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

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.’