In 1344/1926...

In 1344/1926, another invasion of Medina by Wahhabis took place, and all historical monuments of the al-Baqi’ Cemetery were demolished following the religious verdict (i.e., Fatwa) of Shaykh Abd Allah Bulayhad, the chief judge of Saudis claiming that visiting graves is a sign of polytheism and illegitimate innovation.

From that time until date, the graves of the four Shi’a Imams (peace be upon them) and other great Islamic personalities in al-Baqi’ Cemetery have no signs other than little pieces of stones on them. Although in comparison to the time of its demolition, the condition of al-Baqi’ is a little better, but Saudi government refuses to look after this cemetery properly.

Muslims, especially Shi’a have not forgotten the event of demolition and now when they go to Medina, despite the restrictions the Saudi government has put for the visitors of al-Baqi’,…