HOLY CITY OF MADINAH, Saudi Arabia: The sacred cave where Chief of prophets, Holy Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (peace be upon him and his pure progeny), took rest during the Battle of Uhud has become the subject of debate among scholars, some arguing for its destruction as they believe that the visitors who visit it commit polytheism.

Talking to London-based Saudi-owned Arabic language daily Asharq Al-Awsat, Madinah Governor Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Majed said he rejected the idea of destroying the site.

Some scholars have suggested simply fencing off the two-meter-wide entrance to the cave located about a kilometer from the ridge where archers were positioned during battles between followers of Islam and pagans.

During the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny), who was wounded in the skirmish, took rest in this cave.

Pilgrims have been coming to this cave in increasing numbers, seeking blessings and taking photos.

Talal Al-Raddadi, a local resident, said: “They ask for blessings from that place and commit acts that are not related to Islam.”

“Turkish pilgrims do not miss visiting the site when visiting Madinah. It is the site where the Prophet lost one of his front teeth,” said Muhammad Yelmaz from Turkey. He said that they come to visit the cave and ask for forgiveness. They kiss the rocks believing that the Prophet sat on them when he was inside the cave.

Anwar Bakri, professor at Tayba University in Madinah, warns against extremist movements that want to destroy all monuments in Madinah. He said that destroying the cave would only increase anger and not solve the problem and will damage the image of Islam.

In 1926, the then Saudi rulers bulldozed the holy shrines of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny)’s beloved daughter Fatimah Az-Zahra (pece be upon her), infallible imams from his progeny (peace be upon them), his uncles, aunts, companions and wives (may Allah be please with them) housed in the cemeteries of Al-Baqee and Al-Moalla in the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah causing world Muslims anger.