May
18
Mecca: the center of the earth?
Filed Under Islam
A few weeks ago the BBC reported that various Muslim scientists and clerics called for the adoption of Mecca time to replace GMT because they believe that it is the center of the earth. For Muslims, Mecca has always been “theologically” the center of the earth; however, now one Muslim geologist is arguing that Mecca is also physically the true center of the earth since Mecca’s longitude is perfectly aligned to magnetic north. Although I am not a scientist, I am thinking that other scientists might disagree. In any case, this story provides a good occasion to review important facts about Mecca:
1. During the time of Muhammad, the Kaa’ba (cube-like building) was an important pagan religious site located in Mecca.
2. After Muhammad gained control of Mecca, he cleared the Kaa’ba of its idols and ”baptized” pagan practices that revolved around the Kaa’ba by giving them new Muslim meanings. These practices are still performed as part of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca which all Muslims are expected to do if they are able to)
3. All Muslims are expected to perform their ritual prayers 5 times a day facing in the direction of the Kaa’ba in Mecca. (Muhammad initially had his community face Jerusalem to do their prayers, but later changed it to Mecca)
4. According to the Qur’an, Abraham and Ishmael built the Kaa’ba and were commanded to carry out the rituals that are now performed as part of the Hajj. But, according to Muslim tradition, Abraham only rebuilt the Kaa’ba since Adam built it first. Also, according to some traditions, when Allah created the world he first created Mecca and then spread out from there, making it the center of the world.
5. For Muslims, Mecca is the axis mundi, the center of the world. It is where heaven and earth meet. Everyday millions of Muslims face Mecca and are united in their submission to Allah as they perform their ritual prayers. Mecca is a symbol of what is most sacred and important (non-Muslims are not allowed in Mecca). It is a symbol of the “purest” form of monotheism which began with Adam, was carried on by the prophets who followed him, and which was finally renewed by Muhammad.
For Muslims, this one city, Mecca, stands as a physical reminder of the oneness of Allah and of the unity of his ummah (Muslim community). With this understanding of Mecca, it is not surprising that Muslim scientists and clerics want the world to keep track of time based upon their most holy and precious city.
The BBC story can be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7359258.stm
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