It is not necessary for us to limit our understanding to the...

It is not necessary for us to limit our understanding to the physical and tangible import of the verse. The 'amn' and safety referred to in the verse, however, is a legislative direction (tashri') which creates responsibilities on the Muslim nation. In other words, Almighty Allah commands us to observe security in His house. No one is allowed to shed blood there; no animal is to be injured, etc.

But if some like Hajjaj bin Yusuf al-Thaqafi, out of their disbelief, were to transgress the limits, they can endanger the lives of the like of the selfishly motivated 'Abdullah bin Zubayr who despite having sought asylum in the holy precincts of the Ka'ba was killed therein. However, 'amn' (safety) can also refer to seeking the shelter of 'one's spirit' in Almighty Allah.

If his physical life were to be sold for an exalted aim, he would never lose. Instead he would attain a lofty station and eternal salvation. If the leaders who govern Muslim nations of the world today were to understand and apply this lofty concept they would never assist terrorist regimes like Israel and the US, whose evil nature is more apparent than ever today. Makka is a place where such thoughts must soak our hearts and minds, for indeed Muslims should undergo a new revolution.