Okaz/Saudi Gazette
MADINAH — The owner of a house in Madinah that was designed to resemble the Holy Ka’aba has been ordered to repaint the building.
The house owner designed and painted his house in Al-Mestarah neighborhood of Madinah to resemble the holy structure and was criticized by local residents.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette witnessed the repainting of the house.
However, the house door is still painted in gold, resembling the Kaaba’s door. The owner refused to talk to Okaz/Saudi Gazette.
The head of the Prince Naif Chair at the Islamic University of Madinah Ghazi Al-Metairi said common sense should govern a Muslim’s actions.
Designing houses to resemble the Ka’aba is a degrading act, he said, adding that the design of the house was considered a deviation in thinking and vision.
Spokesman for Madinah governorate Mohammad Saleh said in a statement that the governorate became aware of media reports on the controversial house and coordinated with the municipality to investigate the matter.
The general supervisor of municipality branches was contacted and the owner of the house was called and told to change the house’s color.
He was also asked to change any exterior features that may resemble the Ka’aba.
Concerned authorities are keeping an eye on the house until they are satisfied it does not resemble the holy building.
