American Muslims Protest at Embassy of Saudi Arabia Against Oppression and Human Rights Violations
American Muslims across the nation are gathering in Washington DC at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia on April 28th, 2023 at 1pm to denounce destruction of sacred sites, restrictions on women and ill treatment of pilgrims. Notable community leaders will be leading the procession from the Embassy to the White House.
- Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV (1888PressRelease) April 24, 2023 - The epicenter of Islamic congregations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is home to the final resting place of many notable Islamic personalities. It is 100 years ago, on this day, a number of mausoleums in Baqee cemetery, the most famous cemetery in the holy city of Medina were demolished by the rulers of the country. The same year, tombs of notable personalities of Islam were desecrated in Moalla cemetery in Mecca, the holiest Islamic city, where Muslims from all over the world travel to perform their pilgrimage every year. Not only are the premises razed, but pilgrims, especially women who wish to visit these sites, are banned from entering and visiting these sites, violating their fundamental rights.
In the last few years, KSA has taken many initiatives to make its national policies more inclusive and welcoming. With steps like granting driving licenses to women, allowing cinemas and movie theaters to reopen and spring up after decades-long bans, permitting single women to perform the pilgrimage without a male guardian, and investing in the arts and culture, the country is positioning itself as a forward-looking and enlightened arts convert.
What’s stopping it from turning such sites of historical significance into the Holocaust Memorials or the Hagia Sophias of the world?
The Al Baqee Organization, an established Illinois based NGO that has a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 2008, is demanding the government of KSA to:
1.) Permit women to enter the Baqee and Moalla cemeteries, extend visiting hours and allow pilgrims to recite supplications without any interference.
2.) Immediately halt the destruction and desecration of shrines, graves, cemeteries, relics and in good faith begin the process of rebuilding these sacred sites to their original beauty. Additionally, within the Baqee and Moalla cemeteries, post respectable signage by the burial site of the notable personalities.
3.) Remove Harassing personnel from Baqee cemetery, especially those who initiate argumentative confrontations with pilgrims paying homage to family members and companions of the Prophet.
4.) Allow Muslims to pay homage and arrange special events to celebrate the birthdays and mark the commemorations of the martyrdom of notable personalities buried in Baqee & Moalla cemeteries.
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