Sufi Resurgence in Saudi Arabia
Sufi communities are "thriving" in Saudi Arabia since 2001. Previously, the House of Saud had done much to eradicate evidence of the Prophet Muhammad's existence, his burial site and those of his companions, house, and first Mosque in Medina by extensively "modernizing" the surrounding architecture. "Sufism had previously been predominant in Hejaz, the western region of Saudi Arabia, which includes Muhammad's birthplace, Mecca; Medina, where he is buried; and the Red Sea port city of Jiddah. Muslims prayed often at shrines where the prophet's daughter Fatima, his wife Khadija and his companions were buried. Mawlids were public affairs with entire cities decked out in lights, and parades and festivities commemorating the prophet's birthday and his ascension to Jerusalem." Companions of the Prophet Burial site early 1900's (left) . The tombs and mosoleums were destroyed in 1925 by King Saud. (right) The Prophet's Mosque in Medin