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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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http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm
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