Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Hajj is Happiness, Hajj is Harmony
The article "Estimating the Impact of the Hajj" written by David Clingsmith, Asim Ijaz Khwaja, and Michael Kremer explains how making a pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj) evokes change among Muslims. According to their research, Hajjis (Muslims who make this pilgrimage) feel a stronger sense of unity within Islam and are more willing to accept non-Muslims because of a heightened sense of peace and harmony they gain because of their participation in the Hajj. The Hajj has a positive impact on their viewpoints concerning many other issues such as treatment of women, equality, and ethnic sects within Islam because of their exposure and interaction with other Hajjis from around the world.
My question is, if this is all true, why are non-Muslims against the Hajj? To answer my own question, it is because many outside the Muslim community see the media's portrayal of this gathering of orthodox believers as a radical potluck, serving up hatred and violence. Non-Muslims are afraid of increased antipathy amongst Hajjis when, in actuality, those who participate in this pilgrimage are more willing to accept non-Muslims because of the involvement in peaceful activities associated with equalizing and harmonizing their religious group. When the Baptists have a religious convention, no one believes they are forming to stir up violence within their congregation toward a group opposite them. Those who are religious and deeply involved with their fellow believers find an opportunity to gather together in a time of fellowship spiritually lifting and cleansing. It is comforting to be among those who believe what you believe, as well as a learning experience. Hajjis are no different. Through their experience, they gain a type of uplifting charge that gives them a more positive outlook on the world that they can carry with them throughout life. Hajj should be encouraged, not repressed. Without this kind of peaceful gathering, you encourage the concentration of localized practices and beliefs that often lead to small radical groups with violent tendencies. If the world is so concerned with violence spreading in the Middle East amongst Muslims, then the Hajj should be encouraged and shown through the positive scope that displays the kind of harmony and peace actually being practiced.
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I agree with Brittany's opinion on how the Hajj should be encouraged rather than repressed. The Hajj should be an increased belief in peace and tolerance and I feel it can become a positive influence on how the Hajj is perceieved. The violence and concern about the Hajj and Muslims of Islamic faith should be nothing more than an act of unity and symbolism towards solidarity. Like many other religions the pilgrimage to Mecca is nothing more than an act of religion, and many people embrace their religion by participating in the Hajj. Other religions gather for certain religious holidays such as Christmas, and Easter, and I believe that those religious gatherings mirror how different religions in America celebrate and embrace in religion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Brittany and Erin on the fact that the Hajj is a peaceful and pious tradition that should indeed be promoted throughout the world. Honestly, I feel like it would be hard to find another religious ceremony that is so intricate, time-consuming, and trying as the Hajj; it is not simply a day of prayer, a few hours of activity, or a celebration. It is a 5 day, expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally and physically trying ceremony that in my opinion, shows the true and pure belief and faith of Muslims that participate. This might be a little far-fetched but I feel like the beautiful Arabic spoken and announced over the loud speakers during the Hajj enhances the foreign and suspicious feel of the event in the minds of non-Muslims and Westerners. Arabic is a language so different from most others, and the loudspeakers greatly increase the power of the language through its volume and sound travel that it increases the overall power and significance of the Hajj. I do not feel like the actual activities of the Hajj are what non-Muslims oppose but instead the fact that they cannot understand the messages and power of it.
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