Prices aren't the only thing that might get chopped

Submitted by Archimedes2 (Canada), Feb 15, 2007 at 20:57

Not only Mecca but also Medina are forbidden to non-muslims. Medina is also associated with the Hajj, though this is lesser-known: Muslims are strongly encouraged to include a visit to Mohammed's tomb there after their visit to the Masjid al-Haram. Jojo Joseph, an infidel from India who was working in Saudi just before the annual Hajj, learned this the hard way.

His wife had a baby, and he hopped a taxi to get to the hospital. The taxi driver decided to take the fastest route, which went through the restricted zone in Medina. A religious volunteer checked their ID and poor Jojo was found without a Hajj or Umrah visa, and convicted of being a non-muslim in the sacred zone. He was sentenced to death by beheading. Fortunately for Jojo, the Indian embassy got wind of the affair and took up his case. The Saudi court reluctantly withdrew the death penalty on the basis that his presence in Medina was not his own fault. A close shave. So the trip to the Mecca Hilton could be sold to non-muslims as a sort of extreme health spa vacation: guaranteed 20 pound loss or money back...

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