I wanted to visit Mecca. My friend said that this not possible. Mecca can only be visited by Muslims. This is posted in large signs along the road to Mecca.
I have a guide book that explains the rites of Hajj, Umrah, Ihram, Tawaf, Sai, etc. It was quite educational.
Yes that's right. Only Muslims are permitted to enter the `Haram' grounds, that is the Mekkah holy area. There are security checkpoints on all roads leading into Mekkah. This is also the same for Medina, where the Prophet's mosque is located. During the Haj Pilgrimage, your passports would be kept at the Administration offices at the checkpoints, and the pilgrims be given a temporary pass to enter the Holy Area. This is to keep track of movements of millions of pilgrims in the area, and also to assist those who lose their way and got separated from their groups.
ReplyDeleteThe restriction for Mekkah, I was told, is mentioned in the Muslim's Holy Book, the Quran.
The restriction for Medina was made because of an attempt by two non-Muslims who tried to dig up the Prophet's remains, by posing as Muslims and conducting their misdeed in a tent set up near the mosque. At that time it was the practice for pilgrims to live in tents.
All these can be read in books on Mekkah and Medina. Pictures can also be obtained from the net. The best 360 degrees pictures can be obtained from http://www.3dmekanlar.com/sites.html
Look for Makkah - Masjidil Haram
and Medina - The Prophet's Mosque.
Why not the ancient Silk Road?
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