Much of the blame for the deterioration in relations between the faiths lies with the growing legions of Islamist militants who seek to wage jihad against the West. But the origins of Islamic intolerance for other faiths, particularly Judaism and Christianity, can be traced back to the Prophet himself: on his death bed, he instructed followers that only one faith – Islam – could be allowed in Arabia. Christianity remains banned in Saudi Arabia, which claims to be a close ally of the West, and Christians are not allowed to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, where the Prophet lived and preached. Last year, 12 Filipinos and a priest were arrested for “proselytism”, after they held a secret mass in Riyadh.