How a siege of Mecca changed the Muslim world | 1979 Grand Mosque Seizure

Summary

In 1979, Saudi Arabia faced a pivotal event when Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers, believing in the arrival of the Mahdi, seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, holding thousands hostage. The ensuing siege, which led to a significant loss of life, reshaped the Saudi government and its policies, steering the nation towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam. The event's aftermath saw societal changes, including stricter gender segregation and revised educational curricula, reflecting a profound shift in the country's direction.

Takeaways

• 🕋 The 1979 Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca was a pivotal event in Saudi Arabia's history, reflecting broader regional and religious tensions.
• 📜 The year 1979 was marked by significant geopolitical shifts, including the Iranian revolution and the Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
• 🛡️ The group responsible for the siege, al-Jamaa al-Salafiya al-Muhtasiba (JSM), claimed to be led by the prophesied Islamic figure, the Mahdi, and demanded the overthrow of the Saudi government.
• 🏛️ The siege began with a complex operation involving the infiltration of the Grand Mosque and the chaining of its gates, trapping thousands of people inside.
• 🔍 Juhayman al-Otaybi, the mastermind behind the siege, was influenced by his family's conservative views and his own religious fervor.
• 👤 Juhayman's connection with Mohammed Abdullah al-Qahtani, whom he believed to be the Mahdi, was central to the group's ideology and actions.
• 🗣️ The siege led to widespread confusion and outrage, with rumors and blame circulating among different countries and factions.
• 🚨 The Saudi government faced religious limitations in responding to the siege, which eventually led to the use of French aid and tear gas to retake the mosque.
• 💡 The involvement of French experts, including the GIGN, was controversial due to the prohibition of non-Muslims entering the Grand Mosque.
• ⚔️ The siege ended with a military operation that resulted in many casualties, including the death of al-Qahtani, and the eventual surrender of Juhayman and his followers.
• 🔄 The aftermath of the siege led to a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's policies towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam and societal norms.

Q & A

What significant event took place in the Grand Mosque in Mecca around 40 years ago?

In 1979, militants led by Juhayman al-Otaybi, who claimed to be guided by the prophesied Islamic figure, the 'Mahdi', invaded and captured the Grand Mosque, holding thousands hostage amidst gunfire and bombardment.

What was the name of the group that initiated the siege of the Grand Mosque?

The group was known as al-Jamaa al-Salafiya al-Muhtasiba, often abbreviated as JSM.

What was the political climate like in the Muslim world in 1979?

1979 was a turning point with the Iranian Revolution, the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, and the siege of the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia, all of which had a profound impact on the region.

What were the religious limitations that the Saudi government faced during the siege?

The Saudi government was restricted by religious limitations on violence within the mosque, which initially prevented them from using force to retake the holy site.

Who was Juhayman al-Otaybi and what was his role in the siege?

Juhayman al-Otaybi was the mastermind behind the siege of the Grand Mosque. He came from an influential family and was deeply influenced by his grandfather's views on Saudi Arabia's westernization.

How did Juhayman al-Otaybi meet Mohammed Abdullah al-Qahtani, the man he believed to be the Mahdi?

Juhayman met al-Qahtani while studying at the University of Medina, where he was advocating for a return to a more traditional form of Islam. Juhayman was struck by al-Qahtani's devoutness and resemblance to the Mahdi as described in Islamic Hadith.

What led to the significant arrests of many of al-Qahtani's supporters in 1978?

The belief that al-Qahtani was the Mahdi sparked concern among Saudi authorities, leading to the arrests of many of his supporters due to the potential threat they posed.

What was the role of the Mahdi in Islamic beliefs?

The Mahdi is a key figure in Islamic beliefs, central to end-of-the-world prophecy. His arrival is preceded by societal upheavals, moral decay, and a decline in reverence towards God.

How did Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers manage to infiltrate the Grand Mosque?

They infiltrated the mosque on the morning of November 20th, attending the morning prayer with weapons concealed under their clothes, and had smuggled additional weapons and ammunition into the mosque days prior.

What was the international response to the siege, and how did it affect the Muslim world?

The siege led to confusion and outrage throughout the Muslim world, with international accusations flying. Rumors spread, and protests and riots occurred across the Muslim world due to the attack on the holy city and the holiest site to all Muslims.

How did the Saudi government eventually retake control of the Grand Mosque?

After receiving a fatwa allowing the use of force, the Saudi government called in experts from France’s GIGN, who devised a plan to gas out the rebels from underground chambers, forcing them to the surface where they were then attacked with grenades and tear gas.

What were the consequences for Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers after the siege?

Juhayman and around 60 followers surrendered to the Saudi Arabian army. They were tried secretly and publicly executed in eight different cities across Saudi Arabia.

How did the siege of the Grand Mosque influence the direction of Saudi Arabia's religious and social policies?

The siege led to a transformation in Saudi Arabia towards a more conservative Islam. Gender segregation became more pronounced, women disappeared from television broadcasts, entertainment outlets were closed, and educational curricula were revised to reflect a more religious outlook.