A section of Muslims question whether a non-Muslim is allowed to visit Prophet’s Mosque. Some others stressed on the policies of the Narendra Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards Muslims in India and others hailed the visit saying that the Saudi government is changing its policies allowing a non-Muslim woman to visit sacred places without headcover.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The visit of Union Minister Smriti Irani to the periphery of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah has raised eyebrows in India drawing varied reactions on social media.
The mosque in Saudi Arabia is considered one of Islam’s holiest sites.
On Monday, Irani put out a post through her X handle informing about the visit describing it as “historic journey”.
“Undertook a historic journey to Madinah today, one of Islam’s holiest cities included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud, and periphery of the Quba Mosque – the first Mosque of Islam,” she posted.
“The significance of the visit to these sites courtesy Saudi officials, intertwined with early Islamic history, underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual engagement,” she added.
In Jeddah, the minister also participated in the inauguration ceremony of Haj and Umrah conference.
“Grateful for the gracious invitation extended by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs @HajMinistry, underscoring the significance of our shared values. Had an insightful meeting with H.R.H. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, and H.E. @tfrabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA. Discussed enhancing facilities and services for Indian Haj pilgrims during Haj 2024,” she stated in her another post on Tuesday along with the photos of her meeting with the Saudi officials.
What has gone viral and drew a lot of reactions is her visit to the Masjid Nabawi. A section of Muslims question whether a non-Muslim is allowed to visit Prophet’s Mosque. Some others stressed on the policies of the Narendra Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards Muslims in India and others hailed the visit saying that the Saudi government is changing its policies allowing a non-Muslim woman to visit sacred places without headcover.
Reacting to the visit, Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ballal Jain said: “Courting the petro dollars while practising the divisive politics against the Indian Muslims. I hope no one forces our minister to chant Allah hu Akbar” in the Muslim county. #Hypocrite”.
Aditya Raj Kaul, editor of TV9, hailed the visit saying that the visit of non-Muslim women without headgear was unthinkable.
“Historic in every sense. India’s top Minister@smritiirani visits Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. Delegation also comprised of a Kashmiri Hindu IRS Officer @nirupamakotru. Two Non-Muslim Indian women without Headgear in Madinah was truly unthinkable. Kudos to India-Saudi cultural & strategic bilateral ties!,” he said.
Imran Mulla, a journalist at Middle East Eye, said that this is the first time any non-Muslim delegation visited Madinah.
“Unprecedented: an Indian government delegation has just visited Madinah, including the periphery of Masjid an Nabawi. This is the first time a non-Muslim delegation has ever been invited to Madinah,” he posted.
Some supporters of the BJP expressed pride that Irani wearing sari and bindi (vermillion) without headcover walked along with the Saudi officials.
“This is remarkable! @smritiirani in full Indian attire, bindi and all, walking in step with the Saudi sheikhs without wearing a veil. This is a HUGE change,” said Shefal Vaidya.
Arif Rafiq, a journalist who writes for international news outlets, said the BJP like Communist Party of China (CCP) seeks to forcibly assimilate Muslims at home and deepen ties with Muslim countries.
“Would be interesting to compare BJP & CCP policies toward Muslims. Both seek to forcibly “assimilate” Muslims at home — & deepen ties w/ Muslim countries. BJP official’s visit comes just before her party opens a Hindu temple on the site of a mosque destroyed by its foot soldiers,” said Rafiq.
