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9.
NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH
Question:
Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities
of Makkah and Madinah?
Answer:
It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the
holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following
points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning
behind such a restriction.
1.
All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area
I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to
enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment.
In every country there are certain areas where a common
citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen
who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected
with the defence of the country are allowed in the
cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion
for the entire world and for all human beings. The
cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of
Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in
Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e.
the Muslims are allowed.
It would be illogical for a common citizen to object
against the restriction on entering a cantonment area.
Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to
object against the restriction on non-Muslims against
entering Makkah and Madinah.
2.
Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah
Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he
has to first apply for a visa i.e. the permission
to enter that country. Every country has its own rules,
regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless
their critera are satisfied they will not issue a
visa.
One of the countries which is very strict in issuing
a visa is the United States of America, especially
when issuing visas to citizens of the third world.
They have several conditions and requirements to be
fulfilled before they issue a visa.
When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their
immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I
want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules.
I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment.
Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions
will I be permitted to enter the country.
The Visa The primary condition required for any human
being to enter Makkah or Madina is to say with his
lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning
that there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh)
is His Messenger
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