NationStates Jolt Archive

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168036/Muslim-prayer-fears-Up-200-Mecca-mosques-facing-wrong-way.html

Up to 200 mosques in Mecca may be facing the wrong way for prayers, it has been revealed.

The problem was first noticed by sharp-eyed observers standing at the top of some of the Saudi Arabian city's newest high-rises.

All mosques have an indicator known as the qibla inside that points the way to Islam's holiest site - the Kabaa in Mecca.


I lol'd when I read this.

Does it really affect them that much?

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168036/Muslim-prayer-fears-Up-200-Mecca-mosques-facing-wrong-way.html




I lol'd when I read this.

Does it really affect them that much?
I was unaware that mosques were supposed to face the Kabaa, I thought they were simply supposed to face Mecca itself....

I was unaware that mosques were supposed to face the Kabaa, I thought they were simply supposed to face Mecca itself....

Yeah, but these ones are inside the city.

Yeah, but these ones are inside the city.

lol, so the mosques within the city are held to a higher standard? ;)

Was listening to an interesting BBC podcast on this on the way to class, actually. Apparently it is, actually, a bit of a big deal. *shrug* Religions can be silly sometimes. You either gotta face in the right direction, have the right type of incense, listen to a dude with a funny, phallic hat....whatever.

lol, so the mosques within the city are held to a higher standard? ;)

Lol, yeah I guess so as it is their "holy" city.

lol, so the mosques within the city are held to a higher standard? ;)


It is the holiest city in the world to Muslims.


BTW, where at in STL are you?

Shit! They're on to me! *runs*

lol, so the mosques within the city are held to a higher standard? ;)

They all face the Kaaba, the Kaaba is within the city so those outside of the city just have to face the city. Makes sense. I guess, the further away you are and whatnot, the less accurate you have to be (makes sense). This has always made me wonder how Muslim astronauts make do (or would make do...I don't know whether or not there have ever been Muslim astronauts).

Was listening to an interesting BBC podcast on this on the way to class, actually. Apparently it is, actually, a bit of a big deal. *shrug* Religions can be silly sometimes. You either gotta face in the right direction, have the right type of incense, listen to a dude with a funny, phallic hat....whatever.

Lol, it is only what direction the Kneel.

How do they judge which way they're facing any way? ( the mosques, I mean)

They all face the Kaaba, the Kaaba is within the city so those outside of the city just have to face the city. Makes sense. I guess, the further away you are and whatnot, the less accurate you have to be (makes sense). This has always made me wonder how Muslim astronauts make do (or would make do...I don't know whether or not there have ever been Muslim astronauts).

That's a good point, one which I cannot answer.

Lol, it is only what direction the Kneel.

How do they judge which way they're facing any way? ( the mosques, I mean)

As the very article you quoted says, there is a mechanism in each mosque that "points" to Mecca and/or the Kaaba. Apparently they even make prayer rugs, now, with compasses built into them.

This almost made me piss myself I was laughing so hard.

It will give them something to focus on, knocking down their 200+ mosques that face the wrong way and rebuilt them rather than blowing up us lovely westerners. I urge all Taliban members to throw down their arms and create youth clubs and voluntary projects to help rebuild their wrong way round mosques.

Muwhahahahaha! They will most likely change the rules and decide they can point in any direction.

They all face the Kaaba, the Kaaba is within the city so those outside of the city just have to face the city. Makes sense. I guess, the further away you are and whatnot, the less accurate you have to be (makes sense). This has always made me wonder how Muslim astronauts make do (or would make do...I don't know whether or not there have ever been Muslim astronauts).

Here's your answer. (http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2007/09/mecca_in_orbit)

This almost made me piss myself I was laughing so hard.

It will give them something to focus on, knocking down their 200+ mosques that face the wrong way and rebuilt them rather than blowing up us lovely westerners. I urge all Taliban members to throw down their arms and create youth clubs and voluntary projects to help rebuild their wrong way round mosques.

Muwhahahahaha! They will most likely change the rules and decide they can point in any direction.

Fuck off. That's all I have to say.

Here's your answer. (http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2007/09/mecca_in_orbit)

Ha, that's so funny.

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168036/Muslim-prayer-fears-Up-200-Mecca-mosques-facing-wrong-way.html




I lol'd when I read this.

Does it really affect them that much?

ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

:eek: That's terrible, but hilarious.

ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/bsflag.gif

Here's your answer. (http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2007/09/mecca_in_orbit)
Meh, interesting article but it pretty much ended with, "Well, he doesn't know wtf to do, we'll see when he goes up!" =p
ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

Uh...ya, that's about as funny as someone pissing in the holy water. *sigh*

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/bsflag.gif

Lulz.

Meh, interesting article but it pretty much ended with, "Well, he doesn't know wtf to do, we'll see when he goes up!" =p


Uh...ya, that's about as funny as someone pissing in the holy water. *sigh*

I rather like the way the listed his priorities in regards to which way to face:

1) the Ka'aba, 2) the projection of Ka'aba, 3) the Earth, 4) wherever.

Especially #4.

I predict, should humanity ever make it to the stars, number 4) there will be shunted to the 5) position, and 4) will become "towards Sol". Performing the Haj may become difficult at such distances, however. :P

I'm a little surprised that this would happen. I remember the amount of time we spent at work with a compass making sure the bit of paper blu-tacked to the wall indicationing the direction of mecca was in the right place.

This has made me laugh so hard.

Wait... we're listening to the Daily Fail?

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/bsflag.gif

Don't be silly! Muslims are clearly all such morons that they can't tell east from west based on complicated things like "the sun" and "what direction the boat they're on is going"! Clearly, this story is totally believable! :rolleyes:

Don't be silly! Muslims are clearly all such morons that they can't tell east from west based on complicated things like "the sun" and "what direction the boat they're on is going"! Clearly, this story is totally believable! :rolleyes:

It just goes to show that Mozlemz are st00pid when they're not being eb1l t3rrorizts, hur hur hur.

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.


Let's blame it on Osama Bin Laden, so his own fellows will take care of him.

Here's your answer. (http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2007/09/mecca_in_orbit)
I wonder how much money it cost to do all that research.

Seriously they should just face earth, heck how would a muslim pray on Alpha Centurai then? Face the Solar System?

Wait... we're listening to the Daily Fail?

BBC did an interview with people about it. I have this sneaking suspicion that this may be a true story.

I predict, should humanity ever make it to the stars, number 4) there will be shunted to the 5) position, and 4) will become "towards Sol". Performing the Haj may become difficult at such distances, however. :P

They could always make a "Neo Mecca" on whatever planet they arrive on.

Seriously they should just face earth, heck how would a muslim pray on Alpha Centurai then? Face the Solar System?
I guess so. (Alpha Centauri btw!)

Anyway, Muslims cannot be in space. Someone doesn't want them up there.
http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/32/assets/images/schuster10.jpg
:D

They could always make a "Neo Mecca" on whatever planet they arrive on.

Pitch Black.

Pitch Black.

....huh?

....huh?

Abu al-Walid in Pitch Black was travelling to New Mecca.

ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

O thats clever. Thats the thinkin that put yez on the moon. Shame some of yez didn't fucken go and stay there but sure ye can't have everything...

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168036/Muslim-prayer-fears-Up-200-Mecca-mosques-facing-wrong-way.html




I lol'd when I read this.

Does it really affect them that much?

I lol'd when I read about the Christians complaining about the Crucifix hanging upside, is it really that important? Hurray for religious ignorance

I guess so. (Alpha Centauri btw!)

Anyway, Muslims cannot be in space. Someone doesn't want them up there.
http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/32/assets/images/schuster10.jpg
:D

Clearly Jews control space as much as the western world. Goes without saying I figured.

Apparently up to 200 mosques in Mecca are facing the wrong way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168036/Muslim-prayer-fears-Up-200-Mecca-mosques-facing-wrong-way.html




I lol'd when I read this.

Does it really affect them that much?

It isn't very funny. And yes, it is important to their religion.

Fuck off. That's all I have to say.
Warned for flaming.

This almost made me piss myself I was laughing so hard.

It will give them something to focus on, knocking down their 200+ mosques that face the wrong way and rebuilt them rather than blowing up us lovely westerners. I urge all Taliban members to throw down their arms and create youth clubs and voluntary projects to help rebuild their wrong way round mosques.

Muwhahahahaha! They will most likely change the rules and decide they can point in any direction.
Warned for trolling.

I lol'd when I read about the Christians complaining about the Crucifix hanging upside, is it really that important? Hurray for religious ignorance

Upside down cross stands for St Peter. So it's not the same. Or even a fitting analogy. Obviously when one wants to have a representation of Jesus Christ, it is upsetting when people turn it into a symbolism of St Peter.

A fitting analogy would be a Crucifix not hanging behind the altar but hanging to the left or right of it. But even this is not dogmatic and more of a tradition. So in short I suppose one can say Christians are many things, some positive/some negative, but are probably not as anal as muslims about such small trivialities in terms of architecture and/or structural layout of places of worship.

This almost made me piss myself I was laughing so hard.

It will give them something to focus on, knocking down their 200+ mosques that face the wrong way and rebuilt them rather than blowing up us lovely westerners. I urge all Taliban members to throw down their arms and create youth clubs and voluntary projects to help rebuild their wrong way round mosques.

Muwhahahahaha! They will most likely change the rules and decide they can point in any direction.

Where are these n00bs coming from?

Where are these n00bs coming from?
N00bonia?

ROFL

That reminds me of a story my brother told me he'd heard about when he was in the Navy. IIRC some ship was transporting a group of Moslems somewhere or other, and they had some indicator on board that was supposed to point toward Mecca. Only some of the guys had reversed it, so when the Moslems thought they were bowing toward Mecca, they were actually mooning it.

http://www.geocities.com/stimpysvideotrading/bandb.jpg

Really, Leeroy, that sounds like something The Great Cornholio might do and enjoy.

N00bonia?

There seems to be a lot coming from there in the past few months, that homosexuality thread spawned a new wave.

I lol'd when I read this.
It is pretty funny.
Kinda like how i lol'd at xtians for their 666 / 616 error.

Where are these n00bs coming from?

Every n00b generation of trolls, being eager and full of vim, will not seek the wisdom of their forebearers, but lash in, only retread the same ground as those who went before them. Only if they drop the urge to be new and offensive will they break the cycle......

This has made me laugh so hard.
Nanatsu!? I didn't think you'd laugh.
Warned for flaming.
:mad: Had to be said.
It is pretty funny.
Kinda like how i lol'd at xtians for their 666 / 616 error.

Lolwut?

N00bonia?

I think that's next door to Boobistan.

Incidentally I am forever banned from Boobistan...Never use the natives to chart the "Evolution of Boobs". Apparently the frowned upon that.

I think that's next door to Boobistan.

Incidentally I am forever banned from Boobistan...Never use the natives to chart the "Evolution of Boobs". Apparently the frowned upon that.

No, it was when you mentioned the words "Silicone, " "Saline" and "Implants" that the Boobistanis got all upset.

I've been to Boobistan....
But I've never been to me....

Nanatsu!? I didn't think you'd laugh.

Well, I know this is pivotal to the Muslim but... what made me laugh was the irrelevancy of it all. My apologies.:tongue:

Can't they just put up paper signs, sort of like they do when they make changes to the subway system?
"The dingus is that way --->
Sorry for the inconvenience"

Anyway, I have the feeling that this is really more of an intention thing, and that what matters is trying to point that way (hence why those outside of the city are required to point East, rather than getting out a map and triangulating the exact degree based upon their current latitude and longitude).

As one of the people who posted comments to the original source mentioned, Muslims were originally supposed to face Jerusalem -- rather than the holiest building in Mecca -- while praying: Maybe at least some of these 200 or so mis-aligned mosques were built on the same sites and foundations as older ones (& those the same, etc...) with continuity of facing from right back when that was the case?