Although dating to pre-Islamic times, it has been the center of the Muslim world since the early seventh century.
Just as I was sitting down to post this blog entry about this article, I saw a Facebook comment from Russell Spencer calling the article to my notice.
I’m grateful to those who share things like this with me. There are many good things that I would have missed had it not been for generous and kind online friends.
I think it important for people in the West to be aware of such information as this. I suspect that many non-Muslims are unaware of the Qur’an’s veneration for Jesus and Mary.
It is also said that, when Muhammad cleansed the Ka‘ba in Mecca of the idols that surrounded it — thus restoring it to what he saw as its Abrahamic, monotheistic purity — he left only one item undisturbed: Inside the structure was an icon of Mary and the infant Jesus. Out of respect for them, he left it there.
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