Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
The Kaaba, the holy building that is the Qibla for Muslims throughout the world, is right in the heart of the city of Mecca,
Saudi Arabia
.One of the strict rules that apply in this area is the prohibition on airplanes from passing directly over it.
For years, a myth has circulated that the ban was caused by the presence of a very strong magnetic field above the Kaaba which could interfere with aircraft navigation systems.However, scientific investigations have debunked these rumors.
Based on fact research conducted by
Agence France-Presse
(
AFP
) through interviews with geophysicists and civil aviation experts, the technical reasoning regarding magnetic fields is wrong.
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Julien Aubert, Senior Researcher in Geological Fluid Dynamics at
Institute of Physics of the Globe of Paris
(IPGP), explains that the Earth does have a magnetic field, but its center is not in Mecca.In line with this, geomagnetism researcher Vincent Lesur emphasized that even though there are magnetic anomalies on Earth, they will not stop planes from flying.
“Magnetic anomalies do not prevent planes from flying. Their maximum impact is only on the compass function, while modern planes now use much more sophisticated geolocation systems,” explained Aubert.
Ideological Foundations and Forms of Respect
The main reasons why planes are prohibited from flying over Mecca are ideological and sacred aspects.The Saudi Arabian government has designated the airspace above Mecca as a prohibited area (
no-fly zone
) as a form of respect for the holiest site for Muslims.
According to local authorities, only Muslims are allowed to enter the holy area of Mecca.This flight ban is strengthened by regulations from the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA).
“No person may operate an aircraft over or around any area visited or passed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, or any other public figure in contravention of the restrictions set by the president and published in
Notice to Airmen
(NOTAM),” wrote GACA’s official statement.
Apart from the purity factor, another practical reason is to maintain the solemnity of worship.It is feared that the noise of aircraft engines could break the concentration of millions of pilgrims who are praying at the Grand Mosque.
Geographically, Mecca is surrounded by mountains.Noise from passing aircraft engines can be reflected by the walls of the mountain, creating a much stronger and disturbing echo in the Kaaba area.
Exceptions in Emergency Situations
Although prohibited in general, there are exceptions for certain situations.Occasionally, military or emergency service helicopters can be seen passing through the skies of Mecca.This is usually done for the purpose of monitoring the safety of the congregation, emergency medical services, or coordinating logistics during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Thus, it is clear that the prohibition on flying over the Kaaba is purely based on respect for religious values, national aviation regulations, and convenience of worship, not because of the magnetic phenomenon that has been the subject of discussion.
(ana/wiw)
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