Question:
Throughout Muslims lands there are locations which are given religious reverence based on its connection to a Prophet or a friend of Allah, for example the Mt. Qasiyun in Syria. What is the position of ahlus sunnah regarding these locations? The Salafis say that what is permitted is mere “looking” and “exploring” while giving it any religious significance or getting closer to Allah by it is bidah and not permitted. See their fatwa on cave Hira and Thawr.
Is there any basis in Sharia that gives a general permission for giving religious importance to these locations ? Or do we need specific proof from Qur’an and sunnah for each and every location, as given in the Qur’an regarding the al Safa and al marwa or the maqam e Ibrahim?
Answer:
“We shall show them Our Signs on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth.” XL, 53
Those who refuse to study the signs within themselves – and this study is the domain of Sufism – will lack the insight to understand the signs on the Earth, and so will remain far from the Truth. Such is the condition of modern scientists with their “facts,” as well as of those who have desecrated so many signs in the Hijaz. Be on your guard to prevent such ruination from reaching the greater world of your soul!
“O you who believe, be aware of Allah and be with the truthful.” IX, 119
For significant locations outside “Muslims lands,” please see the post on “Cader Idris Mountain.”
Mahmoud Shelton
