July 13, 2008...10:02 am

The planned expansion of the haram.

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This is an artist’s impression of how the planned expansion of the Haram in Makkah will finally look.

No comments involving the word “dominoes” please.

3 Comments

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3 Comments

  • lvsdny
    July 20, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    Salam, I think they should keep some places in Makkah and Madinah as a resevation or untouch for historical sites, without demolishing its original landscape in the time of Rasul(PBUH)and places which are sacred with full of histories with lessons into something different. I am aware that the Hajj will attract more people from its previous years, therefore more development and services are needed for the pilgrims. But there should be some other alternatives, like for example how to make life easier for more and more pilgrims every year without changing the environment as much as possible to meet both the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah to accomodate worshippers and to keep its original heritage and landscape as it was at the time of the Prophet(PBUH), especially places which are seen or mentioned as significant. Apart from expansion, I think some areas need the natural environment which I feel is important and leaving it exactly as it was in the time of Rasul(PBUH) gives the pilgrim the divine understanding how the prophet(PBUH) lived and makes the Heart clear from all obstacles. It should be noted that it will be alot easier for pilgrims to focus the rewards of the life hereafter, rather just here for site-seeing when performing the sacred rituals during Hajj, especially when the hearts are clear from obstacles.

    I’m not against the expansion, but a balance is required for both without harming the environment which are seen as Sacred or Holy by many Muslims, especially with the rules of ihram are implied.

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  • Roman Ali
    August 23, 2008 at 6:23 pm

    I totally agree with lvsdny. I am not against expansion or modernisation, but surely the new development could grow around the most sacred/significant sites (left untouched in their original state).

    I don’t mind if the mosque or the open marble areas have cordoned off (untouched) historical structures dotted here and there. It wouldn’t spoil the look; it would enhance it, and the issue is not about looks anyway; it’s about heritage.

    What the Saudi authorities need to realise is, just because people pay homage to a site, it doesn’t mean they are committing shirk. Shirk is only committed if the intention is to worship a creation of Allah. Worshipping at a site of significance is not shirk if Allah is the object of worship; people just like to pay respect on a creation-level (without equalling to Allah), and they like to get a sense of their history. There is nothing wrong with that. Allah loves those who love Him and those close to Him. Other than rasool (pbuh) we don’t know who is close to Allah, but it makes sense to keep historical sites connected with him/his family/companions.

    Reply
  • sajid khan
    April 25, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    this is a great architect islamic building for everybody come and prayer ,haj ,umrah ,ibadat etc……

    Reply

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