Saudi Arabia to Raze Prophet Mohammad’s Tomb to Build Larger Mosque

mosque 3The 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.

­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.

 

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

Also appeared @http://blackubiquity.com/

 

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