Scholar Hopes for Reconstruction of Baqi Cemetery following Iran-Saudi Détente
Speaking to Mehr News Agency on Saturday, Shahab Moradi said he believes that there is a good chance of getting permission from the Saudi authorities, including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) to rebuild the Baqi Cemetery.
He also hopes that Iran can someday beautify the cemetery and turn it into a paradise for all who follow the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and twelve Imams.
Moradi said that the restoration of Islamic monuments including the Baqi Cemetery requires the attention of both people and governments.
He suggested that the government should put legal and diplomatic programs on the agenda, and the people and NGOs should cooperate to solve the issue.
The Muslim scholar also emphasized that it is the responsibility of politicians to pursue the case because they have the ability and power to persuade the Saudi officials to renovate the sacred site.
“Since the relations between Tehran and Riyadh are improving, it can be the best opportunity to talk with the Saudis to agree on issuing permission for the reconstruction,” he said.
Moradi further said that regarding the destruction of Baqi, it is considered as an injustice and annoying issue for Muslims, especially Shias, and the matter is unfortunately seen as a trivial topic by the Islamic society.
April 29, marked the 100th anniversary of demolition of Baqi Cemetery at the order of King Ibn Saud.
The shrines of Imam Hassan (AS), Imam Sajjad (AS), Imam Baqir (AS), and Imam Sadiq (AS) in the Baqi Cemetery were among those demolished.
In the same year (1925), the Saudi authorities also demolished the tombs of holy personalities at Jannat al-Mualla (Makkah) where the Holy Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) mother, wife, grandfather and other ancestors are buried.
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