Mecca

[arclight]

Also there is no such thing as islamic related tats to be sold there, merely prayer mats for us to take back home as present. But they never do commercialize on the place. O yes, u might get embroided things to hand on walls with the door of Ka`aba, or ayahs of Quran embroided on velvet. BUt this u can get anywhere else in the world.

I wasn't suggesting there was, merely that is what I found in Lourdes. No matter where you are, the C.M.O.T Dibblers of the world will be there to ring what they can out of it.

However, his only concern is that the over luxury takes away the spirituality.

Thats kind of what I'm trying to say. While 'tourist attraction' may not be the best way of putting it, it is the same effect.

But why do u have to stay in the room? When I was there last time, I did stay in one of those, i must admit. BUt i hardly was in the room. Off for prayer with short breaks for food in the room then sleep to wake up again. Take in mind that the numbers are growing largely and they need to accomodate people.

But would I be right in guessing that the nearer the hotel is, and the better the view of the Ka`aba, the higher the price of the room?


I can see the need for new hotels (cheaper flights mean that what was a pilgrimage for a lucky few, is now within the grasp of most muslims), but couldn't they be built further away?


At the end of the day I'm not a muslim, so really what I have to say on it doesn't matter. If you guys are happy with it, then so be it. But for what its worth I think its wrong.

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


No arclight, thinking that I wouldnt respect your view point or discuss it with u because you r not a muslim is incorrect. Because thru this you can grasp a better idea about our stand point, realize reasons behind things that are questionable to u.


Thus, we do care.


Well, yes the closer the room is the higher the price is. But as I replied on my first post to this thread. This is how Allah Made us, there are the rich, poor, middle class. but this is only outside of the Haram (Ka`ba= masjed). NOt inside. I performed Haj in the same year Sultan of Brunai did. We were both inside the Masjed at the same time. He was wearing his white towles just like any other man.


Last time I was there, yes i was stying in one of those, but when i m in Haram, I sit next to whoever women. And we both are the same, sitting on the floor waiting for the prayer to call, perform it the same way, put our foreheads on the floor in humility to our Creator.


Let me tell you my own personal opinion, for example, I dont mind stying in those hotels, it doesnt really bother me. Because Alhamdulelah I m over this luxury issue, I wasnt like this 20 years ago. Only that I hardly, if u noticed, i relate personal experiences for many reasons, I d have elaborated. Simply, when i m out of them, I prefer for example to go for food to those little food stores, not the western or 5 star restaurtans. In brief, Alhamdulelah stying there doesnt get into my heart, or takes away my gratitude to Allah. Matter of fact, i feel more grateful being able to afford it. It makes me even more grateful when I see others very content with their simple accomodation. Plus as I said, numbers are really growing, there is a large segment which can afford it, they have to cater for all segments. Plus no, it is not cheap as u may think arclight. People spend their lives saving to make Haj. Sobhan Allah. Did i rant much??????????? Shall I stop?????are u going to :sleep2: or :popc1:

[umm Zachariah]

Bismillah


Assalamu alaikum


Interesting points raised by Arclight, thank you :)


Sister Muslimah, even if the subject was more of a worthly position here, something that you wrote just grasped my heart and I just have to highlight it.

but when i m in Haram, I sit next to whoever women. And we both are the same, sitting on the floor waiting for the prayer to call, perform it the same way, put our foreheads on the floor in humility to our Creator.

MashaAllah, no matter who we are we all have the same inner wish to worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Here in a large unity. Alhamdulillah.

[arclight]

Bismillah


No arclight, thinking that I wouldnt respect your view point or discuss it with u because you r not a muslim is incorrect.

Thats not what I meant. What I did mean was that ultimately its something the muslim community must decide, and that as a non-muslim my vote doesn't actually count.

Simply, when i m out of them, I prefer for example to go for food to those little food stores, not the western or 5 star restaurtans.

I'm the same. I don't feel comfortable anywhere where they have more knives and forks for one meal than I have at home. Last time I went to America we stayed in an expensive hotel at Manchester airport. Can't say I enjoyed it anymore than one of the cheaper places. Usually 5 star equals paying four times as much for four times less food.

In brief, Alhamdulelah stying there doesnt get into my heart, or takes away my gratitude to Allah

I didn't think it would, its partly the desecration aspect of it and that they are making money from it


<b>John 2:</b>



14 And He found in the temple those selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers sitting there.


15 And having made a whip out of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, as well as the sheep and the oxen, and He poured out the money of the moneychangers and overturned their tables.


16 And to those who were selling the doves He said, Take these things away from here; do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise.


Blimey, thats the first time I've quoted the Bible in awhile :)

Did i rant much??????????? Shall I stop?????are u going to :sleep2: or :popc1:

:sleep2: ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz