Out of curiosity, how does the Saudi Arabian government prevent
non-muslims from visiting Mecca and Medina? For instance, does one
need proper paperwork from a local mosque, or is there an "Islam 101"
test to pass?

Also, what might happen to someone who gets busted trying to sneak in?
Are we talking public execution or a $5.00 fine?

Hi mdcastle,

Thank you for your very interesting question.

The following is an excerpt outlining the rules and regulations
regarding non muslims visiting Mecca and the consequences


"Charles L. Glatz of the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia researched the
question, ?Are there any exceptions and what is the punishment for
visiting Mecca and being caught as not being a moslem?? and the reply
received is the following:

As far as the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia, there are no
exception for non-Moslems to visit Mecca. Only Moslems and converts to
Islam may visit Mecca. In order to cross from Jeddah to Mecca, a
person must show Saudi police that he or she is Moslem. Proof is a
Saudi igama (residency permit), which lists one's religion, or a hajj
or umrah visa.

If a person is caught who is not Muslim and managed to enter Mecca, he
or she will be arrested and held in detention. On extensive
investigation, the Minister of Interior decides the punishment based
on a recommendation of a Shari'a judge. There is no set punishment for
this offense.

Of course, this dodges the question of a death penalty but as there is
no set penalty and the death penalty is so common in Islam, this is a
possible outcome..."


Death Comes to Mecca
Google's cache of http://www.angelfire.com/ca/bunnies/moslem/deathcomestomecca.html.

http://66.102.11.104/search?q=cache:EiDYeb98SjsJ:www.angelfire.com/ca/bunnies/moslem/deathcomestomecca.html+%22visiting+mecca%22+%22non+muslim%22+penalty+&hl=en&ie=UTF-8


Search criteria:
visiting OR entering mecca "non muslim"
visiting mecca "non muslim" forbidden penalty OR fine
entering mecca "non muslim" forbidden penalty 
 mecca "non muslim" forbidden penalty 
"visiting mecca" "non muslim" forbidden regulations
"visiting mecca" "non muslim" penalty
"visiting mecca" OR "entering mecca" "non muslim"  


I hope the information provided is helpful. If you have any questions
regarding my answer please don?t hesitate to ask before rating it.

Best regards,
Rainbow-ga

Good answer considering the low price.

I thought rainbow-ga did a good job for $4. I can understand the
Saudia government wants to remain vague about safeguards and possible
penalties.
 I have lived in the USA for about 67 years  plus 5 years in other
countries including a year in Turkey, but there are lots of things I
just think I know about the USA.
 Omair Aleem did not say he had actually made recent trips to Mecca
and Medina, so the rainbow information may be more correct.
 In the USA fewer that 1000 persons are executed for serious crimes
per year, so I suspect the inference of rainbow is reasonable compared
to Saudia Arabia, but I confess I do not know if there is secret
government involvement in the perhaps 10,000 USA citizens who die
under mysterious circumstances anually such as Vince Foster.
 About 10% of the USA households respect our sisters and mothers by
not commiting adultery so it is not common in EVERY household.
 The people and leaders of Sadia Arabia have long believed it is good
to tell a lie that helps the cause of Allah. In the USA we have
recently learned to tell lies for what we suppose is a good cause.  
Neil

Here is a link to an excellent little tid-bit from "the Straight Dope"
website..The question asked was "Has any non-Muslim ever made the
pilgrimage to Mecca?"  Enjoy...


http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010608.html