Churches in Saudi Arabia?

Hmmm! What about a Muslim mosque, a Jews synagogue, and a Hidu Mandir, in the middle of Vatican?

What???? the religion of Islam and it’s followers are actually doing what they tell others to do? ie., show justice and tolerance towards other beliefs. There are mosues all over Western nations so lets see the same number of churches and synagogues in S.Arabia and other Muslim countries.

Does the Vatican have a mosque in there? once they do, thats the only time saudia should do too…

aha…so the religion of peace and tolerance just doesn’t work in Saudi Arabia? The West has plenty of Mosques the Muslim world few churches and fewer synagogues. Though the Vatican is recognized as a state there truly little or no comparison between that and a nation such as Saudi Arabia.

Well the people and the polls don’t lie! Looks like the religion of TOLERANCE has struck out again. Sure old Moe would be proud.

I douby that anyone is aking for a Christian Church in Medina. That is about the same as requiring a Mosque in th Vatican.

What would the Muslims of the world say if other countries banned the construction of mosques? Even Utah’s Mormon’s welcomes the building of mosques in Salt Lake City, their “holy city’.

There seems to be an underlying fear that if Muslims were to allow other cults to move in amongst them, they would lose people to those other cults!

Very interesting indeed! I would love to be a fly on the wall during those discussions… There are quite a bit of similarities between the two religions….. believe it or not.

I lived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I know many my non-muslims colleagues they practice their religion freely.problem is not in allowing to built churches , porblem is afterwards, this will make begining for the their other freedom ( mix Men& Women gatherings etc) demands. Thats why I think It should not be allowed…

All human beings should have the freedom to worship as they choose in a holy site of their choosing. What better way to demonstrate to the world Islam’s love and understanding of the human race and the freedom of choice everyone should enjoy than for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s to allow a Christian church in the Kingdom and for those who choose to exercise their Allah given right to worship as they will. As Muslims, we in Islam have and hold a special status with Allah no matter where we live, whether it be in KSA, USA or in any other nation on earth; so, why should we be be afraid of or have disdain for a Christian church no matter where it may be?

As someone who “reverted” to Islam and have been on both sides of the fence so to speak, Muslims should NEVER allow a church in Saudi Arabia – not because we are not tolerant – but because we do not help others in their blasphemy. What some people do not understand is that all the Prophets, peace be upon them, were Muslim. Muslim is an Arabic word that means submission to God and for sure ALL of the Prophets (from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them all)submitted to the one and only Creator (God) who has NO partner in his Dominion and does not resemble the creation in any way. So this is why we do NOT allow churches inside Saudia Arabia because we do not help the spread of blasphemy. Meaning that God (Allah) does NOT have a son, a daughter, a mother etc. and it is wrong for us to assist in the spreading of this belief. To believe that God (Allah) has a son, daughter, mother, etc. is blasphemy. May Allah protect us from this. Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, is an honoured Prophet in Islam and to allow a church inside Saudia Arabia does not honour him.

Assalam Aliekum,
Excuse my lack of knowledge, but I would like to know whether there are any Saudi Citizens residing in Saudi Arabia who are not muslims (christians)? If the ansmer is yes, and vatican is talking for them, then the Saudi authority should reconsider the policy. It should not only be the churches standing as white elephants, there should be people to fill them. Islam teaches about tolerancy and no compulsion in religion. If the christians in Saudi Arabia are non saudis, then I think there is something the Saudi authorities and indeed the Islamic authority should understand further before concluding.
By the way, are there muslims in vatican? Is there a mosque in vatican?

Assalam Aliekum – Isamil

I know for a fact that in Pakistan, the churches that are in existence are there only because when Pakistan was a British colony, the British missionaries followed on the footsteps of the administrators and soldiers. They offered the local Muslims and Hindus who were not too firm in their faith money and food to convert. Today we contemptuously refer to these people as “rice Christians”. I should know, because even though Alhamdulillah I am Muslim, my father’s side of the family are all rice Christians due to these missionaries. Thus if the government of Saudia allows churches to be built on the soil of the Holy Land, it will introduce a cancer straight into the Land of the Two Holy Mosques, our Holiest of Holies in Islam.

Why not?
First of all, someone said why not a Muslim mosque and a synagogue in the Vatican. This is the not the same thing as opening a church in the KSA (KIngdom of Saudi Arabia). Saudi Arabia is a COUNTRY in the full meaning of the term whereas the Vatican City, although a sovereign state, is not actually big enough. The equivelent of opening a mosque in the Vatican is opening a church next to the Kabaa or Masjid el Haram in Mecca. So the whole ‘we’ll build a church in KSA when a mosque is built in the Vatican City’ is an invalid argument. KSA is a COUNTRY while the VC has an entirely unique status.
The KSA has a sizeable non-Muslim minority. The government should let other faiths worship. The religion does not oppose this, nor is it silent about it, but actually ENCOURAGES us to make people feel free worshipping their faith.
I know the KSA has a special role in the Islamic world and that Islam has a special status there, but people would respect us as a Muslim community if we allowed others to worship their faith.
As per my understanding, you can only be Saudi if you are of the Muslim faith.
Non-Muslim countries permit the construction of mosques but the KSA doens’t allow a single church? I hope that this will change sooon. Chhers….

Welcome to Christians, Jews, Idolaters, atheists and Muslims in Mecca and Medina. If some one wants to worship God it is the right place, there is one key is to say there are no god than God, and Mohammed is messenger of God. It is simple, in second step she (he) goes to consul of Saudi for visa, three takes money (gained truly with labour ). With these steps, you are welcome. You will find millions of persons from America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe those devote, love, glorify and adore God.
Whereas, whom wants money and petroleum, the way is never church nor mosque; you can ask city Bank or NASDAQ.
You are welcome; make an effort for the first paradise key. Do what is good and better, for you and for others women and men.

how can a church be built in the city of the prophets i.e Abraham,Ismeal and Mohammad (SAW)?Buiding a church in a place like this, is just like misleading a new set of people!A mosque should be built in the vertican to saving people from going astray!

How would the Vatican be able to accomodate A MOSQUE? And Saudi Arabia is NOT the Vatican City. It is the country which RULES Mecca and Medina and this was decided by a group of British diplomats in the 20th century who drew up modern-day borders. KSA has no special, divinely ordained role in Islam. Islam is not an Arab religion, or a Saudi Arabian novelty-it is a WORLDWIDE religon. Right now, the fact that the Government should recognize a few chruches here and there is not that big a deal. Its not like a cathedral will be built. Already its de facto allowed to privately practice, why not allow it, at least on a small scale?

Thanks to the leaders! Israel the 2nd and palestine the 2nd are going to be created in the middle east!!

what a stupidity
allowing churche in the land of Islam is just like betryal of All prophets in general and our prophet in particular.How could a sound mind think such a outrageous and perniciuos never to be exercised idea?!!!
Rather people of the world must Understand that Islam is the onlt TRUE RELIGION and must rush to embrace it to save their eternal life.and also to lead peaceful and prosperous life here and here after.

OK Vatican do not have any Mosque then there should not be any Church in Saudi Arabia? But if any Hindu says that there are lot Mosque in their holiest places then what is reply. In this case we should forget the Church but then why not Hindu Temple be built in Saudi Arabia. See it is fear of others because of this we have become more conservative and not allowing others to enjoy our land irrespective of Saudi Arabia or similar one. But then we enjoys with their land and wealth. It is through out the world. No one can deny this reality. In short it mine means it is exclusive for me but if it is of others then I also have right to enjoy ! It is really one-sided story.

Some of our brothers’ Christian, whish to see churches in Islamic countries. The truth there are churches in many Islamic countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and others countries. And some native Christians reached a political summit as a former Secretary –General , Boutros Ghali from Egypt (1992-1996), And Tareq Aziz was the Foreign Minister (1983-1991) and Deputy Prime Minister (1979-2003) of Iraq.
In all countries where Muslims had governed, you can find still now, all the minorities (religious, cultural, ethnic…). And Muslims are known from theirs hospitality and generosity, and theirs hard works, from pizzeria maker to emeritus Professor, they contribute to civilization and economy in their countries, and or abroad. Also there are many foreign workers and tourists in Islamic countries. There are no civilizations without pacific exchange and mutual respect. We should work together to improve our contemporary civilization to fight the social injustice, racism, neo colonialism and the diseases, then the challenge is big.Are you ready ?

I’m not against the Christians, I am a Muslim convert and my parents and relatives are Christians. But I do believe that building a Church in Saudi Arabia is not a necessity…I was taught all my life as a Catholic until I decided to marry a Muslim and be converted on my own will…If and when a place of worship is needed by the non-Muslim residents/workers of KSA, they shouldn’t be choosing a place like Saudi Arabia as a place of work in the first place…otherwise they have to accept that KSA is a Muslim country that holds on to its Islamic principles and rules and they should go by it…They are given the chance to have something to eat and priveleged enough to live a comfortable life for what they get from working in KSA….KSA do not need more moral pollution.

Is it possible that Muslims could learn something from Christians and Jews? I would welcome some more religious tolerance shown by a religion which seeks to present itself as the one true religion. Perhaps Muslims would learn that many of their religious roots and beliefs originated from the beliefs of others; for example many of the Hadiths centered around Mohammad are very much like the stories told about Jesus in the New Testament. Perhaps Saudi Arabia can make this huge step toward true religious peace.

I BELIEVE BUILDING CHURCHES IN KSA MUST BE PROBIHITED,ITS REALLY SINFULL THING THAT ALLAH HATE SO MUCH WORSHIPPING OTHER THAN HIM,WE AS A MUSLIM SHOULD NOT TOLERATE THIS MATTER FOR WE KNOW THAT THE ONLY AND TRUE RELIGION IS THE ISLAM,AND ALLAH SAYS IN QUR’AN THAT WE SHOULD NOT DIE UNLESS WE ARE MUSLIMS,AND ALLAH (SWT)SAYS THAT THE ONLY RELIGION HE WILL ACCEPT IS ISLAM.WHY SHOULD ALLOW CHRISTIAN CHURCH HERE FOR WE KNOW THAT WE ARE IN TRUE WORSHIP?WE SHOULD NOT HELP CHRISTIAN FOR WRONG PRACTICES.ENSHALLAH ALLAH WILL NOT ALLOW CHRISTIANITY HERE.AND ALLAH PROTECT US FROM WRONG DOINGS.

Christianity is not bad…but excessive personal freedom, as clothing preferences and liberated social and moral patterns of behaviour is a big issue to tackle in terms of the strict observance of proper outfit outside of home to at least preserve decency of each female whether she is a local or a foreigner. A church could be a means of solace for the Christian residents and it may not be bad at all, but would these Christians not ask to be liberated from wearing abayat in public places, or to mingle freely, men and women alike anywhere at anytime? It’s kind of hard to find a country where one could still feel that sense of decency in clothing and be protected from lusty eyes of humans…you could only find an all out exhibition of bodies and flesh nowadays….Is KSA ready for this?

I say everyone has the right to worship what ever they like, even though most of suadia is Muslim’s Christian’s have the right to express their religion. If we are faithful Muslims we should not disagree with this idea or fear it what so ever because we know islam is the right path to life (alhamdualilah) and let us show the peace within islam, let them build a church or two, three or hundred. Like the Quran states “lakum deenakum, walea deen” “you have your religion and i have mine” and in the day of judgment we will find out who is right and wrong. Peace out brothers and sisters God bless your souls!!!

why is there no synagogue, no mosque, no buddhist temple, no hindu temple, etc in the Vatican.

the west has mosques. YES.
but the east also has churches, synagogues, etc.

the vatican is the holiest for all christians, so no other house of worship prevails.

saudi arabic is the holiest for all muslims, so no other house of worship prevails.

at least half of the people living their on work permits are practising non-muslims and there has been peace for a very long time.

why cant you trouble makers leave these ridiculous notions to yourself before you create more war.

also, please dont say it is sinful to have a church there. muslims and islam acknowledge christanity and judaism as predecessors of Islam. we are to respect all religions, whether of the book or not of the book.

the vatican is small. saudi arabia is big.
it does not change the fact that both are recognized as independent countries.

if the vatican does not house a mosque, there is no need for saudi arabia to house a church either.

saudi arabian law does not allow you to not practice your religion privately.

dont make this about the country.

you compare the west having mosques with saudi not having churches which is a wrong comparison because the east has churches, and other houses of worship as well. heck, look at india, they had a muslim, a hindu ruling at the same time!

First of al, I am a Muslim. Yet even though i am so, I have to disagree with both sides of the commenters. First of all, fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, Suadi Arabia is not a “holy land.” It is a political entity, while Mecca and Medinah are “holy cities.” It is totally unacceptable, and we, as Muslims should not allow the contruction of a church(es) in Islam and Allah’s holy cities. God give me more knowledge, yet I believe that most Christians of the KSA reside in Riyadh, the Capital. Therefore, it is sustainable enough that a small church, not a cathedral, is built in Riyadh. Having a small church Riyadh will not vastly affect Saudi Arabia’s superb moral conduct. The world is well under the sway of unmoral Western culture, so we can’t afford a big conservative country like KSA to become under the sway. Having a church in KSA will help it’s human rights issues get resolved and will prove Islam’s tolerance and respect to other religions. Islam and the Prophet Muhammad PBUH commanded tolerance and respect to other religions. Citizens of the Islamic Empire, after the life of the Prophet were not forced to become Muslim, nor were they prohibited from practicing their religion in congregation. Thus, Islam, is tolerant and respectful, and forbidding the freedom of religion is un-Islamic. So, 1 small church in KSA will help enforce that point, yet will not affect the holy cities and spread blasphemy.
As for Jeremiah, first of all, referring to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH as Old Moe in your early comments is greatly disrespectful, ehhmm! Islam, as you is tolerant. Therefore, having a church or not having a church in saudi Arabia this fact will not change. Why doesn’t the Vatican have a mosque or a synagogue, or others. Why doesn’t it have a Protestant, or Orthodox church? The Vatican is still a political entity, esteemed, respected, known, and powerful. so is KSA. Therefore it doesn’t change the fact of “no church, no mosque” etc. as some people say (the Vatican is samleer and all that blab..) Also, there are many Muslim countries that have churches and synagogues. Go to Egypt, North Africa, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and such and they have churches and synagogues. Syria, my homeland, has many churches. Christians hold government positions, are esteemed, have monuments, streets and squares honored after them, and are regularly treated. Freedom of religion is gauranteed in all the countries listed above and more. My mother had many and her best friend was Christian. therefore Jeremiah, you are being disrespectful, and intolerant of Islam, and you are presuming without understanding. Again, though, I will repeat, churches should not be allowed in Mecca and Medinah.

I slightly agree with # 25

I think that building a Church in KSA is another good way of strengthening ties between Islam and Christianity. The idea itself is worth a lot of time and consideration; in other words, it’s worth a shot. I don’t think this plan is an invasion or defilement of anything, but an opportunity for learning and better understanding, which ideally will benefit both sides. This is a very sensitive topic, since it houses human rights, tolerance, freedom and religion to name a few, so I hope both camps will not lack in consideration needed in ultimately reaching a consensus.

And I agree 100% with Omar Mohamed

Rome has the largest mosque in Europe, built with Saudi money. It’s very close to the Vatican.

The Vatican is only 0.44 square kilometers in size.

No one is asking for a church inside the City of Mecca or Medina.

Do you believe it is reasonable that there be a mosque inside the Vatican before there is a church inside the border of Saudi Arabia?

Well if thats the case KSA should have Hindu Temple too since their are so many mosques and freedom for muslims to pray to their god.I think its about time all infidels like us should shtart treating muslims like they treat us like they cant pray in our countries,cant propogate their religion .Hell these guys live in my country INDIA and talk trash about Indian Govt about HINDU religion but can we do that in their country?????????Its just funny for example muslims have been making degratory comments and making dirty cartoons about other religions and their GODS but if someone do the same they bring hell..East and West time to wake up and give muslims taste of their own medicine.

Why did everyone keep on insisting that their should be a mosque or temple or a synagoue in vatican? Do you all know how small is vatican? It’s the smallest country in the world. I can understand that the moslem are worried that the status of mecca is under threat by the presence of another religion. Then have the church built somewhere else in Saudi. It’s a huge country. Another thing, if islam is so great, then what’s the worry?

Unfortunately muslims are afraid of change and are not allowed to learn about other religions in case they change religion!!!

It is the only religion i know that degrades other religions and you can be killed if you leave it!!!

Jesus taught love thy neighbour.Mo taught kill my neighbour if he/she is a infidel

There is no compulsion in Religion as stated in the Koran

Religion of intolerance/hatred instead of peace!!!

well it doesnt make sense to compare saudi arabia with lets say moscow, USA or italy. All of those countries have a sizeable muslim population citizens of their own hence they are obliged to give them rights. Saudi arabia on other hand has no native non-muslim population. The 800 christians being touted all over the christan forums are just forigen workers bootable at any time by simple labour minister order. The only country which Saudi arabia could compare with is the Vatican. And on our persuit of Mosque vs. Church the total score will remain 0:0

May I ask what moral grounds do Muslims have to agitate for the Babri mosque in Ayodhya? It is present in the city of Lord Rama’s birth. Ayodhya is to Hinduism what Mecca/Medina are to Islam.

But this gets better – a temple that stood at the site was demolished and the mosque built on top of it. And yet Muslims all over the world are crying hoarse. Look into your hearts, what kind of freedom do you allow other religions in areas where you are a majority.

Any Muslim who has the moral courage/ honesty to say this was totally wrong?

BTW there are thousands of mosques in India and they operate with full freedom. I am blessed to be born in a country that respects all faiths equally. Hindus laugh and say that the only Muslim who roots for secularism/ diversity is one who lives in a predominantly non-Muslim country.

SAUDI ARABIA the holy land for we the muslim, church should not be there. cause dat will be d beginning of onholynest.

What do you care what I believe or how I whorship? I am a Christian. Also we do pray to one God. Most of the muslims have no idea what Christianity even is about. We know about Abraham, Ishmeal, Moses and many others. What differs is we believe what is spoken in the old testament of the bible that a Messiah would come. He shall be called Emanual or God with us. He shall deliver his people from their sins. He is the lamb of God; and wasn’t it strange that he was crucified on Passpover. The confusion about the trinity God the Father, God the son, and the Holy spirit is understandable. It is a mystery to Christians as well. However they are one God. Jesus was God in the flesh, and the Holy spirit is with us in Jesus absence. and Jesus is 100% man and 100% God, which is also a mystery. It is not blazphemy and Jesus was not a helper. the Koran even tells you that Jesus will come back again in the clouds of glory. Amen

I want to make a comment about what #25 said about Christians and wearing unsuitable clothing. True Christians dress modestly at all times. Saudi Arabia has strict cultural differences. What is modest to me may not be modest to you. However when in another country we observe their laws. I live in the USA. I dress modestly for my country. No I don’t wear a hijab here but if I went to a Muslim country and it was required I would wear one because I am respectful.

As a Muslim living in a majority Christian, Western country (the U.S.) I believe the lack of churches in Saudi Arabia is a violation of the basic human rights of Christians (people of the book); a violation of Islam; and- quite simply- a shame. What would the great Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) do? The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that I’ve been raised love would most certainly lead the way in constructing churches and synagogues right away. In a marketplace of ideas, the truth always rises to the top. If you have faith (Iman), then you should not fear people of other faiths worshipping next door to you.

Neither a Mosque or a Church can save anyone, it is the true love of God which resides in every persons heart. Even if a Mosque is not built in Vatican, the presence of Allah lives in Vatican and even if a Church is not built in KSA or Madina or Mecca, the presence of God the Father and his son Jesus, lives in KSA or Madina or Mecca. Even if a Ram mandhir is not built in Ayodya, he dwells in Ayodya. It’s only because of our filthy thought, we try to control God’s worship. Shame on everyone who speaks of Religion without being spiritual.

A mosque inside the Vatican is the worst analogy ever. That would be like Christians asking to put a Cathedral in the middle of Mecca. It’s not the same issue at all. This is for the whole country of Saudi Arabia! Sure, Vatican City is a country, but its sole purpose is to govern the Catholic church. If Italy didn’t allow mosques, it would be a different issue.

How dumb is that to compare a 0.17 square mile country with 826 citizens to that of Saudi Arabia? No Christian churches are complaining that other branches of Christianity are not located there. It’s nonsense.

Arif says:
Does the Vatican have a mosque in there? once they do, thats the only time saudia should do too…

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The Vatican is not the center of Christianity, jesus Christ is the center of Christianity.

Unfortunately muslims are afraid of change and are not allowed to learn about other religions in case they change religion!!!

It is the only religion i know that degrades other religions and you can be killed if you leave it!!!

Jesus taught love thy neighbour.Mo taught kill my neighbour if he/she is a infidel

There is no compulsion in Religion as stated in the Koran

Religion of intolerance/hatred instead of peace!!!
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The whole world is scared of jesus Christ (christianity)

Quote…
Hmmm! What about a Muslim mosque, a Jews synagogue, and a Hidu Mandir, in the middle of Vatican?

The Vatican is not full of residential neighborhoods, different cities and towns. That’s like saying build a Church in a mosque. Admit the hypocrisy. It’s a lot easier than reaching with poor analogies.

KSA should allow churches, people can be free to seek God he lead them to him, only false religions fear other religions, if your a true religion of God, god is almighty and fears no one! Some Bible verses found in Bibles from 90AD to present day.

(Galatian 1:8:) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned.

(II Corinthians 11:14)And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

(Mat 7:15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.