A few miles away from Mecca is a big signboard which bars the entry of any non-Muslim into the area. This is a reminder of the days when the Kaaba was stormed and captured solely for the newly established faith of Islam. The object in barring entry of non-Muslims was obviously to prevent its recapture.
Was Kaaba stormed and captured by prophet Muhammad ?
Let us see what is the meaning of the terms “Storming” and “Capturing”.
stormed, storm·ing, storms
v.intr.
1.
a. To blow forcefully.
b. To precipitate rain, snow, hail, or sleet.
2. To be extremely angry; rant and rage.
3. To move or rush tumultuously, violently, or angrily: stormed into the room.
v.tr.
To assault, capture, or captivate by storm. See Synonyms at attack.
Idiom:
take by storm
To captivate completely
cap·ture
tr.v. cap·tured, cap·tur·ing, cap·tures
1. To take captive, as by force or craft; seize.
2. To gain possession or control of, as in a game or contest: capture the queen in chess; captured the liberal vote.
3. To attract and hold: tales of adventure that capture the imagination.
4. To succeed in preserving in lasting form: capture a likeness in a painting.
n.
1. The act of catching, taking, or winning, as by force or skill.
2. One that has been seized, caught, or won; a catch or prize.
3. Physics The phenomenon in which an atom or a nucleus absorbs a subatomic particle, often with the subsequent emission of radiation.
Now storming and capturing are barbaric triats, but Prophet Muhammad practiced Peace and tolerance and even showed humanity in the battle field.
The True Story:
A year after the Battle of Allies (Trench), the Prophet and fifteen hundred of his companions left for Makkah to perform the annual pilgrimage (628 CE). They were barred from approaching the city at Hudaybiyah, where after some negotiations a treaty was signed allowing for them to come next year. This treaty facilitated exchange of ideas among the people of the whole region without interference. Many delegations from all regions of Arabia came to the Prophet to investigate the teachings of Islam, and a large number of people accepted Islam within a couple of years. The Prophet sent many of his companions (who memorized the Qur'an by heart) to new communities to instruct them about the practice of Islam. More than fifty of them were murdered by non-believers.
About two years later at the end of 629 CE, the Quraish violated the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah by helping Banu Bakr in the surprise attack on Bani Khuza’ah who were allied with the Prophet. Some of Bani Khuzah’s men escaped and took shelter in Makkah and they sought redress. However, the leaders of Quraish did nothing. They then sent a message to the Prophet for help.
The Prophet, after confirming all the reports of the attack and subsequent events, marched to Makkah with an army consisting of three thousand Muslims of Medinah and Muslims from other Arab communities that joined him on the way totaling ten thousand Muslims.
Before entering the city he sent word to citizens of Makkah that anyone who remained in his home, or in Abu Sufyan’s home, or in the Ka’bah would be safe. The army entered Makkah without fighting and the Prophet went directly to the Ka’bah. He magnified Allah for the triumphant entry in the Holy city. The Prophet pointed at each idol with a stick he had in his hand and said, "Truth has come and Falsehood will neither start nor will it reappear" [Qur'an 17:81]. And one by one the idols fell down. The Ka’bah was then cleansed by the removal of all three hundred sixty idols, and it was restored to its pristine status for the worship of One True God (as built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail).
The people of the city expected general slaughter in view of their persecution and torture of Muslims for the past twenty years. While standing by the Ka'bah, the Prophet (s) promised clemency for the Makkans, stating: "O Quraish, what do you think that I am about to do with you?" They replied, "Good. You are a noble brother, son of a noble brother." The Prophet forgave them all saying:
"I will treat you as Prophet Yousuf (Joseph) treated his brothers. There is no reproach against you. Go to your homes, and you are all free."
The Prophet also declared:
Allah made Makkah holy the day He created heavens and earth, and it is the holy of holies until the Resurrection Day. It is not lawful for anyone who believes in Allah and the last day to shed blood therein, nor to cut down trees therein. It was not lawful to anyone before me and it will not be lawful to anyone after me.
The people of Makkah then accepted Islam including the staunch enemies of the Prophet. A few of the staunchest enemies and military commanders had fled Makkah after his entry. However, when they received the Prophet’s assurance of no retaliation and no compulsion in religion, they came back and gradually the message of Islam won their hearts. Within a year (630 CE), almost all Arabia accepted Islam. Among the Prophet’s close companions were Muslims from such diverse background as Persia, Abyssinia, Syria and Rome. Several prominent Jewish Rabbis, Christian bishop and clergymen accepted Islam after discussions with the Prophet.
Now the question, why are Non-Muslims not allowed to enter Mecca & Madinah ?
Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur’aan, ‘O who who believe! Verily, the Mushrikeen (idolaters) are impure, so let them not come near Musjidul Haraam after this year.’ (Surah Tawbah Aayat28)
According to the Hanafi Madhab, this verse refers to Hajj and Umrah only, i.e. they are prevented from performing Hajj and Umrah. From prior to Islam, the idolators used to perform Tawaaf, etc. After Islam and in the 9th year of the Hijrah, Allah Ta’ala commands that after this year no idolator may be allowed to perform Hajj or Umrah. The Aayat does not prevent the Kuffaar from entering the Haram or any one Musjid. (Tafseer Mazhari vol.5 pg.232; HM Saeed)
With regards specifically to your question, we understand that Makkah and Madinah are extremely virtuous and sacred places. However, even today there are many non-Muslims present at these places. The abovementioned verse only prohibits them from performing the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah. A simple way to understand this better will be that there are rules and regulations for person wishing to enter a foreign country. He has to go through procedures like visa applications, passport, etc. No country will simply accept anyone and everyone. Why then should it not be such with sacred places like Makkah and Madina.
Dr Zakir Naik writes,
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
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.’
There are many Tempels in India which barr the entry of Non-Hindus, even though there is no such restriction from the Indian Government. Why ?
Article 25 (1) of the Constitution guarantees Freedom of Religion to all citizens.
Article 23 (2) of the Constitution guarantees says Government should not discriminate the citizens on the grounds of religion, caste, creed and group.
“There was hue and a cry when a few hundred Dalits entered the Jagannath Puri temple recently.
Now 2007: Rs 1 million worth of food destroyed at Puri's Jagannath temple after a foreigner enters the temple. Non-Hindus are barred from entering temple.
2006: Actor Jayamala's claim that she touched Lord Ayappa's statue at Sabarimala shrine creates row. Women aged between 10-50 yrs not allowed within premises.
2005: American Pamela Fleig, a Hindu convert, is denied entry into Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneswar.
2005: Thailand's Crown Princess Sirindhorn not allowed to visit the Jagannath temple as she is a foreigner and a Buddhist.
Also former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was not allowed to enter Jagannath temple as she had married a Parsi. they are trying to cleanse the premises,
CNN-IBNPosted on Apr 19, 2007 at 02:57
100 Dalits arrested for trying to enter temple
Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/100-dalits-arrested-for-trying-to-enter-temple-82496
Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/100-dalits-arrested-for-trying-to-enter-temple-82496
A study reveals that discrimination against Dalits at places of worship continues more or less unchanged despite various campaigns.
Non-Hindus Prohibited from entring Jagannath Temple!
Pashupatinath Temple
Hindus alone are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river.
Should non-Hindus be allowed in temples?
No to non-Hindus
Your's Imran Khan :-)
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