The entrance of the cave after concrete was poured in the entrance. — Okaz photoMADINAH – Khalid Taher, Madinah Mayor, has given directives to the concerned authorities to re-open Uhud Cave which was blocked by concrete barriers over a week ago by an unknown person, said Ali Al-Alawi, director of the Information Department at Madinah Mayoralty. A senior source at Uhud Municipality said the concrete barriers would be removed this week once the municipality signs a contract with a company to carry out the removal. The same source also said the cave had not been blocked by a government authority, as was reported earlier. Visitors often climb up to the cave believing that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought refuge in it after the battle of Uhud to receive treatment. Historians, however, disagree on the authenticity of the story. Muhammad Al-Shibani, assistant professor and chairman of the History Department at the Islamic University in Madinah, said blocking the cave by an individual was wrong and is considered an encroachment upon government property. “This individual should've filed a complaint with the concerned authority calling for blocking the cave to end the wrong practices of some visitors and pilgrims," he said. Al-Shibani suggested that the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities hire tour guides who speak different languages to educate visitors about the historical importance of such locations and prevent them from engaging in wrong practices. — SG
