How to preserve the Islamic Heritage in Makkah and Madinah

After reading the online article “Mecca for the rich: Islam's holiest site 'turning into Vegas'” on the Independent website (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mecca-for-the-rich-islams-holiest-site-turning-into-vegas-2360114.html ), I realised that many Muslims feel that it is valid for the Saudi’s to remove and destroy the Islamic historic sites in Makkah and Madinah due to the ongoing innovations (Biddah) performed by many pilgrims to these two holy lands.

 What is the root cause of Biddah? A lack of education by most pilgrims can be attributed to these novelties. Instead of merely demolishing these traditional sites, which is an easy cop-out for the Saudi’s, hidden under the banner of Wahabism, it may serve the Saudi’s and certainly the Muslim population better to focus more attention and money on education.


A simple suggestion – the Saudi’s can close off all heritage sites and only allow officially endorsed agents to take groups to view the sites. Rules and behaviour must be communicated to pilgrims by the agents. All sites should be protected by tourist police (similar to what is done in Cairo) and if anyone is caught performing Biddah, they should be dealt with appropriately. In this way, education and appreciation for these holy sites will increase and the heritage can still be preserved.


If we don’t start questioning the Saudi’s now, who knows what they would close up next? Imagine having a fence around the Holy Ka’abah. May Allah make it easy for us.

...Me

Never forget Phuket

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean gently caress your feet. The turquoise water seems like it never touches the ground. Beach sand as soft as a new babies blanket shift under your feet as the cool breeze kisses your face. This is Phuket – a magnificent island in South East Asia, situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The people are as warm as the waters that surround this beautiful island. With a smile you can never wipe off, they greet you in a humble tone “Sawatdee”.

The airport is tiny in comparison to major air traffic hub but operates efficiently. Security guards, the first Thai people you see are friendly and chatty, asking about South Africa and it’s culture. Once we passed passport control, our Club Med driver quickly whisked us away to the southern part of the island, Kata Bay. Enclosed by mountains and as serene as waves, the site is something to savour.




After spending 2 days at the beach and pool, lapping up all the tranquillity I could handle, I decided to take the taxi and go into Patong Town. In striking contrast to Kata Bay, Patongs streets are lined with clubs and bars. Go Go Girls welcome tourists to Thai boxing. We quickly walk into a night market which is run by Indians. Hot, bustling and exhausting, we decide that the air conditioning Junkceylon Mall is a better option. Here we are dazzled by the shops and spas. Queues line the spa’s as they offer facial treatments for as little as R80 for a full hour.

The next day, we decided to be more adventurous and try the Phuket Zoo. Elephants walk freely, snakes creep anywhere and tigers sit in the open. The zoo is not well maintained and for the price (R125), they really should preserve this area. We were quite alarmed at how bad the animals are treated but they still put on a good show. With the mercury rising, we head back to the pools and beaches.

Whilst at the Juckceylon Mall, we were offered a free trip to the Splash Water Jungle. After a long drive and a short presentation, we finally get into the resort - a water wonderland, with amazing slides and water features. Certainly an experience we will not forget.


We spend our last 2 days lazing at the beach sipping smoothies and enjoying spectacular views. However, a trip to Thailand is not complete unless you’ve been to Premium Outlet. Adidas, PUMA, Nike and others are available here at a slightly higher price that the markets but are definitely not fakes.

A quick tuk tuk ride, neck massage and tropical showers and we sadly have to leave this tropical paradise.

Phuket – we hope to return next year!!


...Me