ISCA - The Islamic Supreme Council of America

Appeal: Call for a Halt to Saudi Desecrations

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Washington DC - 6/4/2004) - The Islamic Supreme Council of America calls for the support of the world community, UNESCO and the United Nations to stop the wanton destruction of venerated Muslim relics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has come to our attention that the Wahhabist rulers of that nation are undertaking a new ideological "jihad" to destroy major relics and monuments from the time of the Prophet Muhammad - upon whom be peace and blessings - as well as important historical monuments from later periods. These acts of cultural oppression are being perpetrated under the auspices of a battle against "idolatry." This campaign is being waged secretly to avoid a massive outcry by the world mainstream Muslim majority who would find such destruction not only irresponsible but sacrilegious.

Recently, the city planning board of Medina, Saudi Arabia, which is dominated by a notoriously extreme-Wahhabist mayor and city-planning commission:

- Painted the famous green dome of the Holy Mosque of the Prophet silver, knowing that its original color is beloved by Prophet Muhammad and by all Muslims. After intense protest from the citizens of Medina the board restored the dome to its original green.

- Ordered the destruction of five of the renowned Seven Mosques initially built by Prophet Muhammad's daughter and four of his greatest Companions: Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Salman al-Farsi, Masjid Umar ibn al-Khattab, Masjid Sayyida Fatima bint Rasulillah and Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Our reports indicate that these ancient buildings have been covered with black tarpaulins to hide the demolition work taking place at these revered shrines.

- Ordered pulling down of "Al-mukabariyya", the elevated location for the call to prayer in the Holy Mosque of the Prophet, built by Umar bin Abdul-Aziz in the 8th century. Apparently, it too has been covered by black tarps to hide the desecration.

For the sake of historical preservation and religious sanctity, ISCA and its international board of advisors and supporters across the US and around the world call on the international community and world leaders, in particular His Majesty King Fahd and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Abdullah, to halt this desecration. Such acts should be no more tolerated than the annihilation of Buddhist relics by the Taliban. Just as we condemned those acts of Wahhabi-inspired cultural terrorism, so do we now call on all Muslims around the world to protest this profane desecration of the ancient and holy monuments of the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions.

*** 30 ***