HUSAIN: American Muslims march on Saudi Embassy to protest extremism - Washington Times
Blaming the Saudi government for exporting extremism around the Muslim world, a cluster of American Muslim groups joined a protest at the Saudi Embassy this week. Organized by the Chicago-based Al Baqee Organization, the rally was held in remembrance of a multitude of Islamic heritage sites that were destroyed by the Saudi Royal family upon assuming power nine decades ago.
Chief among them was the first-ever Islamic cemetery, personally founded by Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, named “Jannat ul Baqee” (literally “Garden of Baqee”). The cemetery contains numerous relatives of Muhammad, as well a large number of “Sahaba” (companions) of the Prophet.
Amongst the chants were condemnations of terrorism, and calls for restoration of destroyed holy sites. Protesters attempted to hand deliver a letter to the embassy, voicing their complaints; however, guards for the building refused to accept the document, and forbade entry into the building to do so. Muslims from approximately 15 different states attended, attempting to make a show of solidarity in opposing violent extremism.
Without comment, the embassy closed its offices for the duration of the protest.
The Saudi Royal family, and most of the Saudi government, belong to the Salafi sect (sometimes called the “Wahabi” sect), which believes that all structures, monuments, and historical artifacts are blasphemous. Special focus is given by the Salafis on cemeteries, believing any tombstones or shrines to be particularly heinous.
MORE http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/aug/10/husain-american-muslims-march-saudi-embassy-protes/
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