A Call For Help

Bigmo

Dear Dhu_Lisan_Sidq_Aliyya, peace be on you.

You are right, some topics can be confusing and difficult to conclude. Your honesty to seek truh is as important as finding it. So, I command you for your honesty and dilligence to understand the controversial issue. I would like to share with you my position on this question

What does "bakkah" mean in 396?

It is too close to the word Makkah and the traditional explanation regarding the spelling/pronounciation of the city in a different dialect is worth concidering. If the city had two common spelling then it is normal for the Quran using both. Furthermore, this alternative spelling might have something to do with the frequency of intial letters.

Why can't "awwal" in 396 mean "principal" or "first in importance," instead of "chronologically first"?

Possible. But, what is wrong with being chronologically first.

Where is "haadh al-balad" in surah 95?

Mecca or Becca

What is al-masjid al-haram?

The Restricted Masjid, which is the Kaba in Macca.

If Muhammad reclaimed Jerusalem, wouldn't that be recorded somewhere?

If after Muhammad there was such a major geographical distortion there would be great division over this OBVIOUS change. Thus, the conspiracy theory is not realistic..

Peace,
Edip

Regarding Jerusalem, I thought about the issue that there would have been a rebellion if major changes took place however thats only considering that this issue was an important issue to begin with. Maybe early Muslims were not that conscious about direction of prayers. I know I am not after all the Quran itself downplays that issue.

RA786

Have Edip or any of you All done the Hajj Before?

Whether you all believe in it or not, Id Imagine it would be an Intense Feeling.
Just the Aura,Vibe,and Energy presented there.

Tons of people chanting La-illaha-Illala wadahulashareekala and Circulating.

I dont mean bring Hocus mumbo jumbo....But Circulating is a very Energetic Experience.

As dumb as this sounds, I used to be a Punk Rocker, and we would do this think called a "Circle Pit" with TONS of people.
All rotating (dancing) in a circle over and over. It was more than just an "Emotional/Mental" experience.
You could really feel the energy...similar to a feeling of Ecstasy.

I would Imagine the the feeling would be intensified at Hajj due to the number of people, gravity, Magnetic, and Ley Line area.

And here its time for Conspiracy Theory Number 2 ! laugh

The Obelisk
Now, its been said The Obelisk was originally used at the entered to Sacred places in Ancient Egypt.
It was a monolithic symbol of Power, Mystery, and Phallic nature. (its usually known to be pagan and evil)
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stone5.jpg

Now, What is Interesting, is that Anytime you See Masonic, illuminati, or Cult like things of that nature....an Obelisk is not too far as their symbol.
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stone6.jpg

It is also used in EVERY SINGLE Masonic Allied Country on Earth. Basically.
Washington D.C.(666 ft from bottom underground to top)
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stone4.jpg

And Basically Every Country that has to do with Zionism, Global Banking, Occult, or any type of Western Imperialism/Globalism
has this Obelisk in their city, probably on their Capital hill. and They are Usually found Near Ley Line Activity.

The Vatican City (Italy)
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stone2.jpg

Israel (Bahi House)
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stone3.jpg

Obelisk of Mecca (Bekka)
What I find Interesting is that the "Holy City" of Mecca Also has one...and it is Used for Hajj.
This Tradition has been passed down and for some reason, only RECENTLY has it been Changed.

STONING OF THE DEVIL at Hajj
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/stow.jpg
Pilgrims would Take small stones and Trow them at the Symbolic Devil, while Chanting words of Rejection of Evil,
and Worship of One God (Allah).

Why would the Stoning of the Devil be Symbolically Represented as an Obelisk? out of All things in the world.

It gets Better....

Only Recently have The (Saudi Government) Now Implemented a Wall instead of the obelisk.
Sounds Fishy at All?
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/wall.jpg

Youtube Video
http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZGe92uHtls&feature=player_embedded

And Theres More....

Something Seems Strange...

Also, Note that the Abraj Al Bait Towers are being Built Right Upon the Kabba, Thus Towering it and Has a Pegan Moon Symbole Upon the top.
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/abraj_al_bait_towers.jpg
Notice Also how the Word "Allah" is underneath the Pagan Moon Symbol...Weird huh?

http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/cheers.jpg
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/bush-sword.jpg
http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/obama.jpg

It's a Crazy World I tell you... Call it Conspiracy or call it Crazy...but...There are just too many Coincidences.
o )

Layth

Salam D.L.,

Some specific questions I have are

What does "bakkah" mean in 396?
Why can't "awwal" in 396 mean "principal" or "first in importance," instead of "chronologically first"?
Where is "haadh al-balad" in surah 95?
What is al-masjid al-haram?
If Muhammad reclaimed Jerusalem, wouldn't that be recorded somewhere?
It is a proper name. The meaning probably derived from a derivative of "baka' which is "to cry";
It can mean both;
Jerusalem = city of 'peace' (the name has an interesting correlation to Abraham's prayer);
The "sacred temple";
It is recorded in the Quran that Bakka, the place of the sacred temple was retaken - I would figure that is enough as a testimony than any history books...But, if you are interested in history, there is the battle of Mutta and later the battle of Tabuk, both of which were against the Roman legions around the area of Jerusalem, which are revealing.

I have many more questions, and I have seen some people answer them, but I was mostly confused by changing opinions, some back-and-forth fighting, and a lack of specific references for me to check.

Different opinoins and debates are healthy...They only help the facts to stand out, while the weaker opinoins would not stand much scrutiny/debate.

Please put yourself in my situation for a second. I'm not a traditionalist or a sectarian. I try to peacefully submit to my god and follow His word alone. I don't pray according to man-made methods, or give away man-made charity proportions (e.g., 1/40). I just want to perform hajj someday, but now I'm stumbling into a conversation that spans several years (did it start in 2006? Wow! Where was I?) to suggest that hajj might not even be a pilgrimage, and al-kabah might be any base, anywhere, and not the building in Arabia. Please help.

Time and patience are the best tools...

Layth

Salam Edip,

If after Muhammad there was such a major geographical distortion there would be great division over this OBVIOUS change. Thus, the conspiracy theory is not realistic..

I may be being repetitive on this issue, but the last time I checked the written history it said there was a "civil war" that broke out in which the Muslims slaughtered one another shortly after the prophet died...The same history also states that the Kaaba in Mecca was attacked and destroyed by the Muslim Khalifa (Abdul-Malik Bin Marwan) who brought it to the ground and, at the same time, enhanced the structure of the Dome at Jerusalem (not an act any pious Muslim leader would do if the Kaaba were indeed the undisputed restricted temple).

Now, add to all this the fact that the 1st Qibla was Jerusalem, that Jesus preached in Jerusalem, that the Jews only know Jerusalem, that Mohammed allegedly made the night journey from Jerusalem to heaven, that Mohammed struggled to fight the Romans who were based north and controlled Jerusalem (a mighty and powerful force) and insisted to try again until he won, that old mosques are centered towards Jerusalem, that Bakka is the name of Jerusalem, that the fig and the olive are features of Jerusalem, that the Maqam of Abraham lies at the heart of the temple (while in mecca it is outside the temple), that Bani Israel take the restricted temple as part of the prophecy of sura 17 when they are all gathered in one land....The list goes on and on, but I think the facts are overwelming beyond and 'consipracy' )

Edip_Yuksel

Regarding Jerusalem, I thought about the issue that there would have been a rebellion if major changes took place however thats only considering that this issue was an important issue to begin with. Maybe early Muslims were not that conscious about direction of prayers. I know I am not after all the Quran itself downplays that issue.

Very good point BigMo and I am disappointed in myself for not thinking of it. I will inshallah consider this possibility and think on it.

Peace,
Edip

Edip_Yuksel

Salam Edip,

I may be being repetitive on this issue, but the last time I checked the written history it said there was a "civil war" that broke out in which the Muslims slaughtered one another shortly after the prophet died...The same history also states that the Kaaba in Mecca was attacked and destroyed by the Muslim Khalifa (Abdul-Malik Bin Marwan) who brought it to the ground and, at the same time, enhanced the structure of the Dome at Jerusalem (not an act any pious Muslim leader would do if the Kaaba were indeed the undisputed restricted temple).

Now, add to all this the fact that the 1st Qibla was Jerusalem, that Jesus preached in Jerusalem, that the Jews only know Jerusalem, that Mohammed allegedly made the night journey from Jerusalem to heaven, that Mohammed struggled to fight the Romans who were based north and controlled Jerusalem (a mighty and powerful force) and insisted to try again until he won, that old mosques are centered towards Jerusalem, that Bakka is the name of Jerusalem, that the fig and the olive are features of Jerusalem, that the Maqam of Abraham lies at the heart of the temple (while in mecca it is outside the temple), that Bani Israel take the restricted temple as part of the prophecy of sura 17 when they are all gathered in one land....The list goes on and on, but I think the facts are overwelming beyond and 'consipracy' )

Dear Layth

Thank you for this concise and thought-provoking answer. I need to re-study the subject for myself. Until then, I will hold my judgment )

Peace,
Edip

RA786

Alright, So We have the Jerusalem and Mecca Debate...Cool...

But as a side note...

What do you all think about the oblisk and symbolism?
Is it at all interesting? is it mysterious? I mean...common..yeah it may be just a "Conspiracy Theory"...BUT....it is a pretty interesting one huh?

Or an I the Only one who is interested it it? laugh

I have a Question, If IT IS jersulalem...Does Any Muslims today go do Hajj there?
Or did the Israeli Government put a wall around that too? brickwall

RA786

http//i138.photobucket.com/albums/q270/rickrivero305/makkah.jpg
Quraysh (Winter, Quraysh) 1061
Literal To Koreish's unification/familiarity .
Yusuf Ali- For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraish,
Pickthal- For the taming of Qureysh.
Arberry- For the composing of Koraish,
Shaki-r For the protection of the Qureaish--
Sarwar- For God's favors to them
Khalifa- This should be cherished by Quraish.
Hilali/Khan -(It is a great Grace and Protection from Allah), for the taming of the Quraish,
H/K/Saheeh- For the accustomed security of the Quraysh
Malik -The privilege of protection enjoyed by the Qureysh,
QXP For the privilege (of security) cherished by Quraish.
Maulana Ali- For the protection of the Quraish
Free Minds This should be cherished by Quraysh.
Qaribullah -For the custom of the Koraysh,
Yusuf Ali- Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer,-
Pickthal- For their taming (We cause) the caravans to set forth in winter and summer.
Arberry =their composing for the winter and summer caravan!
Shakir= Their protection during their trading caravans in the winter and the summer--
Sarwar= during their summer and winter journeys,
Khalifa =The way they cherish the caravans of the winter and the summer.
Hilali/Khan= (And with all those Allahs Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear),
H/K/Saheeh= Their accustomed security the caravan of winter and summer
Malik= safe passage of their trading caravans in the winter and the summer (due to their being the caretakers of the House of Allah, and they know this fact),
QXP= Enjoying their winter and summer caravans. (To Yemen and Syria respectively, that makes them affluent).
Maulana Ali -Their protection during their journey in the winter and the summer.
Free Minds The way they cherish the journey of the winter and summer.
Qaribullah - their custom of the winter and summer journey.

Literal So they should worship this, the House's/Home's Lord.

Yusuf Ali- Let them adore the Lord of this House,
Pickthal- So let them worship the Lord of this House,
Arberry- So let them serve the Lord of this House
Shakir- So let them serve the Lord of this House
Sarwar -Quraish should worship the Lord of this House.
Khalifa- They shall worship the Lord of this shrine.
Hilali/Khan- So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Kabah in Makkah).
H/K/Saheeh- Let them worship the Lord of this House,
Malik- So they should worship the Lord of this House,
QXP- It infers, then, that they ought to serve the Lord of this House alone. (2125-126).
Maulana Ali -So let them serve the Lord of this House.
Free Minds- So let them serve the Lord of this sanctuary.
Qaribullah - Therefore let them worship the Lord of this House

George Sale -Let them serve the Lord of this house;
JM Rodwell- And let them worship the Lord of this house, who hath provided them with food against hunger,
Asad- Let them, therefore, worship the Sustainer of this Temple;

What House Is Allah Talking about?

Literal- Who fed them from starvation/hunger, and secured them from fear/fright.
Yusuf- Ali Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).
Pickthal -Who hath fed them against hunger and hath made them safe from fear.
Arberry- who has fed them against hunger and secured them from fear.
Shakir -Who feeds them against hunger and gives them security against fear.
Sarwar- It is He who has fed them when they were hungry and has made them secure from fear.
Khalifa -For He is the One who fed them after hunger, and provided them with security after fear.
Hilali/Khan- (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear.
H/K/Saheeh- Who has fed them, from hunger and made them safe, from fear.
Malik- Who provided them food in the days of famine and made them secure against fear.
QXP -Who has given them freedom from want, and has made them secure against fear. ('Ta'm' = Feeding = Taking care = Fulfilling needs = Freeing from want).
Maulana Ali- Who feeds them against hunger, and gives them security against fear.
Free Minds -The One who fed them from hunger, and protected them from fear.
Qaribullah -who fed them from hunger and secured them from fear
Alright here are the Verses that caught my attention...

"Our Lord, I have settled part of my family in this plantless valley, at Your Sacred House. Our Lord, they are to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), so let throngs of people converge upon them, and provide for them all kinds of fruits, that they may be appreciative." 1437
A) In Tradition, Mecca is KNOWN for being a place of No Plant/herbage. a desert valley. a Place where the Land was Dry and Dead, but would one day become symbolically Filled and restored...I.e. Given back life. (Light of Islam)...
Does Jerusalem fit this description? Was it known for being poor, dry, and worthless?
Surely, those who disbelieve and repulse others from the path of GOD, and from the Sacred Masjid that we designated for all the people - be they natives or visitors - and seek to pollute it and corrupt it, we will afflict them with painful retribution.
A) Was the Mountain or Masjid in Jerusalem designed for ALL people? or was it sectarian? Natives and visitors? or just Sectarian Natives?
B) Did People Seek to Pollute and Corrupt the masjid/mountain that is in Jerusalem? Because I am Very Very Sure, that the Saudi Arabian Sectarian Muslims have Seeked to Pollute and Corrupt the masjid in Mecca. can the same be said about Jerusalem? Obviously, The Kabba in Mecca Was Ment for "All people"..since it was "Father" Abraham (jews>Moses,christians>Jesus,and muslims>Muhammad) who are to do the Hajj Rite. We are consittered ALL people Right?
For, when We assigned unto Abraham the site of this Temple, "Do not ascribe divinity to aught beside Me!" - and "Purify My Temple for those who will walk around it, and those who will stand before it , and those who will bow down and prostrate themselves ."
is the temple/mountain in jerusalem the 1st temple used to worship the ONE GOD?
The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people.
They shall complete their obligations, fulfill their vows, and visit the ancient shrine.
The (livestock) provide you with many benefits for a period, before being donated to the ancient shrine.
^ Did the people of Jerusalem Sacrifice animals near the Ancient House as their Pilgrimage Ritual?
and do they still do it to this day? Because...Mecca is known for doing that... D
Recall that Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and protect me and my children from worshiping idols.

I guess the way I see it... Mecca/Becca was an Unproductive land it was to be the starting point...(the Center) and also, It is Closer to being the center of the earth than Israel is. it seems like a place noone cared about and was dry and dead...but was to be refreashed with the Light and fruit of Islam both Symbolically and Literally. It is also a Valley. They Circle around it and make a Sacrifice. To me, I am going to side with Mecca being the Ancient house...not only from my interpretation of the Quran, but also because it seems to be very important. The Elite really want to make Idols there and take over...(which they have)...
But Israel is just as important to the Elite so.....I dont know...

I guess for now I am going to go with Mecca. Maybe Ill visit them Both! D

Bob

Salam D.L.,

It is a proper name. The meaning probably derived from a derivative of "baka' which is "to cry";
It can mean both;
Jerusalem = city of 'peace' (the name has an interesting correlation to Abraham's prayer);
The "sacred temple";
It is recorded in the Quran that Bakka, the place of the sacred temple was retaken - I would figure that is enough as a testimony than any history books...But, if you are interested in history, there is the battle of Mutta and later the battle of Tabuk, both of which were against the Roman legions around the area of Jerusalem, which are revealing.

Different opinoins and debates are healthy...They only help the facts to stand out, while the weaker opinoins would not stand much scrutiny/debate.

Time and patience are the best tools...

Salaam dear brother

Word ?Makka? should also be included in our understanding.
Bakka, as explained by Allama Rasheed Namani "Bakka means to resist, to tear and to destroy" (Page 43 Vol 2)

The meaning of Makka is to suck (On Page 433 of Vol 5) Allama Rasheed Namani writes
"(Tamakkato al-Azm) I sucked the marrow of the bone,"
"(Imtakk al-Faseel) Baby of the camel sucked all the milk from its mothers breast."

The problem starts when we don?t see the context of the verse. Lets see what Quran says, This word has appeared in Verse 96 of Sura 3

"Undoubtedly the first institution constituted for mankind is the one with Bakka (&#1614 the blessed one, the guidance for humanity."

1...The word Bebakka (&#1614 has two words Be & Bakka ( ) ?Be? means "with" and it does not mean "in or within". The word for "in" is fe ( ). If it was meant to be said in Bakka It would have been ( ) fe Bakka.

2...The word (waza - ) means to constitute e.g. to constitute a constitution or to constitute an ideology etc. It does not mean to build.
The verse 97 makes it even more clear.

"Therein are the clear guidance?s i.e the ideology of Ibraheem, Whosoever entered the institution is in peace. It is the responsibility of those who have the capability to apply to discuss, argue and prove the authenticity (Hijj-ul-bait - &#1616 of the guidance. And God is absolutely independent from those creatures who rejects or denies to accept the guidance."

Now if Bakka was a place how people could deny the existence. It is only the constitution or commands or teachings or an ideology which can be rejected or denied.

The verses 98 & 99 also makes this word even more clear. In these verses the attitude of Ahle-Kitab is described .

"Say O People of the book "why do you reject the Divine guidance when He himself is witness to what you do.
Say O People of the book Why do you stop those who seek peace from the divine path by seeking distortion and mutilating it although you yourself are witness to. God is not unaware of what you do."

So this is very clear that ?Bakka? and ?Makka? are the qualities of the divine guidance and hence may be taken as the names of the Divine Book.

God bless you .

Ayisha

my 2 pennyworth

Baca/bacca is also mentioned in the Psalms of David

Psalms 846 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. (KJV)

peace

david_rs_aitken

I have read the posts by brothers Layth and Ayman, and some others, saying that today's "Mecca" is not the Saudi Arabian city that excited me when I saw those pictures.

In reality, getting excited about pagan shrines is an indication of being unappreciative of the god (kufr). Any preoccupation with the superficial aspects of this low life (money, power, fame, looks, lusts, shiny things, etc.) is the result of not appreciating the god for who the god really is.

You will not long for shiny golden temples or polished black stones for starring at, visiting, spinning around, venerating, kissing and prostrating to/towards if you appreciate that the god is everywhere ( &#1607 and no visions encompass him ( &#1585. You will not be bothered if conscientious believers - men and women from around the world - assemble in an abandoned warehouse, or even an open field, so long as they assemble for the service of the god. You will not limit the government of the god to any physical location, especially not one in Saudi Arabia or Jerusalem - two of the least peaceful and secure places on earth. If we were discussing following the reading alone in so-called Mecca we would be arrested and tortured, or worse. If we wanted a grain of sand from the Israelis for establishing a government based on the great reading, they'd send in gunmen and bulldozers (please read www.vho.org/aaargh/fran/livres5/fateful.pdf)

472 Those who had faith and worked corrective measures and had faith in what was descended to Muhammad/the-praiser, which is the truth from their lord, he erased from them their misdeeds and corrected their condition.

It doesn't matter what lands Muhammad stepped on or what his body looked like. The reading he delivered is what matters.

I think that this is a very simple issue once we have the right mindset and apply the same logic to the question of "al-masjid al-haram" that we apply to other similar mundane concepts in our everyday life. In our everyday affairs we talk of institutions such as "school", "court" and "government". When we talk about those institutions, the primary meaning we convey is not the physical location aspect of walls, floors and ceilings. We think of the school in terms of its function and a system put together for specific purposes. For example, the school is an institution of learning that has a certain curriculum and a certain teaching philosophy and administrators implementing a system that has a meaningful objective. So when we say that a school is accredited, this doesn't mean that the walls, ceilings and floors of the school are accredited (the physical location aspect) but it means that this system of learning is accredited.

So if we as average and not very intelligent humans can routinely use such concepts in a deep, non-superficial manner then it really amazes me that the majority of people restrict the god to a superficial purely physical location when it comes to "al-masjid al-haram". The word "sujud" as a concept means "obedience". So a "masjid" is an institution of obedience. In other words, an institution of authority that, in my opinion, is synonymous in our modern terminology to the concept of "government". An inviolable government is one that governs according to laws and principles that shouldn't be violated. Those are the universal and natural laws and principles of truth given to us by the god.

So let me ask you, what is the location of government? Does it matter? Or wherever we are our target (qiblah) should be to set up a government that governs according to the universal and natural laws and principles of truth given to us by the god? This is why we are told in the great reading that "al-masjid al-haram" is literally the truth from our lord. One can see the truth shining through even in these poor translations

002.149
YUSUFALI From whencesoever Thou startest forth, turn Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from the Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
PICKTHAL And whencesoever thou comest forth (for prayer, O Muhammad) turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship. Lo! it is the Truth from thy Lord. Allah is not unaware of what ye do.
SHAKIR And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; and surely it is the very truth from your Lord, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
KHALIFA Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid. This is the truth from your Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything you all do.

You can also see the truth shining through in the traditional translations of 2142

002.142
YUSUFALI The fools among the people will say "What hath turned them from the Qibla to which they were used?" Say To Allah belong both east and West He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight.
PICKTHAL The foolish of the people will say What hath turned them from the qiblah which they formerly observed? Say Unto Allah belong the East and the West. He guideth whom He will unto a straight path.
SHAKIR The fools among the people will say What has turned them from their qiblah which they had? Say The East and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes to the right path.
KHALIFA The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path."

2142 provides empirical verification that the direction we face is not about physical direction (east and west) but is about being on the direction of the straight path. If you go to any place where people think that you ought to face a certain physical direction while praying to the god and face a different random direction to the rest then you will surely be asked "What has turned you from the "qibla" that you had?"

It may not seem so at first but the issue of "al-masjid al-haram" shares a common thread with all temptations to dwell on superficial things of the low life. It is a thread that runs throughout the great reading and we are told about at the very beginning in Chapter 1.

001.006
YUSUFALI Show us the straight way,
PICKTHAL Show us the straight path,
SHAKIR Keep us on the right path.
KHALIFA Guide us in the right path;

001.007
YUSUFALI The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
PICKTHAL The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.
SHAKIR The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors. Not (the path) of those upon whom Thy wrath is brought down, nor of those who go astray.
KHALIFA the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers.

The god shows us the straight path by contrasting it to the path of the lost. We learn the true "al-masjid al-haram" by contrasting the non-physical meaningful straight path to the superfical meaningless physical direction of the foolish people. You see even the rejecters serve a good purpose in the big picture of things. Everything that the god creates ultimately serves a good purpose, even if it is just providing contrast.

Bob