Mecca

[arclight]

I was browsing through wikipedia, and read the piece on Mecca


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca#Non-M..._and_Mecca


In a way I shouldn't be surprised that non-muslims aren't allowed in, but then again I would have thought it would also be in the interests of Islam to let others see it. If the effect, that Muslims who visit there claim it has, is so great, then shouldn't chance that such a visit could help convert a non-muslim be jumped at? Also there is the definition of who should see it. Obviously I don't know the basis of this law, but if it refers to non-believers, then should that mean only muslims? And what of people that wouldn't call themselves muslims, but do believe in God/Allah, and that Mohammed was a prophet?


Also what do you think of the number of high rise hotels that seem to surround it? Even as a non-muslim, I find it crass and offensive that someone should be able to roll out of bed and look out on such a holy place from his bedroom window. Not only that, but I would suspect that the hotel will be charging extra for such rooms. Making money directly out of the Ka'bah in such a way just seems plain wrong.