“LIMITLESS in His glory is He who transported His servant by night from the Inviolable House of Worship [at Mecca] to the Remote House of Worship [at Jerusalem] – the environs of which We had blessed-so that We might show him some of Our symbols: for, verily, He alone is all-hearing, all-seeing.”
— Qur’an: 17:1
Islam’s beloved Prophet, Muhammad (as), received Islam’s last and most comprehensive revelation, the Qur’an, to guide mankind to the worship and submission of the one Almighty and Eternal God, Allah (swt). The verse above from Surah Al Isra which describes the miraculous journey of the Prophet from Mecca’s Masjid al Haram (The Ka’abah–”built by Abraham (P) as “The first Temple ever set up for mankind” to worship the One God); to Jerusalem’s Masjid Al Aqsa, a blessed site where many Prophets arose and prayed. Both these mosques as well as the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina where the Prophet is buried are holy and sacrosanct to Muslims. The Pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca is an obligatory pillar for all able Muslims once in their lifetime. For over 1,400 years Muslims have performed this required Pilgrimage, visited the Prophet’s mosque in Medina, and Masjid Al Aqsa (Dome of the Rock) in Jerusalem with solemnity, sincerity, and devotion, seeking God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness without any worldly distraction——-UNTIL TODAY.
Desecration and Destruction of Al Aqsa Mosque by Jews in Israel: Minarets Silent
Today under Israel’s brutal occupation of Palestine and Jerusalem Muslims are forbidden from visiting the Al Aqsa mosque not only for Muslims from other nations, but even for Palestinian Muslims living in the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and at times even in East Jerusalem. Under Israel’s control Masjid Al Aqsa has been bombed and burned by many fanatical Jews committed to its total destruction to rebuild the “Third Temple” of Solomon. Many tunnels have been built under this mosque to hasten its collapse. Today, Israel is destroying a part of the Al Aqsa mosque under the guise of rebuilding a weak wall. Such deliberate attacks on Islam’s third holiest mosque are occurring with Muslim silence, both by governments and the Ummah, the entire Muslim world. The Simon Wiesenthal Center is building a “Museum of Tolerance” in Israel upon a Muslim cemetery.
All the While, Minarets Are Silent.
Desecration of Mecca’s Masjid Al Haram by Saudi Muslims: Minarets Silent
Saudi Arabia, the blessed land of the Qur’an, Prophet, and Holy Mosques is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to transform Mecca and Medina into western style cities through the destruction, desecration and bulldozing of Islam’s holiest sites, cemeteries, mosques, mountains, and most shockingly, even the Prophet’s home in Mecca; while incredibly contemplating the destruction of Cave Hira, the holy site where the Prophet first received the Qur’an through the Angel Gabriel (as). While its political allegiance to America is understandable for the survival of its monarchy, its cultural and architectural destruction of Islamic sites while replacing them with western style buildings, malls, and amusement parks is religiously abhorrent. Such imitation of western development projects and culture is strictly forbidden by Allah (swt) in the Qur’an.
“As for those who take the deniers of the truth for their allies in preference to the believers – do they hope to be honored by them when, behold, all honor belongs to God alone.”
— Qur’an 4: 139)
While this verse clearly forbids Muslims from political alliances with unbelievers against Muslims (examples: alliances with America, Israel, Russia, India, China, Thailand, the Philippines, etc., against Muslims), it more importantly forbids Muslims from establishing a moral alliance with such unbelievers, i.e. to adopt or imitate their way of life in preference to Islamic principles..
By 2009, Muslims performing their most sacred duty of Pilgrimage to Mecca can take time out of their busy schedule to visit the newest Saudi Mall, “The Abraj al Bait Mall”, built directly across from the Ka’aba, which includes the seventh largest tower in the world, and house an amusement park ride, fast-food restaurants and a LINGERIE SHOP.
Mecca and Medina are undergoing a vast building boom, strictly for profit, selling expensive apartments that cost up to $5 Million, or building expensive hotels with higher rent for rooms with a view of the “sacred” mosques. All at the expense of what is Islamically sacred.
According to the British Paper, the Independent **, today there are fewer than 20 structures remaining in Mecca that date back to the time of the Prophet 1,400 years ago.
WAHABISTS Behind the Desecration of Islamic Sites in Saudi Arabia:
The motivating force behind such religious desecration is the powerful Wahabist religious leaders who believe such destruction prevents any idol worship at such sites. These zealots are no different than the Jewish zealots, the Temple Mount Faithful, who are committed to destroying Al Aqsa mosque.
While the Prophet instructed Muslims not to harm a plant, animal, or tree in Mecca; the Wahabists continue their desecration of Mecca’s holy sites.
Muslims never miss an opportunity to be divided, submissive, fearful, and silent when Islamic sites are attacked, when Islam itself is under siege, or when Muslims are killed, injured, starving, thirsty, sick, or raped; either by Muslims or by foreign occupying forces.
The Muslim world is imploding while foreign bombs are exploding on Muslims, their lands, and sacred places.
Hundreds of Millions of Hajjis (Pilgrims) who’ve sacrificed much, including their tears, in Mecca and Medina are voiceless and absent.
Are we apathetic witnesses to the end of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, as our Beloved Prophet and his companions knew them? The Prophet endured so much, was willing to die for Mecca, was victorious with Allah’s (swt) permission; cleansed the Ka’aba from idols and returned it to Allah’s (swt) worship. He sacrificed all to gift us the Ka’aba as a trust. We all have failed and abandoned that trust. Today, Mecca is once again returning to capitalistic idol worship. Will this be the end of Mecca and Hajj?
Where are our Scholars? Are they bought too, selling Islam for a few dollars?
Gulf Nations: other than Saudi Arabia
(G.C.C., Gulf Cooperation Council is comprised of 6 Muslim Nations: Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait)
Gulf nations, small but fabulously wealthy, are also on a spending spree to build the tallest towers, vast sporting facilities, a Disneyland in Bahrain, while spending fortunes on the latest weapons to garner western support and protection. The GCC nations rank in the top thirteen nations worldwide on military expenditure. Does anyone know how to use these weapons or are they simply to support America’s economy in lieu of military protection for these corrupt regimes?
The wealthy ruling families of the GCC would rather insult and violate Islam’s holiest sites and tenets for self preservation than elevate the impoverished, illiterate, hungry, homeless and sick Muslims who span the Muslim world, beginning with their own citizens. Their own citizens suffer from high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes.
This is an outrage against Islam and an enabler for extremism, terrorism, and future instability against these corrupt leaders.
For Whom the Bell Tolls for the G.C.C.: America or Muslims: Answer “America”
The aid the wealthy Gulf nations provided the Tsunami victims, mainly Muslims, is as follows: Kuwait $10 million, United Arab Emirates’ $20 million and gas-rich Qatar $25 million, Saudi Arabia initially provided $10 million but when shamed, raised it to $30 Million. In total, they pledged $85 million, compared to some $500 million a day in oil revenues.
TSUNAMI TOTAL: $85 MILLION
However, these Muslim nations were far more generous in helping the richest nation on earth, the United States, after Hurricane Katrina. Kuwait alone donated $500 Million, while Qatar donated $100 Million. In total, members of the G.C.C. donated over $1.3 Billion to Katrina victims. These Muslim monarchies know who butters their security, obviously not impoverished Muslims.
KATRINA TOTAL: $1.3 BILLION
According to the Institute of International Finance (IIF) the Gulf Nation’s combined GDP will reach $725 Billion in 2006, with a surplus of $230 Billion. Rather than placing such assets in Arab or Muslim banks to improve Muslim economies, the IFF estimates that foreign estimates for GCC countries will reach more than $400 Billion, mainly invested in the U.S. and Europe. Does such money flow to support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as well as America’s occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq? There is no doubt that Arab oil and gas flows to Israel either directly or indirectly to fuel their Anti-Palestinian weapons.
Sharon said: “The Arabs may have the OIL, but we have the MATCHES”
Assuming only a 2.5% required Zakat on $725 Billion with a Muslim population of 1.4 Billion; means every Muslim man, woman, and child would have received: $517.00 per year in 2006. This one year total could lift hundreds of millions of Muslims out of poverty.
“Many a community ruined itself in the past as they only punished the poor and ignored the offences of the exalted."
— Prophet Muhammad (as): Bukhari
In a Research Essay by Tanya C. Hsu, [***] a senior analyst of Middle East political economy at the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy titled: “The United States Must Not Neglect Saudi Arabian Investment” (September 23, 2003)
“Saudi Arabians have allocated an estimated 60% of their global investments to the United States through passive and direct investments. This commitment has enabled the United States to finance an ongoing trade deficit and produce new economic growth opportunities.”
While Muslims are dying in civil wars and under occupation the wealthy Gulf States are gradually turning Mecca and their desert nations into the playground of the rich and famous.
“Know that the life of this world is merely a game and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo one another in wealth and children: The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion”
— Qur’an: 57:20
I pray to Allah (swt) that these wealthy Muslim leaders abandon the sinful path they’ve taken and repent to Allah (swt) who forgives all sins except worshipping partners with Him. They must return to the straight path to worship Allah (swt), follow the Prophet’s Sunnah, place Islam and the welfare of Muslims above all other considerations, even if it means sacrificing their wealth and lives. Oil is a blessing from Allah (swt) for all Muslims and not owned by any individual or government.
The Saudi government, its people, and all Muslims must stop the Wahabists from destroying Islamic history, desecrating Islam’s holy sites, its buildings and cemeteries.
Muslims rose in anger against the blasphemous cartoons against our beloved Prophet while our scholars visited Afghanistan to stop the destruction of Buddha statues; BUT no Muslim government, organization, media, or individuals have spoken in outrage when our Holy cities are bulldozed for western malls, hotels, and shops. Do they fear the loss of Saudi money and not fear Allah’s (swt) accountability on the Day of Judgment? We are all responsible and will be held accountable for our apathy and silence when Mecca’s, Medina’s, and Al Quds’ holy sites are destroyed and desecrated by Jewish and Wahabi extremists.
Muslims must never ever surrender to fear of humans but fear only Allah (swt) who owns our lives and wealth.
Enough apathy, enough silence, enough fear, enough corruption, enough wasting of our wealth and lives, enough allegiance and submission to foreign powers.
Remember dear brothers and sisters that our armies and police are our Muslim brothers and sisters too. Call them to love Allah (swt) so that He may love them, to be conscious and fear Him, and repent from their blind allegiance to corrupt governments and foreign alliances.
Let every Minaret be Silent no more.
Join me in a worldwide Muslim campaign to STOP Saudi Arabia and Israel from further destruction of Islamic holy sites. Spread this article, or your message, to all Muslim governments, all internet sites, media, and blogs in Muslim countries and elsewhere. For once my brothers and sisters let us act as an Ummah, for once let us tell the world we will no longer accept death, destruction, oppression and neglect of any Muslim anywhere. We offer peace and respect to all, and we demand nothing less.
Let the Adhan become our unifying cry from every minaret: “COME TO PRAYER, COME TO SUCCESS”— COME TO UNITY AND BROTHEHOOD: ONE UMMAH– ONE VOICE.
Mecca, Medina, and Al Quds belongs to all Muslims, you and me, and thus we must do everything in our power to preserve what’s left of our faith’s holy sites and heritage. No nation, regardless of wealth, influence or power can be allowed to desecrate and destroy what Allah (swt), our Prophet, family, and companions left for us in trust.
Please join the courageous Muslim Dr. Sami Angawi, Director General of Amar Center in his tireless effort to save Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Let him know we’re with him and support his valuable efforts. His email is: [email protected]
We must never give up hope that the future of a better life is coming for that’s a promise from Allah (swt).
“Say: "My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful."
— Qur’an: 39:53
Allahu Akbar and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (as), his family, companions, and to all who follow his teachings and lead.
Ameen.
References:
An embarrassing headline in the British paper the Independent on the destruction of Islamic holy sites reads: Shame of the House of Saud: Shadows over Mecca”
Previously unseen photographs reveal how religious zealots obsessed with idolatory have colluded with developers to destroy Islam’s diverse heritage
“The mountain of light, or al-Nour, is next in the Wahhabis’ sights. Home to the Hira’a cave”
by Daniel Howden; 19 April 2006
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/
middle_east/article358577.ece#Scene_1
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[***]. http://www.saudi-american-forum.org/
Newsletters/SAF_Essay_22.htm
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http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-01-18-dubai_x.htm
“Dubai: Oasis rises in the desert ” 1/28/2007 By Veronica Gould Stoddart, USA TODAY
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai. (Spending hundreds of billions to have the LARGEST, TALLEST, FASTEST of everything)
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http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=8690
“Beyond Oil: Reappraising the Gulf States” By: Kito de Boer, John M. Turner
The McKinsey Quarterly, 31 January 2007
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Please visit these two sites below to see the unbelievable outrageous expenditure of Allah’s (swt) wealth bestowed on these Muslims as a trust for the welfare of Islam and Muslims.
LIST OF SKYSCRAPER PROJECTS IN DUBAI:
http://www.skyscrapercity.info/300.php?id=13
Dubai building projects, from an entire island to underwater hotels, towers, sports:
http://www.funonthenet.in/content/view/127/31/
