still visit there, but it is second in
importance to Mecca.
[ 2 ]Some Muslim groups also venerate
the tombs of various prophets and those
Muslims consider saints. These sites can
be found throughout the Muslim world.
Other Muslim groups reject this practice
as idol worship. Because of their close
connection in the two affirmations of
the Shahada, belief in Muhammad as the
prophet of Allah is closely coupled with
the affirmation of His unity. This unity,
as attested to in Islamic tradition,
involves several affirmations and
negations: ‘‘The Prophet said, ‘If
anyone testifies that none has the right
to be worshipped but Allah Alone, Who
has no partners, and that Muhammad is
His slave and His Messenger, and that
