Haramain sanctity is a red line, says Grand Mosque Imam amid Houthi attacks

The imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, has strongly emphasised that the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques is a red line that must never be crossed, stressing the importance of protecting Islam’s holiest sites from threats, tensions and any form of aggression.

In a statement reported by Express.pk on Saturday, Al-Sudais highlighted the religious significance of Makkah and Madinah, saying their dignity, security and sacred status must remain protected under all circumstances.

His remarks come amid concerns surrounding reported Houthi attacks and regional tensions that have raised questions about the security of sensitive sites and infrastructure in the region.

Al-Sudais said safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques was a responsibility shared by Muslims everywhere. He urged the Muslim community to place the respect and sanctity of the holy sites above all other considerations.

The imam stressed that Makkah and Madinah hold a unique position in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, making their protection a matter of concern for the entire Muslim Ummah, rather than Saudi Arabia alone.

He also underlined the need to ensure that the sacred cities remain free from threats and escalation, warning against any action that could endanger their peace and stability.

Al-Sudais further emphasised that preserving the security of the Two Holy Mosques was essential to maintaining peace and stability across the wider Muslim world. He called for collective efforts to prevent threats against the sacred locations and to uphold their religious significance.

The Two Holy Mosques refer to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, which houses the Holy Kaaba, and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is buried. Both sites attract millions of Muslims throughout the year, particularly during Hajj and Umrah.

Because of their exceptional religious importance, developments affecting the security of Makkah and Madinah resonate deeply across the Muslim world. Their protection remains a central concern for Saudi authorities and Muslim communities internationally.

Al-Sudais’s message reinforces the importance of keeping religious sites beyond the reach of regional conflicts and political tensions. His appeal also highlights the shared responsibility of Muslims to respect the sanctity of Islam’s holiest places and support efforts to preserve their peace.

The statement comes as regional security concerns continue to draw attention to the potential consequences of attacks and escalating hostilities. Ensuring the safety of sacred sites remains particularly important for worshippers travelling to Saudi Arabia for religious obligations.