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Mecca Time Plugged for World Standard

Muslim scholars say British-imposed GMT due for a change

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2008 4:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – A group of Muslim scholars wants Mecca time to replace Greenwich Mean Time as the world's default setting, the BBC reports. As Islam’s holiest city lies in perfect longitudinal alignment to magnetic north, scientists told a Qatar conference that Mecca was the “true” center of the earth. GMT, they argue, is a relic of British imperialism, and should be abolished.

Muslim pilgrims perform the ritual stoning of the devil in Mina, in Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007.
Muslim pilgrims perform the ritual "stoning of the devil" in Mina, in Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007.   (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
A minaret of Grand mosque is seen in foreground as Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, unseen, in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.
A minaret of Grand mosque is seen in foreground as Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, unseen, in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.   (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, late Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007.   (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
Arguing that Mecca is the true center of the Earth, Muslim scholars are calling for the time in Islam's holiest city to replace Greenwich Mean Time.
Arguing that Mecca is the true center of the Earth, Muslim scholars are calling for the time in Islam's holiest city to replace Greenwich Mean Time.   (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
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