Q. Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?

A. It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible
reasoning behind such a restriction.

1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area
I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas
like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common
citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military
or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the
cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and
for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of
Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in
the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.
It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on
entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to
object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and
Madinah.

2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah
a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a
visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own
rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their criteria
are satisfied they will not issue a visa.

b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States
of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They
have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a
visa.
c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form –
death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the
rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I
agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the
country.
d. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter
Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur
Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh)
is His Messenger.’