The Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully tested lng range Shahab-3 and Sejil missiles in the third stage of a defense drill in a bid to bolster its defense capabilities.


The missiles were launched on Monday as part of an advanced military exercise named The Great Prophet IV which was carried out by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The optimized Shahab-3 has a range of 1,300 to 2,000 kilometers.

The Sejil is a two-stage missile powered by solid fuel which was tested by the IRGC for the first time in the maneuver.

Both of the projectiles accurately hit their designated targets.

The IRGC successfully test-fired several models of medium-range Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 missiles during the first and second stages of military drill in central Iran Sunday night.

A number of missiles including Iranian-made Fateh-110, a short-range ground-to-ground missile and Tondar-69, a short-range naval missile, were also launched consecutively at mock targets across the country in the first stage of the military drill on Sunday morning.

According to the IRGC Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami, the Shahab-2 missiles would hit targets at least 300 kilometers and at the most 700 kilometers away.

“The Great Prophet IV” maneuver is a sequel to “The Great Prophet III” which was carried out last year by the IRGC naval and ground forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz region.

21436

Yemeni Army bomb Shia civilians in north


In a new assault, the Yemeni military has bombarded residential areas in the Shia-populated north, killing and wounding dozens and destroying homes.

According to Houthi resistance, the military planes “deliberately” targeted residential areas in Baghem district as well as Dammaj in Saada province, leaving dozens of civilians dead or wounded.

In south Saada, according to the Houthis, a military armored vehicle was destroyed by the Shias.

The leader of Yemeni Shias, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has accused the government of discriminating against his people, vowing to continue the fight as long as attacked by the army forces.

“(The war) is part of the official discrimination, marginalization and separation practiced against us as a social group described by the authorities as a minority,” al-Huthi said in a statement on Sunday.

“The war, the destruction and the arrests … are being waged against our culture,” he said, adding that the government detains Zaidis “on ethnic and sectarian grounds”.

In an effort to crush the Zaidi Shias, the government launched an offensive against the mountainous north, leaving hundreds of civilians dead and thousands of others displaced.

The government who has so far failed to observe two ceasefires in the region, warned earlier that it will not backtrack, even if the war takes five or six years. The Yemeni president had announced, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, that the war with the Shias would be over in two weeks.

21402

Ayatollah Jafar Subhani: Jannat al-Baqee must be Freed


Ayatollah Subhani, a religious authority, said: “The Muslims of the world want the rules of Najd and Hijaz to free shrines of the holy ones. We want them to allow the lovers of the Ahl ul Bayt (pbut) to be able to calmly rebuild their graves.”

Ayatollah Subhani stated at the beginning of his principles of jurisprudence class in holy Qom: “The anniversary of the destruction of the Imam’s graves in the Baqi’ Cemetery is a second Ashura. The hatred that the Shia have for the culprits of this tragedy must be expressed to the world. 85 years ago an ignorant and misguided Wahhabi armies attacked the graves of the Imams and over respected individuals with hammers and shovels. They leveled the graves.”

He continued: “The Askariyan shrine, which was destroyed by the same culprits, was a place where the Imam and his mother would worship. It is a culture in the world to have the graves of prophets or huge personalities placed in high buildings showing respect. The graves of various prophets in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq are proofs of this.”

Furthermore he said: “Unfortunately the Arabs of Najd are far from Islamic culture. They have destroyed the instances of the verse “Say, I don’t ask anything in return from you accept love of my family.”

21341

IRANI PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:


Secretary General, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am grateful to Almighty God for granting me the opportunity to be present once more in this important global assembly. During the past four years I spoke of the world’s major challenges, their underlying sources and causes and the necessity for the re-evaluation of the ideas and deeds of the powerful, in addition to the necessity of new approaches.

I spoke of two opposing currents: one being the preeminence of one’s own material gains over that of others, which, following the imposition of one’s will upon other nations, leads to the spreading of inequality, oppression, poverty, privation, degradation, aggression, occupation, and treachery, ultimately leading to a bleak future of despondency for humanity.

I spoke of the other current as being one in which monotheistic faith and observing the teachings of Godly messengers coupled with respect for human dignity and love for humankind allows one to seek a world blessed with security, freedom, prosperity, lasting peace based on justice, and morality for all. A current that respects every individual and nation, honors worthy indigenous, national and human cultures, and seeks an end to global discrimination and strives for the establishment of equality for all before a law based on fairness and fraternity in harnessing possibilities, having access to educational opportunities, and human advancement and progress, thus giving the glad tidings of a better future for all.

Friends and Colleagues,

Today and in continuation, I would like to bring to your attention some points regarding the dimensions of the changes and transformations that need to take place.

First Point:

Clearly, it is not viable to continue having the status quo dominating the world. The current adverse, one-sided conditions defy human spirit and are in direct contradiction with the objective of the creation of humanity and of the world.

The production of fake currencies, injecting of the equivalent of tens of thousands of unreal dollars into the world’s economy and creating serious budget shortages, as well as the transfer of inflation and other economic woes to other countries and the transportation of the wealth of others to the economies of certain special governments is no longer effective.

The economic apparatus of an unrestrained capitalist system with its unjust arrangements has reached its end and is no longer functioning. This one-sided equation no longer holds. The age of imposing the opinion of cold capitalism and forcing the style and tendencies of a particular group on the rest of the world, of expansion of global domination in the name of building the world and the era of establishing empires, have ended. The period of humiliating other nations and imposing double standards, biased policies and multifaceted discriminatory values has passed. The fact that the fulfillment of the desired aims of certain governments was the only criteria for determining whether freedom and democracy existed in a region and that under the guise of freedom, the most repulsive methods of deceit and threat were presented as democratic and dictators were considered democrats, is abhorrent and lacks legitimacy.

No longer can a group of people define democracy and freedom in their preferred terms and consider themselves the criteria of such. They can no longer pose as judge and executioner while having shortcomings themselves and fight governments that truly adhere to the principles of democracy. Prevalence of freedom on a global level and the awakening of nations does not allow for consumption from such an indecent source and that is why most nations including the people of the United States are awaiting a type of change that is profound and true and they have and continue to embrace the slogan of change.

Who would think that the continuation of the imposition of inhumane policies in Palestine would be possible? The fact that a nation is forced out of its home at gunpoint for more than 60 years against all human values or that they are subject to attack by all types of inhumane means including rockets and even outlawed weapons and deprived of the right to defend its legitimate rights (is incomprehensible). What is more amazing is that they call the invaders and occupiers, “peace loving” and “righteous” and the oppressed people, “terrorist” before the eyes of a stunned world.

How is it possible that the crimes of a group of invaders against defenseless women and children and the destruction of homes, farms, schools and hospitals receive the full, unconditional support of certain governments while innocent men and women are subjected to the most severe siege and food, water and medicine blockades and become victims of genocide.

Even the reconstruction of their homes which were destroyed during the 22 day violent invasion by the Zionists is prevented in the midst of a cold winter. At the same time the aggressors and their supporters are chanting slogans of human rights while subjecting other countries to pressure under such pretext.

It is no longer acceptable for an absolute minority to use a complex network designed in the most cruel manner, in order to dominate the economic, political and cultural segments of a large part of the world, institute a new system of slavery and sacrifice the honor of nations including European and American people in its quest to satisfy its racist avarice.

It is not acceptable that a group militarily invades the Middle East from several thousand kilometers away and brings death, war, terror, threat and invasion to the region, and ignores the sensitivity of the people of the region towards their destiny and their national security and remains apathetic towards their calls against injustice and invasion as they label their support for their innocent coreligionist, “resistance to peace and interference in the affairs of others.” See the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

No longer can the slogan of “fighting terrorism and narcotics” be used to militarily occupy a country while narcotic production in that very country increases many folds, terrorism expands many folds, thousands of innocent people die, or are left injured and homeless, infrastructures are destroyed, regional security is threatened and the main culprits continuously accuse others.

The rhetoric of friendship and assistance to other nations can no longer be used while military bases are being expanded in all parts of the world including Latin America. This situation cannot continue. Expansionist and inhuman policies can no longer be carried out using the logic of militarism. The logic of force and threat has far graver consequences and amplifies current problems.

It is not acceptable that the military expenditures of some countries are several times higher than the total military budget of the rest of the world. It is not acceptable that each year, hundreds of millions of dollars of weapons are exported, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons are stockpiled, military bases are established in different parts of the globe and at the same time other countries are accused of warmongering and prevented from scientific progress. Meanwhile global resources are plundered using the false rhetoric of controlling the proliferation of weapons.

It is not acceptable that the United Nations and the Security Council which are supposed to represent all nations and their decision making process is to be based on the most popular and democratic methods are dominated by a few countries and serve their interests and wishes. Essentially, in a world where thought, culture and public opinion is the determining factor, the continuation of the present situation is impossible and fundamental transformation is an unavoidable necessity.

Second Point:

Transformation and change must take place both in the visual and practical realms. in the structures as well as methods, and in the most basic and fundamental manner. It is not possible to bring about transformation and establish the desired order based on the same thought processes and methods that have been the root causes of all the problems of the globe.

Liberal thought and domineering capitalism separates humankind from ethics and heavenly realms and not only fails to bring happiness and bliss to humanity but will be the cause of wretchedness and brings about war, poverty and deprivation.

Everyone witnessed how one-sided economic structures under the influence of political maneuverings sacrificed the interests of nations at the feet of a group of unethical entrepreneurs. Such mechanisms cannot improve the present circumstances. Political and economic structures established after the Second World War which were devised according to the intentions of those who wanted to dominate the world have not succeeded in implementing justice or lasting security.

Leaders who do not feel the love for humanity in their hearts and are void of any inclination towards justice within themselves, can never grant peace and extend a hand of friendship towards humanity.

By the grace of God in the same manner that Marxism joined the annals of history, expansionist Capitalism will also become a part of the past. Because according to the Divine tradition mentioned in the Revered Quran as a fundamental principle, falsehood is cast aside like the foam on the surface of the sea and that which serves mankind will endure. Everyone must beware that colonialist goals which are discriminatory and inhuman are not pursued under the guise of new rhetoric and within fresh packaging.

The world needs fundamental changes and everyone must help and cooperate in ensuring that such changes take place within the right course so that under this light, no individual and no government would consider themselves exempt from transformation and better than others or claim to be a world leader and impose on the rest.

Third Point:

The underlying and lesser known cause of all global problems is that a group of world leaders have deviated from the path of ethics, human values and teachings of the prophets of God. Unfortunately, in a number of major global relations, love and sacrifice for the salvation and prosperity of others and insistence upon justice and human dignity has been replaced by selfishness, insatiable greed and limitless personal pleasures.

Monotheism has given way to selfishness and some have positioned themselves in the place of God, and insist on imposing their viewpoints and wishes on the rest of the world lacking essential human credentials. Falsehood has replaced honesty, duplicity has taken the place of earnestness, selfishness has replaced sacrifice for others, deceit in conducting transactions is called wisdom and shrewdness, plundering of the wealth of others is named progress and development, occupation of foreign lands is revered as freedom and democracy and the oppression of defenseless nations is propagated as defense of human rights.

Friends and Colleagues,

Resolving global problems and establishing justice and peace cannot materialize save by the will of all nations and governments and their cooperation. The era of polarization resulting from the domination and rule of a few governments over the world has come to an end.

Today, we need to rise with a collective commitment against the status quo. We need to take change and transformation seriously and through general cooperation and struggle we must all try to return to ethical, human and innate values.

Godly prophets and the righteous came to shed light on the true nature of humanity and the personal and public responsibilities of human beings. Purity, crystal clear faith in God, in ultimate accountability and in the implementation of justice in both worlds, seeking true happiness through the happiness of others and prosperity and security in the prosperity and security of others, respect for humankind and struggle for the propagation of love and kindness instead of resentment and self-centeredness, and encouraging serving others instead of dominating them has been at the forefront of the teachings of Godly messengers from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, Moses and Jesus and Mohammad (May the Peace and Blessings of God be Upon Him).

They all came to ensure that there will be no war, that discrimination and poverty are uprooted, ignorance is wiped out and happiness and bliss dominates all people and all societies. They were the best gifts of God to mankind. If the thought of awaiting the victory of good and the establishment of the righteous government becomes a global way of thinking and we struggle together for the prosperity of all humankind, then the hope for improvement is realized and intensified.

Fourth Point:

In my opinion, several important agendas are before us which can be a guide for the Secretary General and the General Assembly of the United Nations to plan their actions and initiate their course.

1. Improving the structure of the United Nations and transforming it into an updated, popular institution that is impartial, free, just and effective in global relations; improving the structure of the Security Council and abolishing the discriminatory special advantage veto power, immediately insuring the complete fulfillment of Palestinian rights by holding free referendums and preparing the grounds for the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Christians and Jews of Palestine, ending interferences in the affairs of Iraq and Afghanistan, Middle East, African nations, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

Governments can last in atheism and not by oppression. if they are oppressive.

These are the words of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Oppression and the violation of the rights of people in Palestine like the continuous displacement of yet another group of the true owners of Palestinian lands, residing in Jerusalem, destruction of homes by the Occupiers of Quds, aerial bombardment of Afghanistan and Pakistan, abuse in Guantanamo which is unfortunately still open and the secret prisons of Europe still continue to this day. The continuation of the present circumstances will intensify disappointments and leads to violence. Oppression and invasion must be halted. Unfortunately, no complete and official report on the conducts of the Zionist regime in Gaza has been issue. The Honorable Secretary General and the United Nations have a great burden of responsibility on their shoulders regarding this matter that must be pursued. The world community is impatiently waiting for the fair punishment of those who invaded Gaza and the murderers of its defenseless people.

2. Improving economic structures and establishment of ethical and humane economic relations in the world in a manner that serves the exaltation of humanity and is based on true justice. One that helps flourish the talents and capabilities of nations and endows prosperity on all and guarantees the lives of future generations.

3. Improving international political relations, establishing relations based on lasting peace and friendship, ending the destructive arms race and political competitions, nuclear, chemical and biological disarmament and preparing the grounds for general utilization of advanced peaceful technologies for the betterment of humanity.

4. Improving cultural structures, respecting indigenous habits and customs, promotion of ethics and morality and strengthening the warm, lasting and prosperous institution of family as the building block of a prosperous society.

5. Public commitment to the preservation of environment and adhering to global rules and regulations in order to prevent the destruction of irreplaceable natural resources.

Fifth Point:

The Iranian nation, by holding a glorious and completely free election, has opened a new chapter for national prosperity and extended global engagements, and through the indisputable vote of the people have placed the burden of responsibility upon my shoulders.

I therefore announce that the great nation of Iran that are the builders of human civilization and the institution of the Islamic Republic as one of the most popular and progressive governments of the world are ready to utilize every available cultural, political and economic capability to devise a fair plan that is respectful to all and is based on humanitarian solutions to end all concerns and challenges of the human society and participate actively and effectively in this endeavor.

Our nation that is the builder of culture is itself among the greatest victims of blind terrorism and during the first decade of its 30 year revolution has defended itself against an all out military aggression against its territories. Our nation has always been the subject of detestation and disfavor of those who one day fully supported Saddam in his aggression against Iranian soil and the use of chemical warfare agents and at another time attacked Iraq under the pretext of ending the evil of Saddam.

Our nation seeks a world filled with beauty and kindness for all nations and announces that while powerfully defending its legitimate and legal rights, will protect lasting peace and security for all nations based on justice, morality and human dignity.

Our nation is prepared to warmly shake the hands that extend in honesty for the fulfillment of these goals. No nation in its quest for advancement considers itself above the need for change and improvement. We welcome true, humane transformation and we are ready for active cooperation in implementing structural global improvements. Therefore we must stress the fact that the only path of salvation is return to monotheism and justice. This is the greatest hope and opportunity in all ages and in all generations. Without faith in God and commitment to carrying out justice and confronting injustice and discrimination, the world will not become orderly.

Human beings are the pivotal point of creation. What distinguishes them is their humanity. This is the very truth that seeks fairness, purity, love, knowledge, wisdom and all other distinctions. These human values must be supported and become accessible to all people. Eliminating any of them would mean the elimination of a human dimension. These are shared elements that join all human societies and are the bases of peace, security and friendship among nations.

Divine religions are attentive to all aspects of human life including worship of God, ethics, justice, fighting oppression, and the struggle for the establishment of fair and righteous governments.

Prophet Abraham was the symbol of monotheism at the time of Nimrod, Prophet Moses stood against the Pharaoh, and Prophets Jesus and Mohammad (Peace be Upon them All) struggled against the oppressors of their time to the point that they were threatened to death and were forced into exile. Without resistance and protest, injustices will not be eliminated from the world.

Final Point:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The world is in the process of change and transformation. God’s promised destiny for mankind is the pure existence of humanity. The day will come that justice will become all encompassing and global and every individual will be honored and revered. It is then that the path of human excellence will open before humankind and people will move toward becoming Divine creatures reflecting the Divine attributes of God. Human beings should reach a point that they become manifestations of “knowledge and wisdom”, “mercy and forgiving”, “justice and fairness”, “power and ethics” and “charity and kindness” of God.

All this can be attained when humanity reaches its zenith and the last Divine resource, a progeny of the beloved prophet of Islam, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) will appear and so will Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him) and all other righteous people who will assist him in this great global endeavor and this is the very idea of awaiting a savior. Awaiting the government of the good and the righteous which is the hope of all people for the betterment of the world. They shall come and with the aid of the pious and the righteous will fulfill the historical ideals of human beings for freedom, excellence, growth, security and tranquility, peace and magnificence. They shall come to end war and aggression and bestow knowledge, morality and friendship on all humankind. Yes, (and indeed) yes, a bright future lies ahead for humanity.

Friends, let us await that magnificent era and in a joint commitment prepare the grounds for a better future. Long live love and morality, long live peace and security, long live justice and freedom.

I thank you all.

Peace be upon you…

Ahmadi-UN55

HISTORY OF THE CEMETERY OF JANNAT AL-BAQI (Pictures Before and after Destruction)


On 8th Shawwal, Wednesday, in the year 1345 AH (April 21, 1925), mausoleums in Jannatul al-Baqi (Madina) were demolished by King Ibn Saud. In the same year (1925), he also demolished the tombs of holy personages at Jannat al-Mualla (Makkah) where the Holy Prophet (s)’s mother, wife, grandfather and other ancestors are buried

HISTORY OF THE CEMETERY OF JANNAT AL-BAQI
WHERE IMAM HASAN B. ALI (2ND IMAM), IMAM ALI B. AL-HUSAYN (4TH IMAM), IMAM MUHAMMAD B. ALI (5TH IMAM), & IMAM JA’FAR B. MUHAMMAD (6TH IMAM), PEACE BE UPON THEM, ARE BURIED

On 8th Shawwal, Wednesday, in the year 1345 AH (April 21, 1925), mausoleums in Jannatul al-Baqi (Madina) were demolished by King Ibn Saud.

In the same year (1925), he also demolished the tombs of holy personages at Jannat al-Mualla (Makkah) where the Holy Prophet (s)’s mother, wife, grandfather and other ancestors are buried.

Destruction of sacred sites in Hijaz by the Saudi Wahhabis continues even today. According to some scholars what is happening in Hijaz is actually a conspiracy plotted by the Jews against Islam, under the guise of Tawheed. The idea is to eradicate the Islamic legacy and heritage and to systematically remove all its vestiges so that in the days to come, Muslims will have no affiliation with their religious history.

The Origins of Al-Baqi

Literally “al-Baqi” means a tree garden. It is also known as “Jannat al-Baqi” due to its sanctity, since in it are buried many of our Prophet’s relatives and companions.

The first companion buried in al-Baqi was Uthman b. Madhoon who died on the 3rd of Sha’ban in the 3rd year of Hijrah. The Prophet (s) ordered certain trees to be felled, and in its midst, he buried his dear companion, placing two stones over the grave.

On the following years, the Prophet’s son Ibrahim, who died in infancy and over whom the Prophet (s) wept bitterly, was also buried there. The people of Madina then began to use that site for the burial of their own dead, because the Prophet (s) used to greet those who were buried in al-Baqi by saying, “Peace be upon you, O abode of the faithful! God willing, we should soon join you. O’ Allah, forgive the fellows of al-Baqi”.

The site of the burial ground at al-Baqi was gradually extended. Nearly seven thousand companions of the Holy Prophet (s) were buried there, not to mention those of the Ahlul Bayt (a). Imam Hasan b. Ali (a), Imam Ali b. al-Husayn (a), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a), and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) were all buried there.

Among other relatives of the Prophet (s) who were buried at al-Baqi are: his aunts Safiya and Aatika, and his aunt Fatima bint al-Asad, the mother of Imam Ali (a). The third caliph Uthman was buried outside al-Baqi, but with later extensions, his grave was included in the area. In later years, great Muslim scholars like Malik bin Anas and many others, were buried there too. Thus, did al-Baqi become a well-known place of great historic significance to all Muslims.

Al-Baqi as viewed by historians

Umar bin Jubair describes al-Baqi as he saw it during his travel to Madina, saying “Al-Baqi is situated to the east of Madina. You enter it through the gate known as the gate of al-Baqi. As you enter, the first grave you see on your left is that of Safiya, the Prophet’s aunt, and further still is the grave of Malik bin Anas, the Imam of Madina. On his grave is raised a small dome. In front of it is the grave of Ibrahim son of our Prophet (s) with a white dome over it, and next to it on the right is the grave of Abdul-Rahman son of Umar bin al-Khattab, popularly known as Abu Shahma, whose father had kept punishing him till death overtook him. Facing it are the graves of Aqeel bin Abi Talib and Abdullah bin Ja’far al-Tayyar. There, facing those graves is a small shrine containing the graves of the Prophet’s wives, following by a shrine of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib.

The grave of Hasan bin Ali (a), situated near the gate to it’s right hand, has an elevated dome over it. His head lies at the feet of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, and both graves are raised high above the ground, their walls are panelled with yellow plates and studded with beautiful star-shaped nails. This is how the grave of Ibrahim, son of the Prophet (s) has also been adorned. Behind the shrine of Abbas there is the house attributed to Fatima, daughter of our Prophet (s), known as “Bayt al-Ahzaan” (the house of grief) because it is the house she used to frequent in order to mourn the death of her father, the chosen one, peace be upon him. At the farthest end of al-Baqi is the grave of the caliph Uthman, with a small dome over it, and there, next to it, is the grave of Fatima bint Asad, mother of Ali b. Abi Talib (a)”

After a century and a half, the famous traveller Ibn Batuta came to describe al-Baqi in a way which does not in any way differ from the description given by Ibn Jubair. He adds saying, “At al-Baqi are the graves of numerous Muhajirin and Ansar and many companions of the Prophet (s), except that most of their names are unknown.”

Thus, over the centuries, al-Baqi remained a sacred site with renovations being carried out as and when needed till the Wahhabis rose to power in the early nineteenth century. The latter desecrated the tombs and demonstrated disrespect to the martyrs and the companions of the Prophet (s) buried there. Muslims who disagreed with them were branded as “infidels” and were subsequently killed.

The First Destruction of Al-Baqi

The Wahhabis believed that visiting the graves and the shrines of the Prophets, the Imams, or the saints was a form of idolatry and totally un-Islamic. Those who did not conform with their belief were killed and their property was confiscated. Since their first invasion of Iraq, and till nowadays, in fact, the Wahhabis, as well as other rulers of the Gulf States, having been carrying out massacres from which no Muslim who disagreed with them was spared. Obviously, the rest of the Islamic World viewed those graves with deep reverence. Had it not been so, the two caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar would not have expressed their desire for burial near the grave of the Prophet (s).

From 1205 AH to 1217 AH, the Wahhabis made several attempts to gain a foothold in Hijaz but failed. Finally, in 1217 AH, they somehow emerged victorious in Taif where they spilled the innocent blood of Muslims. In 1218 AH, they entered Makkah and destroyed all sacred places and domes there, including the one which served as a canopy over the well of Zamzam.

In 1221, the Wahhabis entered Madina to desecrate al-Baqi as well as every mosque they came across. An attempt was even made to demolish the Prophet’s tomb, but for one reason or another, the idea was abandoned. In subsequent years, Muslims from Iraq, Syria, and Egypt were refused entry into Makkah for Hajj. King Al-Saud set a pre-condition that those who wished to perform the pilgrimage would have to accept Wahhabism or else be branded as non-Muslims, becoming ineligible for entry into the Haram.

Al-Baqi was razed to the ground, with no sign of any grave or tomb whatsoever. But the Saudis were still not quite satisfied with doing all of that. Their king ordered three black attendants at the Prophet’s shrine to show him where the treasure of valuable gifts were stored. The Wahhabis plundered the treasure for their own use.

Thousands of Muslims fled Makkah and Madina in a bid to save their lives and escape from the mounting pressure and persecution at the hands of the Wahhabis. Muslims from all over the world denounced this Saudi savagery and exhorted the Caliphate of the Ottoman Empire to save the sacred shrines from total destruction. Then, as it is known, Muhammad Ali Basha attacked Hijaz and, with the support of local tribes, managed to restore law and order in Madina and Makkah, dislodging the Al-Saud clansmen. The entire Muslim world celebrated this victory with great fanfare and rejoicing. In Cairo, the celebrations continued for five days. No doubt, the joy was due to the fact that pilgrims were once more allowed freely to go for Hajj, and the sacred shrines were once again restored.

In 1818 AD, the Ottaman Caliph Abdul Majid and his successors, Caliphs Abdul Hamid and Mohammed, carried out the reconstruction of all sacred places, restoring the Islamic heritage at all important sites. In 1848 and 1860 AD, further renovations were made at the expense of nearly seven hundred thousand pounds, most of which came from the donations collected at the Prophet’s tomb.

The second plunder by the Wahhabis

The Ottoman Empire had added to the splendor of Madina and Makkah by building religious structures of great beauty and architectural value. Richard Burton, who visited the holy shrines in 1853 AD disguised as an Afghan Muslim and adopting the Muslim name Abdullah, speaks of Madina boasting 55 mosques and holy shrines. Another English adventurer who visited Madina in 1877-1878 AD describes it as a small beautiful city resembling Istanbul. He writes about its white walls, golden slender minarets and green fields.

1924 AD Wahhabis entered Hijaz for a second time and carried out another merciless plunder and massacre. People in streets were killed. Houses were razed to the ground. Women and children too were not spared.

Awn bin Hashim (Shairf of Makkah) writes: “Before me, a valley appeared to have been paved with corpses, dried blood staining everywhere all around. There was hardly a tree which didn’t have one or two dead bodies near its roots.”

1925 Madina surrendered to the Wahhabi onslaught. All Islamic heritage were destroyed. The only shrine that remained intact was that of the Holy Prophet (s).

Ibn Jabhan says: “We know that the tomb standing on the Prophet’s grave is against our principles, and to have his grave in a mosque is an abominable sin.”

Tombs of Hamza and other martyrs were demolished at Uhud. The Prophet’s mosque was bombarded. On protest by Muslims, assurances were given by Ibn Saud that it will be restored but the promise was never fulfilled. A promise was given that Hijaz will have an Islamic multinational government. This was also abandoned.

1925 AD Jannat al-Mu’alla, the sacred cemetery at Makkah was destroyed alongwith the house where the Holy Prophet (s) was born. Since then, this day is a day of mourning for all Muslims.

Is it not strange that the Wahhabis find it offensive to have the tombs, shrines and other places of importance preserved, while the remains of their Saudi kings are being guarded at the expense of millions of dollars?

Protest from Indian Muslims

1926, protest gatherings were held by shocked Muslims all over the world. Resolutions were passed and a statement outlining the crimes perpetrated by Wahhabis was issued and included the following:

The destruction and desecration of the holy places i.e. the birth place of the Holy Prophet [s], the graves of Banu Hashim in Makkah and in Jannat al-Baqi (Madinah), the refusal of the Wahhabis to allow Muslims to recite Ziyarah or Surah al-Fatiha at those graves.

The destruction of the places of worship i.e. Masjid Hamza, Masjid Abu Rasheed, in addition to the tombs of Imams and Sahaba (Prophet’s companions).

Interference in the performance of Hajj rituals.

Forcing the Muslims to follow the Wahhabis innovations and to abandon their own ways according to the guidance of the Imams they follow.

The massacre of sayyids in Taif, Madina, Ahsa, and Qatif.

The demolition of the grave of the Imams at al-Baqi which deeply offended and grieved all Shias.

Protest from other countries

Similar protests were lodged by Muslims in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Indonesia, and Turkey. All of them condemn the Saudi Wahhabis for their barbaric acts. Some scholars wrote tracts and books to tell the world the fact that what was happening in Hijaz was actually a conspiracy plotted by the Jews against Islam, under the guise of Tawheed. The idea was to eradicate the Islamic legacy and heritage and to systematically remove all its vestiges so that in the days to come, Muslims will have no affiliation with their religious history.

A partial list of the demolished graves and shrines

Al-Mualla graveyard in Makkah which includes the grave of Sayyida Khadija bint Khuwailid (a), wife of the Prophet (s), the grave of Amina bint Wahab, mother of the Prophet (s), the grave of Abu Talib, father of Imam Ali (a), and the grave of Abdul Muttalib, grandfather of the Prophet (s)

The grave of Hawa (Eve) in Jeddah

The grave of the father of the Prophet (s) in Madina

The house of sorrows (bayt al-Ahzan) of Sayyida Fatima (a) in Madina

The Salman al-Farsi mosque in Madina

The Raj’at ash-Shams mosque in Madina

The house of the Prophet (s) in Madina, where he lived after migrating from Makkah

The house of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) in Madina

The complex (mahhalla) of Banu Hashim in Madina

The house of Imam Ali (a) where Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Husayn (a) were born

The house of Hamza and the graves of the martyrs of Uhud (a)

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