The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has strongly condemned reported missile and drone attacks targeting the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. SUPKEM National Chairman Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado stated that any assault on Mecca, which hosts Masjid al-Haram, one of Islam’s holiest sites, is unacceptable. He emphasized that sacred sites in Mecca and Medina serve as a unifying force for Muslims worldwide.
SUPKEM expressed its support for the Saudi government in efforts to protect the holy sites from the impact of ongoing conflicts. The council cited the Holy Quran, particularly Surah Al-Hajj (22:39-40), which emphasizes the protection of places of worship and frames their preservation as a universal obligation. SUPKEM called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to protect holy sites and places of worship from attacks.
According to the BBC, on September 15, Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of the holy Islamic city of Mecca. Turki al-Maliki, spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, stated that targeting Mecca was a "disgraceful act". The 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks, describing them as an "unacceptable and intolerable transgression".
However, the Houthis, an Iran-backed armed group controlling much of western Yemen, denied targeting Mecca. Military spokesman Yahya Sarea accused Saudi Arabia of "fabrications and lies". Sarea claimed that Houthi operations target Saudi oil facilities and military bases, far removed from the holy places.
SUPKEM urged the warring factions to pursue dialogue and resolve their differences in accordance with Islamic teachings. The council emphasized that conflict among Muslim nations in the Middle East is not new, but attacks on holy sites must not be tolerated. Ole Naado stated that these sacred spaces serve as a unifying force for Muslims worldwide and should never be entangled in political disputes.
As the national representative body advocating for the interests of Muslims in Kenya, SUPKEM holds a divine responsibility towards the preservation of the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The council serves as the custodian of the Kenya Hajj Mission. SUPKEM's stance on the issue reflects its commitment to protecting Islamic holy sites and promoting unity among Muslims.
The reported attacks on Mecca have sparked international condemnation. The incident highlights the need for conflicting parties to respect and protect holy sites. SUPKEM's call for dialogue and adherence to Islamic teachings is a reminder of the importance of preserving peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- SUPKEM condemns reported attacks on Mecca as unacceptable.
- The holy city of Mecca is a unifying force for Muslims worldwide.
- SUPKEM urges conflicting parties to pursue dialogue and protect holy sites.
