allowed in European (nonmuslim) troops to handle the situation so why the exceptions?
wow the only one I knew was about Richard Francis Burton.
I always thought this was one of the most ridiculous laws, because it’s unenforceable. Of course, it’s a standard that’s well known, but that’s not going to stop people from going who really want to.
Back in the days when Little-Hning went to religious schools, they told her that non-muslims who entered the Holy Grounds would grow feathers and scales and snouts the moment they cross the boundaries. Now I know that there’s a different kind of paranoia to add from society too!
Thanks for clearing that out for me.
I am so gonna forward this post to a number of very curious non-muslim friends of mine. And if any of us got in trouble, I have your post to blame. “She told me it’s okay!!”
Hehe.
Bless you on your Lebaran Day
While I am sure Hning your comment is made in a jovial manner, i AM NOT saying it is OKAY for non-muslims to go to Makkah or Medinah. This is one issue I am not prepared to joke about for it is a serious subject.
Please accept my apologies.
Hning – apology graciously accepted. Thank you!
Hi Tulip,
To answer your question, enroute to Makkah on the highways there are security checkpoints. But in most cases one is simply waved through and seldom challenged for id. Prior to these security checkpoints are exits stating “non-muslims” so the inference is everyone entering through these checkpoints are muslim. I’m not sure what would happen if a vehicle were full of fair haired expats as to whether they would be asked for id or not. It does clearly state on ones visa and iqama whether or not one is muslim.
You are also likely referring to “The Siege of Makkah” when Makkah (as in the Haram) was overtaken by extremists. If you check out my book review page you will find a book review done on this non-fiction book.
Maya – when I read your post I had a vision of someone who had entered Makkah as a non-Muslim and it was judgement day… and they had to explain why they did what they did and why they should still be allowed into Paradise as a result…
I find it interesting that part of being a Muslim is to do dua…or call people to islam with beautiful preaching etc….on the other hand..
A short list of what non muslims cannot do…
marry muslims (if your a man…if your a woman your fair game for muslim men)
touch a Quran (chances are your “dirty” so lets have none of that)
visit our two holiest sites in hopes of getting a little inspiration (watch tv…get all the inspiration u need from there)
Say anything negative in any way about Islam…our Prophet…sahaba…and so forth (we are allowed to defend Islam with deadly force if necessary…even if we present ourselves as intolerant and somewhat crazy in the process)
And non muslim women cannot enter a mosque out of curiosity unless they don a hijab first…it matters little if they are wearing short sleeve shirts or maybe a knee length skirt…as long as their fitna inducing hair is covered (Ive seen groups of ladies visiting the Grand Mosque here…clothing comes in various fashions but they are all donning the hijab….why)
Sorry for the rant but i dont see how we are inviting non Muslims to Islam when we make so many no no’s for them before they even get a look in sideways…seems like we are quite happy to allow islam to be presented for the world on the nightly news…but cant stand the thought of a non muslim entering the holy sanctum or asking negative questions about our deen…sigh.
You raise some interesting and in my view, valid point, coolred. In regards to the anti-islamic, anti-muslim viewpoints that are perpetuating around, I think sadly muslims (perhaps with good intentions but no diplomacy) have aided and abeted these views from circulating.
I am sure the non-Muslims who took the trouble to go to Makkah and partake of the rituals did so with an attitude of curiosity and respect.
Many non-Muslims scoff at the ban against their entering the
holy places, just as many Muslims would like to invite them. Naturally, we Muslims love our holy places and know they cannot fail to impress the hearts of anyone who sees them. However, part of the mystique of those places is due to the fact that non-Muslims are not allowed.
When groups of people gather with single-minded purpose, especially spiritual purpose, the energy of their combined devotions multiplies exponentially. When a Muslim enters the Haram, he/she joins the group of every other person present.
Part of the invitation to Islam is to teach that the holy places are different from all other places on earth, and to accept that only Muslims go there. We go there to pray according to the teachings of Islam.
Bedu, I’m causing visions!? I must be a prophet of some satanic faith
Coolred, in my masjid when non Muslim women would come for jumman, they’d wear jeans and hoodies, pulled up really tightly!
Correction- my old masjid in Michigan (I’m no longer in Michigan).
And Jummah*
Dang typo’s
Maya – LOL!
Yes; I remember when I was in the States the womens’ dress to the masjid was much more casual in what one sees here in KSA.
Coolred-
I read the list of no no’s in respect to nonmuslims, etc that you wrote about.
Well… I am curious and perhaps its a matter of culture. I lived in Jakarta, Indonesia as a kid, 4th grade- 8th. We not only held a Quran but read verses as part of the classes required by the gov’t even at the International school (on Indonesian culture, language, history, etc and within that came bits about Islam- Indo being the most populous Muslim country).
Not only that, but we had a field trip to the city’s largest Mosque- Istiqlal Mosque. Now, I recall we did have to wash our feet and hands, but I know for SURE we girls did not cover our heads. Maybe b/c its Indonesia? Granted too this was in the late 80s, maybe things there have changed by now.
A/B- Great post, very interesting, thank you.
I strongly agree with the last paragraph of your post. Even if they do not convert to Islam, at least they have a greater understanding of Islam.
Also, I wish you and the other readers Eid Mubarak and accept my sincerest apologies from the moment I started commenting in this blog.
Once again, EID MUBARAK!
Monica – glad you enjoy! And I’m only guessing but I think the cultures were perhaps more lenient in Indonesia than in the GCC region….although I’ve been in a lot of mosques around the world and have always covered my head. So that is very interesting to hear of an exception.
Firdaus – I’m confused…why apologize?! Eid Mubarak to you as well and please, keep commenting!
I enjoyed reading your post!! I haven’t been there in two years now. Inshalla I will
I really didn’t know that there is some kind of punishment for those non-muslims or muslims who bring non-muslims into these holy places!!
Thanks for sharing it
I heard somewhere that they have German mechanics come into Makkah and Madinah at night to repair the automobiles there. now I am sure they prefer to have mechanics who are Muslim but it is likely that some of the mechanics are not Muslim. though that brings up a question of mine. I realize that non Muslims are not allowed in Makkah and Madinah but are we allowed to tour mosques outside of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. I would like to see the inside of a Mosque here in Saudi Arabia. I see many nice looking Mosques when going about Riyadh but the closest I’ve come to seeing the inside of a Mosque has been at Ikea when the door to the mens Mosques near the mens restroom was open. I’ve heard that in countries such as Bahrain and Oman they give tours of Mosques to non Muslims. Is that done here?
I like what CoolRed said. She makes so much sense to me.
I’m glad Marahm clarified why Mecca and Medina were off-limits to nonMuslims as that makes sense to me as well. I used to think “why do Arabs protest the ‘Jewish state’ being only for Jews when they have their own cities that are only for Muslims?” But that’s a whole different story .. still it’s what came to my mind at the time.
Btw, is the ban on nonMuslims in Mecca from the Quran or just tradition?
Interesting post. Thank you.
HS – glad you enjoyed!
David – now I’m curious as to why German mechanics would go into Makkah or Medina..but again, at least in Medina there are areas bordering Medina proper which are not prohibited to non-muslims. Makkah has some too but it just seems to me at least these areas are further from the city. Just speculating but that could be the areas where non-muslim mechanics would work in…
I’m not aware of any prohibition preventing a non-muslim from going into a mosque in Saudi Arabia (as long as it is not Makkah and Medina) AND provided the individual is appropriately dressed.
Susanne – welcome and thanks for your comment. This also reminds me in a sense of how only Mormons are allowed into the Mormon temples.
I’ll have to defer though to one of our other readers on whether the ban is from the Quran or just tradition. I believe it is from the Quran but I’m not 100 per cent positive.
Monica
All my comments and observations are based on living in an Arab country for over 21 years…I can only tell you how, why or what Arab Muslims do, believe, think etc(from personal experience)…as far as Indonesian habits etc…I dont have a clue….
Its always a tradition to seek each other’s forgiveness and blessings whether or not one commits mistakes during his/her lifetime. Another way to settle any forms of misunderstandings on Eid.
Hope to see your latest entry on celebrating Eid.
I’ve chosen to not write about my Eid experiences this year as I actually spent Eid alone so not much to write about, I’m afraid!
Oh, dear, cooldred38! I have two qurans, they are my very own, and I’m touching them regularly!!! I even read in them! What now???
I can understand a lot of reasons why Mekkah and Medina should be offlimits to non-musluims, for one I think that as it can get very busy, and I think muslims have the best right to be there.
On the other hand the concept of ”too holy to be visited by non-muslims” I think is in essence a bit wrong. I mean I thought one shouldn’t worship places, graves, shrines, etc.
I am very happy to send this message
Allah kills all Christians and their alliances.
Insha’allah
Allahu Akhbar!!!
Shame on you Mouhamad ibn Zuheir. Allah (and Islam) is tolerant of all Ibrahamic faiths.
Please refer to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca#Entry_to_Mecca_for_Non-Muslims
“Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca under Saudi law.[2] The Saudi government supports their position using Sura 9:28 from the Qur’an:
O you who believe! the idolaters are nothing but unclean, so they shall not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year; and if you fear poverty then Allah will enrich you out of His grace if He please; surely Allah is Knowing Wise.
—Qur’an, Sura 9 At-Tawba, ayah 28″