The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila has issued a warning that entry of non-Muslims into the cities of Mecca and Medina, the two holy places in Islam, is strictly prohibited, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday. Transgressors are subject to severe punishment if caught.
Road blocks are stationed along roads leading to Mecca. As one might expect, the existence of "forbidden cities" and the mystery of the Hajj arouse curiosity in many travellers. A number of them pretend to be Muslims and enter Mecca and then the Kaaba to experience the Hajj for themselves. The Office of Muslim Affairs earlier warned that persons found in possession of or attempting to obtain false certificates of Muslim identity will be prosecuted.
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