Salaam/ Peace
Why what's the difference? What make's one more sacred ground than the other than one non-muslim cannot enter?
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We believe , holy Quran is the final holy book of God Almighty. We must obey His all commands including this : O you who believe, indeed the Mushrikoon are unclean so do not let them approach al-Masjid al-Haraam after this year [at-Tawbah: chapter 9 , verse 28]
a related link:
Dr. Zakir Naik - Question Hour
Islamic Voice - DHU'L QADAH / DHU'L HAJJ
Why the non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?
Shah Alam Makandar, Belgaum, alam_mak@rediff mail.com
Ans. 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 to the restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to object to the restriction on them to enter Makkah and Madinah
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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 criteria are satisfied they will not issue a visa.
b. One of the countries, which are 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 Muhammad ur Rasulullah' which means 'there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger.'
http://www.islamicvoice.com/february.2004/zakir.htm