THE DEMOLITION OF JANNATUL BAQI

 

The demolition of Jannatul Baqi, also known as the Cemetery of Baqi, was one of the most controversial and devastating incidents in Islamic history. Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, it was one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic cemeteries, serving as the final resting place for many of the Prophet Muhammad's family members, companions, and other important figures in Islamic history.

On the 8th of Shawwal in 1345 AH (April 21, 1925), the Saudi government, under the reign of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, authorized the demolition of the cemetery. This act was condemned by Muslims all around the world, who saw it as a violation of the sanctity of Islamic heritage.

The demolition project started in the morning, and it was carried out with bulldozers and other heavy machinery. The entire cemetery, which covered an area of over 8,000 square meters, was razed to the ground in a matter of hours. The beautiful domes, minarets, and walls that adorned the graves were all destroyed, and the bodies buried there were left exposed.

The demolition of Jannatul Baqi was not only a cultural loss but also a spiritual one. The people buried there were revered and respected by Muslims all over the world, and their graves were considered sacred. Moreover, the destruction of the graves was seen as an insult to the memory of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, who taught that respect for the dead was an essential part of Islam.

Despite worldwide opposition, the Saudi government remains unapologetic about the decision to demolish Jannatul Baqi. While some argue that the destruction of the cemetery was necessary to prevent the worship of graves, others see it as a calculated attempt to erase Islamic history and obliterate the relics of the Prophet's family and companions.

Jannatul Baqi, also known as Baqi al-Gharqad, is a significant cemetery located in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the final resting place of many companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including four of his wives and family members. It is said to be one of the most important and prestigious cemeteries in Islamic history, and its destruction in 1925 has remained a controversial issue amongst Muslims all over the world.

Jannatul Baqi was founded in 8 AH (629 CE) by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself for the burial of Muslims. Over the years, it grew to become one of the most significant and widespread burial places for Muslims, including the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) companions, several of his family members, and renowned scholars of Islam. It holds a special significance in the Islamic world and is considered an extremely holy place of worship and reverence for Muslims.

In 1925, Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also known as King Saud, ordered the destruction of the holy site. It was reported that King Saud believed that the veneration of saints’ graves was against Islamic teachings and he ordered Jannatul Baqi to be levelled to discord.

Upon King Saud’s orders, the shrines and tombs of prominent Islamic personalities buried in Jannatul Baqi were demolished. It is estimated that over 10,000 graves were destroyed, including that of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family members, the first Muslim caliph Abu Bakr, and the fourth Muslim caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib.

The destruction of Jannatul Baqi was deeply distressing for Muslims across the globe, who saw the holy site as a significant part of Islamic heritage and history. It caused great unrest amongst them and quickly became a sensitive topic, especially for Shiites who considered some of the graves at Jannatul Baqi to be an essential source of their remembrance and mourning culture.

Many Shia scholars explicitly stated that even though the destruction of Jannatul Baqi was an accident in history, it caused significant pain and suffering amongst the Shia community. They consider the action of King Saud as a symbol of violence and discrimination against the Urn of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s family members.

There have been several calls for restoration of the cemetery and apologies for the destruction caused. Shia Muslims have called for the restoration of the graves of their Imams and the restoration of other holy sites in Iraq and Iran.

However, restoring the site is not easy. The Saudi Arabian government has continued to declare that grave veneration goes against their strict interpretation of Islamic law. Moreover, there have been continuing reports of restrictions on access to the site from Saudi authorities.

The destruction of Jannatul Baqi remains a sensitive issue for Muslims worldwide, with many calling for more action to be taken in restoring the site. It is a testament to the power of historical memory and the importance of religious heritage, which binds people together.

In conclusion, Jannatul Baqi is an incredibly significant part of the Islamic world and heritage, and it is a crucial example of the relationship between religion, history, and the lasting cultural impact that destruction can have. The destruction of Jannatul Baqi caused immense pain to Muslims around the world and left an enduring stain on Saudi Arabia's religious history. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to remember and recognize the importance of places such as Jannatul Baqi to work towards restoring them and preserving them for future generations.

©️ Freedom Fighters Ng - By Muhammad Jawad