Saudi Arabia: No churches unless prophet Mohammed recognised, says expert Riyadh, 20 March (AKI) - No churches should be permitted in Saudi Arabia, unless Pope Benedict XVI recognised the prophet Mohammed, according to a Middle East expert. While Saudi mediators are working with the Vatican on negotiations to allow places of religious worship, some experts believe it will not occur without this recognition. Anwar Ashiqi, president of the Saudi centre for Middle East strategic studies, endorsed this view in an interview on the site of Arab satellite TV network, al-Arabiya on Thursday. "I haven taken part in several meetings related to Islamic-Christian dialogue and there have been negotiations on this issue," he said. "It would be possible to launch official negotiations to construct a church in Saudi Arabia only after the Pope and all the Christian churches recognise the prophet Mohammed." What are your comments on the issue? What do you think of the response? http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=1.0.1993520344
Ramadan - 17 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I dont know why not as the Islamic faith recognizes Jesus as a prophet of god. There is an inscription to honor him in the masque at the dome of the rock, Islams most holy site. I am a christian but I respect all religions, and its about time this planet stopped this bickering umong people and religions and became a universal family
2 :
Oh and the wars of men rage on... when God never wanted them in the first place. God Bless, Athena=)
3 :
The pope recognizing the prophet Muhammad.... that would cause some massive chaos in the Catholic world. That is not going to happen anytime soon. And what is the point of building a christian church if based on islamic ideas?
4 :
How can the Pope recognize Muhammed when there are no pictures of him? Would we be asking this question if Muslims wanted to build a Mosque in a country whose national religion was some form of Christianity, and they demanded the Muslims recognize Jesus as the Christ first? Or does that sound reasonable to you?
5 :
My personal Opinion is the Catholic church shouldn't make the people of Saudi Arabia conform to their religious beliefs. In the same way the people of Saudi Arabia shouldn't force the Pope to recognize Mohammed as a prophet. Religion and Faith is all about freedom of chose. Putting ultimatums and compromises doesn't seem right.
6 :
The Saudis would understand things a bit better if all mosques in Western countries were banned and shut down. If Western nations made it a crime to practice Islam and closed all the mosques, it would level the playing field and might convice the Saudis to adopt a more tolerant position in order to get those mosques reopened. You have to deal with these repressive people in a language they understand. Appeals to reason will not work with them.
7 :
The Saudis will never allow churches there besides islam, so why give in? muhammad was a mentally ill child rapist, not a prophet
8 :
Do you ever read Chapter " jhon " in bible ? If not go and read " If i will not go he will not come " who is he ? whom he want to indicate that " he will not come " its a logic .. its a simbol .. or for non-believers its a fairy tale .. Guess yourself what u think
9 :
why media want to magnify this stupid issue there is only a few Christians in Saudi why they need churches ?! the good point in Christianity that pope can change what he want in religion
10 :
no church in saudi because 2+2=4 Not 5
11 :
WHAT??!! There shouldn't be any churches in saudi arabia. PERIOD @ a pig: too bad there are already more than 40,000 in just the US
12 :
Its crazy. also @ by kmi2 (المسجد الØرام forever just like there should be no mosques in the USA UK or Canada PERIOD. Yes I know its a shame that this has been allowed. Doesn't mean its right but oh well, just shows how intollerant mulims really are, yet you want us to be tollerant of you. Why don't you all go back to islamic countries if Islam is so great? answer me that.
13 :
They have no intention of allowing a Church in Saudi Arabia. . All KSA is trying to do is impress other Muslims who generally have a woefully minimal knowledge of Christianity. They cant understand how we cannot accept Mohammad as they accept Jesus. Why? Christians believe that Jesus satisfied all previous prophecies, thus making the need for future Prophets unnecessary. Because of the impression they get of Christians from the media, they feel that we can throw off our faith like one changes clothes. This is not true.
14 :
No Pope will ever recognize Mohammad as a true Prophet. To even think that the Pope would even consider it an option is truly naive. We Catholics WORSHIP Jesus. Jesus, the Word Incarnate (God in the flesh) is of the very same essence as of the Father (God) and the Holy Spirit (God)..ONE God. This is the message preached by Jesus Apostle's having been witnesses to His life for the 3yrs or so of His ministry. They witnessed His crucifixion and witnessed His Resurrection. He died, and 3 days later He came alive again. By His Precious Blood we who accept His gift are redeemed by following His example. Muslims can deny it all they like but they will not get the Pope to deny it too. Trust me on this.
15 :
And does this surprise you. Of course they want this because then they can say that the Pope acknowledges Islam as a true religion. It is just propaganda used to further their war against other religions. I certainly hope the Pope does not cave in to these demands just so churches can be built because to do so would be turning his back on his religion. I would have no respect for anyone who gives in to such demands.
16 :
The Prophet (S) specifically forbid that any other religion should be allowed to practice on the Arabian peninsula as it should be kept pure for Islam. I agree with this 100%.
17 :
I don't think the Christians should be forced to recognize someone they obviously don't believe in. It's like asking Muslims to recognize Buddha, just so a temple could be built.
