09-19-2006, 01:08 PM
Steve, you are right. Focusing on an object, whether sacred or not, detracts from one's God consciousness. Everyone answering this thread is talking about "why Mecca." You already know the reasons why Mecca is important to the Muslims. But it seems what you really want to know is, why do we need a specific place at all?
Well, in the beginning of Islam, Muslims faced Mecca when they prayed. Then at one point, God commanded they change their direction towards the city of Jerusalem, for a few reasons: to test those who would rebel, and to make a point (see below). Here is the account from the Qur'an (translation of the meanings by Yusuf Ali):
<b>2:142 The fools among the people will say: "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say: To Allah belong both East and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
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2:143 Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.
2:144 We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens): now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
2:145 Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert thou Indeed (clearly) in the wrong.
Basically, the Jews freaked out because the Muslims were trying to use their sacred city instead of their own. But God said, I made everything. It all belongs to Me, from East to West. It doesn't matter where you face when you pray.
The point of having a specific location to face is for unity of the ummah. Have you ever seen a group of Muslims praying? It can be awe-inspiring, or at least give you a feeling of reverence to see them all moving as one. Unity is strength. In verse 144 above, God acknowledges that people naturally were looking to the heavens, trying to look toward God as they prayed. He gave them a place to look that they could comprehend.
So, here's a summary:
1. Muslims faced Mecca to pray.
2. God commanded them to change and face Jeruslam, to show them the location didn't matter, only the unity. Also to test their faith.
3. God made his point, and made Mecca the permanent Qibla.
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Allah knows best, may Allah guide us all.