WHY ARE NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN THE HOLY CITIES OF MAKKAH AND MADINAH?

Ans:

NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH

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.’

Reference:


“THE MOST FIFTY COMMON QEUSTIONS ASK BY THE NON MUSLIMS ABOUT ISLAM
UNVEILED” -by Mohammad Asif Ali