Mecca: Difference between revisions

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Another possible line of criticism is to question whether Gibson has correctly identified the prayer wall on the buildings he has included in his survey, not all of which are mosques, and in any case early mosques did not have a mihrab to identify the prayer wall. However, Gibson does take care to justify his identification of prayer walls, so unless further data is obtained on site, there is no reason to question his judgement.
Another possible line of criticism is to question whether Gibson has correctly identified the prayer wall on the buildings he has included in his survey, not all of which are mosques, and in any case early mosques did not have a mihrab to identify the prayer wall. However, Gibson does take care to justify his identification of prayer walls, so unless further data is obtained on site, there is no reason to question his judgement.


It is also relevant to point out that modern Muslims have no doubt about how to interpret the order to face the Kaabah. (And have accepted the need to abandon [[Islamic Views on the Shape of the Earth#Direct%20references%20to%20a%20flat%20Earth%20in%20the%20Qur'an|the flat Earth geography of the Quran]], and come to terms with the complications of spherical geometry<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qibla ‘''Calculations with spherical trigonometry''’ and ‘''North America’''.</ref>.) Why should early Muslims have interpreted the Quran any differently?
It is also relevant to point out that modern Muslims have no doubt about how to interpret the order to face the Kaabah. (And have accepted the need to abandon [[Islamic Views on the Shape of the Earth#Direct%20references%20to%20a%20flat%20Earth%20in%20the%20Qur'an|the flat Earth geography of the Quran]], and come to terms with the complications of spherical geometry<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qibla ‘''Calculations with spherical trigonometry''’ and ‘''North America’''.  This article gives a readable survey of prayer directions over the centuries.</ref>.) Why should early Muslims have interpreted the Quran any differently?


'''A note on terminology'''
'''A note on terminology'''
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97. <b>Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe.</b> And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.}}{{Quote|{{quran|9|28}}|O ye who believe! The polytheists are unclean. So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship [that is, the Kaaba, located in Mecca] after this their year. If ye fear poverty (from the loss of their merchandise) Allah shall preserve you of His bounty if He will. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.}}
97. <b>Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe.</b> And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.}}{{Quote|{{quran|9|28}}|O ye who believe! The polytheists are unclean. So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship [that is, the Kaaba, located in Mecca] after this their year. If ye fear poverty (from the loss of their merchandise) Allah shall preserve you of His bounty if He will. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.}}


===Hadith===
=== Hadith===
{{Quote|{{bukhari|4|55|583}}|Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
{{Quote|{{bukhari|4|55|583}}|Narrated Ibn `Abbas:


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