Local Editor
The birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is at risk of being bulldozed to make way for a modern complex in the holy city of Mecca.The Saudi Arabian authorities are currently in the process of modernizing the city, which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year for the Hajj pilgrimage. However, their disregard for historical sites in the city has angered many Muslims.
On Thursday the Independent newspaper revealed that if the Saudi government approves plans that have been proposed, a small library that sits on top of the remains of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) childhood home will likely be demolished.
Dr Irfan al-Alawi, a historian and executive director of the UK-based Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, told the newspaper “The last remaining historical site in the kingdom is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammad,” adding “Most people are not even aware there are plans now to destroy it.”