Destruction of Islam's early historical sites Wahhabism

the wahhabi teachings disapprove of veneration of historical sites associated islam , on grounds god should worshipped , veneration of sites associated mortals leads idolatry . however, critics point out no muslims venerate buildings or tombs shirk. muslims visiting resting places of ahl al-bayt or sahabah still pray allah alone while remembering prophet s companions , family members. many buildings associated islam, including mazaar, mausoleums , other artifacts have been destroyed in saudi arabia wahhabis 19th century through present day. practice has proved controversial , has received considerable criticism sufi , shia muslims , in non-muslim world.

ironically, despite wahhabi destruction of many islamic, non-islamic, , historical sites associated first muslims; prophet s family , companions) , strict prohibition of visiting such sites (including mosques), saudi government renovated tomb of muhammad ibn abd al-wahhab turning birthplace major tourist attraction , important place of visitation within kingdom s modern borders.