Marriage and divorce in Christianity and Islam.
The institution of marriage is found in all cultures and societies at all times in history.
Marriage regulates relations between the sexes in all known forms of society and governs the status and education of children within the community.
Marriage is needed to progress the human race - to prevent incest. So siblings don't end up having sexual relations.
Most people aspire to have a family, and this is only possible through a marriage.
Marriage is a solemn contract between a man and a woman who share love together.
Christians and non-Christians can be married in a registrar office (registry) thus making the marriage civil however Christians are expected to marry in church.
Some Free Church ministers are not allowed to perform marriages therefore they must ask a registrar to attend the service and sign certain documents. However, most ministers of Christianity are allowed to perform marriages.
Marriage is a rite of passage. A rite of passage is a ceremony associated with major moments of transition in the life cycle:
- Birth
- Puberty
- Mating
- Death
And marriage is a rite of passage associated with mating, because it is the only means where sexual acts are allowed to take place i.e. sex after marriage
In the Old Testament the institution of marriage went through a number of developments, one of which is that it became monogamous. The essential teaching of the Old Testament is that marriage is the duty of every man so as to perpetuate his family name. The family of which marriage is the basis. The New Testament took the essential teaching of the Old Testament and deepened it. The passages in the New Testament that deal with marriage put the emphasis on married life. Divorce is a failure of the marriage relationship and is therefore to be shunned. Jesus regarded divorce and remarriage as essentially to be deplored.
The teachings and traditions of Christianity can vary in different regions. However, western Christendom teaches that marriage has three purposes:
- The procreation and nurture of children
- Mutual help and comfort
- And a remedy against sin
The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church regards marriage as a contract in which each of the partners gives the other an exclusive and permanent right to his or her body for proper sexual purposes. According to a catechism published by the Catholic Truth Society in 1985:
"Marriage is the sacrament in which a baptised man and woman vow to belong to each other in a permanent, exclusive, sexual partnership of loving, mutual care, concern and shared responsibility in the hope of having children and bringing up a family."
The properties of a Christian marriage are unity and indissolubility in which the good of the offspring, of the faith, and of the sacrament, are safeguarded. A sacrament is an action that is believed to channel the blessing and presence of God. The outward action has an inner invisible meaning. In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are seven:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- The Eucharist
- Penance
- Extreme unction
- Ordination
- And finally marriage
It can be argued that the Roman Catholic Church is reasonably strict in its rules and regulations when it comes marriage and other and issues such as abortion etc. However it is still the largest division of Christianity.
The Roman Catholic Church opposes civil marriages and commonly teaches that compulsory civil ceremonies are offensive both to religion and to the natural law, because it regards a civil marriage as not a real marriage.
The final sacrament of a Catholic's life is marriage. But marriage can only be conceived in a church if one or both of the people receiving the sacrament of marriage has had in this order:
- Baptised
- Been in a communion
- Is a confirmed Catholic
The many divisions of Christianity have different interpretations of marriage. For example, the Protestant Church does not regard marriage as a sacrament but do recognise that God has instituted it. The same applies to the Baptist Church. They regard it as a covenant (an agreement between two people).
Whereas it is only the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church that regard marriage as a sacrament, but all traditions agree that it is a lifelong commitment. It ensures companionship and provides a secure and loving environment for children. It is therefore an indissoluble bond (if it is regarded as a sacrament).
It is a lifelong commitment between people who have vowed to each other before God and witnesses:
"to love and cherish
for better for worse,
for richer for poorer
in sickness and health
till death do us apart."
Before a marriage can take place, the couple are prepared by the minister to recognise the seriousness of marriage. They should forsake all others and bring integrity, loyalty and fidelity to their union. The purpose of marriage is to find fulfilment with a lifelong partner and to raise children.
The Marriage Ceremony
Across the many different forms of Christianity the common elements of the marriage are that it is a public declaration (which means that society is somehow involved); a forming of a new family unit; and the partners to commit themselves to one another for life when vows are exchanged.
The four basic parts to the marriage service are:
- The minister establishes that the couple are free to marry and no one has any lawful objection
- The couple give their consent to each other
- The couple exchange marriage vows
- The couple exchange rings as symbols of fidelity (this custom is usual but not essential)
- The couple are proclaimed as husband and wife
- The minister blesses the union in God's name
- To make the marriage legal, a register is signed
The marriage vows:
The marriage vows are the most important part of the ceremony. This is technically what marries you.
The minister says to the bridegroom:
"X, will you take Y to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
Then the minister says the same thing to the bride.
After they both have replied, "I will", they face each other. The bridegroom says:
"I, X, take you, Y to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us apart, according to God's holy law; and this is my solemn vow."
The bride says the same sort of thing back to the bridegroom, depending on the couple's attitudes towards the equality of women. Because in some wedding services, instead of saying "...to love and to cherish..." they say "...to love, cherish and obey..." Some people argue that this is sexist but it depends on the couple's attitude.
Then the ring is presented, and the bridegroom says to the bride:
"I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
However it is interesting to note that some couples that I had given a questionnaire to pointed out that they had separate bank accounts and did not share all their belongings. Some people argue that this financial rift is due to the increasing role of women in our society.
The couple exchange rings as symbols of fidelity and it is a token of the love between the couple. The bride usually wears it but sometimes both the couple wear it. Because the ring is a circle, it is also considered as a symbol of eternity. It can symbolise the unending love between a couple.
After the exchange of ring(s), the minister performing the marriage says:
"I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife. That which God has joined together, let not man divide."
The Orthodox Church perform their marriage services slightly differently. Because at an engagement (before the wedding) the couple exchange rings then instead of during the service. A priest blesses the couple and there is a party afterwards. However during the wedding service, volunteers hold a silver crown (known as a stefana) or a garland over the heads of the newly weds to be. These are then put on their heads, the priest blesses their future life together and sweet almonds are shared out followed by a full feast.
The Orthodox, Roman Catholic and some Anglican churches have a Eucharist after the wedding service. A Eucharist is the thanksgiving meal of the Christian Church, using bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ. It is also known as the Breaking of the Bread.
People argue that the highlight of the Western Christendom wedding is the reception. This is where rich couples tend to splash out on fancy meals etc. It gives friends and family a chance to celebrate with the couple. This idea of feasting brings people together.
As I have said before, many of the divisions of Christianity see marriage as a sacrament. The idea that the couple are joined together spiritually comes from Genesis where Adam and Eve are created. Adam says to Eve:
"At last, here is one of my own kind - Bone taken from my bone, and flesh from my flesh...a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one."
Also in the Bible, Jesus talks about this special union that God recognises between a husband and wife:
"Man must not separate, then, what God has joined together."
(Mark)
Christians argue that in a Church, God witnesses the marriage and he blesses it whereas in a registry office he doesn't.
Nowadays, the divorce rate is increasing (even though more and more people are marrying). So the church does all it can to try and save a marriage. Many Christians are deeply involved in marriage guidance counselling.
Divorce is forbidden by some Christian denominations ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
Also in the Bible, Jesus talks about this special union that God recognises between a husband and wife:
"Man must not separate, then, what God has joined together."
(Mark)
Christians argue that in a Church, God witnesses the marriage and he blesses it whereas in a registry office he doesn't.
Nowadays, the divorce rate is increasing (even though more and more people are marrying). So the church does all it can to try and save a marriage. Many Christians are deeply involved in marriage guidance counselling.
Divorce is forbidden by some Christian denominations e.g. the Catholics. The reason they forbid it is because they regard it as a sacrament (something made by God). Nothing on this earth has the power to unmake something made by God. So they argue that a divorce decree is therefore as meaningless as "I was never born"! The only thing that can unjoin the couple is death. This can in extreme circumstances drive one spouse to kill the other! Ultimately, a couple may decide they must divorce and put an end to their legal status as a married couple. This is done through the legal system but it is not recognised by the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England.
However, in Roman Catholic tradition an official appointed by the church can look into the circumstances of a marriage if there is reason to believe it is not a valid one. This is when one of the partners was not competent to make the vows or if it can be proved that the vows were not meant, e.g. if he/she concealed that he/she was not able to have any children. However, in this case, it can be argued that children don't have to be born. Because in the 1980 Alternative Service Book, it has the reasons for marriage in this order:
- For companionship
- For sex
- To have children, if the couple want to
For a marriage to be valid it must be consummated: the couple must have sexual intercourse.
In these cases, the marriage is deemed not to have taken place and is declared null. It is annulled. The couple also have a legal divorce and are then completely free to marry as they wish in the same way as any unmarried person would.
But, some churches allow divorcees to remarry, but not all of them. If a couple who have been validly married in a church, then divorce legally - Neither partner is eligible to remarry in church. Therefore the next time they marry it will be in a civil ceremony in a Registry office. They are considered to have cut themselves off from the sacraments of the church and are expected not to receive them where it is likely to cause a scandal.
Whilst remarriage after divorce is forbidden in the Roman Catholic Church, in the Church of England individual ministers can exercise discretion to remarry divorced people.
"For married people I have a command which is not my own but the Lord's: a wife must not leave her husband; if she does she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband; and a husband must not divorce his wife."
(Corinthians)
All the Christina denominations put an emphasis on family life. The family is seen as God's plan for caring for individuals. Young children are to be nurtured and the old are to be respected and cared for. The young learn religious and moral values and to an extent so do parents. The young are moulded into mature adults
However it is up to the parents in how they want to raise their children. The fifth of the Ten Commandments is:
"Respect your father and mother"
And this Old Testament statement is deepened in the New Testament as:
"Children: it is your Christian duty to obey your parents...so that all may go well with you"
And the same goes to parents:
"...not to treat your children in a way to make them angry. Instead bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction."
Because children are a central part of a marriage, what about sex without children being conceived? What about the joy of sex? Well the answer is obviously contraception however for many centuries the Church was opposed to this. Contraception was considered to be interfering with God's plan. But isn't God omniscient?
However since the 1960's the Catholic Church have eased their position on contraception by encouraging the 'rhythm method'.
Most Protestant Churches allow the use of artificial contraception provided that both partners agree on it.
With all this talk of the joy of sex, the Church values people who choose to remain celibate therefore loyal to God. Priest, monks or nuns take this vow of celibacy (where they promise not to ever have sex). We know that Jesus and Paul was celibate. But Paul realised that it wasn't for everyone. Chastity is expected from everyone because all denominations don't believe in sex before marriage. They believe marriage is the only place for it, so that it can be given a special status within the marriage.
The divine origin of marriage and sexual desire can be seen in the Bible:
"Now concerning the things of which you write to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband"
(Corinthians)
"Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you."
(Genesis)
"Marriage is honourable among all, and the [marriage] bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."
(Hebrews)
Fornication is the sin of having sexual relations with an unmarried person. Whereas adultery is the sin of having sexual relations with a married person.
"A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband die, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord."
(Corinthians)
The Bible teaches us that God is the Creator of marriage. As the Designer of marriage, God can best teach us how a husband and wife should live together.
"And the Lord God said, 'it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.' "
(Genesis)
God's plan for marriage is to provide companionship, to prevent sexual immorality, and to provide children with loving parents.
Marriage can provide a home where Christianity is practiced. In the Christian home, God is considered in every decision. The husband, wife, and children are encouraged to live, as Jesus wants us to live. The Christian home serves as an example to non-Christians who want the same kind of happiness they see in the home of Christians. The message is that if you want a better home - then learn to live as Jesus meant for you to live.
Because Islam comes from the Middle East, it has incorporated its traditions into it as well. These traditions being arranged marriage and polygamy etc.
Marriages tend to be arranged in Muslim communities although it is not a command in the Qur'an. However, it is obvious that no one should be forced into marriage against his/her own will.
What normally happens is that the boy's parents look out for a suitable partner and they approach the girl's parents, instead of her first.
Muslims living in the West can sometimes grow rather envious when seeing that people are allowed to go out with the opposite sex and marry who ever they want.
However, Western style marriages are less successful than arranged marriages. In arranged marriages, the parents know you best so why not let them choose?
It lessens the risk of growing old in loneliness.
The couple have to grow to love each other in arranged marriages, as opposed to marry the one they love. This more than often produces stable loving relationships than that of their Western counterparts.
The analogy of tea can be used to explain the advantage of arranged marriages:
In Western countries, tea is made so it's nice and hot, i.e. Western marriages start off with burning passion. But as time goes by, the tea becomes colder; hence the marriage becomes 'more dry'.
Whereas in Eastern countries, the tea starts off cold but gets warmer. Hence arranged marriages start off dry and cold, but it gets better over time, and there is no decline.
The gradual tenderness and love experienced between a husband and wife are seen as part of Allah's intention for man and woman, as this passage from the Qur'an shows:
"And of His signs is that He created for you, of yourselves, spouses, that you might repose in them, and He has set between you love and mercy,"
In a Muslim arranged marriage, a dowry has to be settled. The dowry is called the mahr. This is the sum of money that is to be paid to the bride by the bridegroom as a symbol of his appreciation of her and the future security of the couple. So she may want to invest it in a house or she may want to use it if her husband dies.
But essentially, the purpose of the dowry is to give the woman financial security.
The Wedding
Because there are many different customs in Islamic cultures, the marriage ceremony will be performed in different ways. However, around the Muslim world, the ceremony is meant to be both religious (with the intention of being witnessed by Allah) and public (in the sight of members of the ummah). Other common features of a Muslim wedding include:
- The marriage has to be announced
- A nikah (contract) is drawn up between the couple, made up with the assistance of the two families
- A marriage gift (mahr) is given to the wife by the husband
- An imam is often present at the wedding ceremony but this isn't necessary
- Verses related to marriage are recited from the Qur'an
- A hadith (sayings of the prophet Muhammad) or speech maybe made about the marriage made.
The locations of the wedding can really be anywhere, but it is usually in the home or a hall is rented out. It can even be done in the mosque but not in the prayer/worship hall.
The only people required at the wedding are the couple getting married and two witnesses. However, usually many friends and family are invited and the bride's father usually makes the speech.
In Christian weddings, the essential part is the exchange of vows. But in Muslim weddings, it is the solemn contract. The couple and two witnesses sign it.
An example of a marriage announcement is:
"I (name of bride) marry you"
The groom will say: "I accept you"
An example of a marriage reading from the Qur'an is:
"In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
O mankind! Be conscious of your Lord and Sustainer
Who created you from a single soul
And from it created its mate
And from them both has spread abroad a multitude of
Men and women.
And remain conscious of Allah
In Whom you claim (your rights) of one another,
And of the ties of kinship.
Indeed, Allah is ever watchful over you."
Many people argue that in Islam women have fewer rights than men. Nowadays, this argument is put forward because of the changing role of women in society. If you think about it, if women have fewer rights, there'll be fewer problems in marriage, because then we won't have 'career women' ruining their own marriages. Although extreme circumstances employed by the Taliban where women aren't even allowed an education should be avoided.
"Men are protectors and maintainers of women"
(Qur'an)
So even though the wife has influence on the household, the husband has the final say. This tends to lead to the wife doing more giving, although Muslims do argue that this will ensure an orderly existence.
A man must provide for his family. A woman must protect the property of her husband in his absence. She must dress moderately when not in front of relatives or when she goes out.
Like in Christianity, couples in Islam are encouraged to have children, because it is natural. So therefore it is in agreement with Allah's laws. Women usually bring up children, that is why many don't work outside the home.
Contraception isn't usually encouraged however many Islamic states permit it because Muhammad allowed it - provided there was a good reason for it. For example the family may not be able to afford having any more children; or the mother's health is at risk if she has another baby so contraception can be used for the pleasure of sex.
Polygamy used to be practiced a lot in Muhammad's time. Polygamy is when you marry more than one wife. This of course is forbidden in Christianity. The prophet himself had many wives. Polygamy (in Muhammad's day) was a good way of providing for the widows when many young husbands had died in battle.
Nowadays, polygamy is even illegal in some countries. It also isn't very common, due to the fact that the wife can have a clause written into the contract forbidding the husband to marry more than one wife. Polygamy is expensive, because you have to provide for all your wives and children. And in the Qur'an, it advises that you should only practice polygamy if you are sure you can treat everyone equally (which is almost impossible).
Islam places great emphasis on family values, as does Christianity. A Muslim family should be:
- secure, healthy and secure for the family unit
- the guardian of the natural sexual desires
- the breeding place for human virtues and a secure refuge against inward and outward troubles.
The ummah in Islam is like one big family. Muslims usually call other people their brothers or their sisters. Allah is seen as the parent. The young are nurtured for, the elderly are cared for.
In Islam, divorce is disliked but permitted. It is reasonably easy for men, but not for women. Muhammad said:
"With Allah the most hateful of the things made lawful is divorce."
Muslim couples should be reconciled before making a final decision. Obviously, families from both sides do all they can to try and save the marriage, because it was them who arranged it!
If things can't be worked out, two arbitrators are appointed.
"If you fear a breach between a man and his wife, appoint two arbiters, one from his family and the other from her. If both want to be brought back together, Allah will settle things between them."
But if there is no hope and the couple both want a divorce, they must wait a period of three month. This is done to make sure the wife isn't pregnant. If she is, the husband must provide for the children of the marriage.
Women can get a divorce if is written into their contract.
Divorce is very serious in Islam, because it can break up the family unit, which provide the framework for Islamic life. The only reason it is permitted is because Islam recognises that a marriage relationship may not work and it accepts human nature. And if one continues an unhappy marriage, one might be tempted to commit adultery, and that is forbidden in Islam.
Marriage is very important in Islam. All Muslims are expected to marry. Muhammad was married and said:
"He who is able to marry should marry."
These following quotes summarise the importance of marriage in Islam:
"And among His signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may live in peace with them."
(Qur'an)
"A man named Al-Aqra ibn Habis visited the Prophet and was surprised to see him kiss his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn. 'Do you kiss your children?' he asked, adding that he had ten children and never kissed any of them.
(That shows) you have no mercy and tenderness at all. Those who do not show mercy to others will not have Allah's mercy shown to them".
(Hadith)
"All young people, whoever is able to marry, let him marry, for this will keep him chaste and lower his gaze, and wherever it is not possible let him fast, for surely fasting is going to reduce the sexual drives."
(Hadith)
"Be generous, kind and noble to your children and make their habits and manners good and beautiful."
(Hadith)
Islam recognises that sex is a strong urge. In both religions, marriage is the only acceptable context in which it is allowed.
Children need to be nurtured in order for them to become independent. A family unit is the only suitable framework for them to grow up.
Marriage and family provide companionship. This human feeling is essential.
Conclusion
In both faiths, friendships between the sexes are encouraged and marriage between man and woman is seen as the most natural state in which to live your life. In Islam, marriage is the ideal state. In Christianity it is recognised that for some people celibacy is more appropriate and this is as valid as the married state.
The purpose of marriage is to provide lifelong companionship for both partners and a secure, loving environment for children.
Sex before marriage and adultery is seen as wrong.
Divorce and remarriage are permitted in Islam in certain circumstances. Interpretations of the teaching on divorce and remarriage vary across the Protestant traditions. The Roman Catholic Church does not recognise divorce.
Family life is to be promoted as the ideal for all people and in Islam there is a definite duty to care for the extended family.
In Islam, marriage is highly recommended. It is important to realise that in Islamic texts the idea of marriage is not restricted to a platonic relationship between husband and wife, nor is it confined to sex for the purpose of procreation. The legal term for marriage is "nikah" which literally means sexual intercourse.
In Islam, celibacy is not considered a virtue.
The prophet said:
"If anyone likes to meet Allah in purity, then he should meet Him with a wife."
For my marriage coursework, I had attended my local church and listened to couples talking about their marriage. These couples had been through the worse on their marriages and I was allowed to discuss with them anything about marriage. One thing that came across to me was that for all the couples, when they were going through difficulties they had the support and guidance of the community of their religion (Muslim and Christian) to help them through.
Children were obviously another topic we had discussed. Two of the couples had said they did not have intimate relations before getting married. Because they said that the unexpected arrival of a baby can drastically change the direction in which a relationship may take, and it may be both the couple and the children that suffer. A couple united in marriage, plus children, is a far better combination, because of the strong foundations and support the marriage will provide for all involved.
I had conducted a survey around Croydon on their opinion on marriage:
In my opinion, there is definitely too much negativity surrounding marriage in today's society. If the people of today only knew how much more there really is to marriage other than what they hear about, or read about in the papers, then maybe more couples would find the kind of sanctuary in marriage. Whenever I think of marriage, I think of a nice secure family unit. I aspire to become a married man and live a married man's life. Sure marriage has its ups and downs but that's life.
To tackle this problem of high divorce rates, I think we should be researching not how much marriage matters in our society, but how much marriage matters, because marriage is essentially a religious ceremony and blessing.
I believe marriage is a positive asset to society.
PILGRIMAGE IN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY
Someone who travels to a holy place for religious devotions is called a pilgrim. For a Muslim, the holiest place on earth is MECCA. Because Muhammad was born here and lived here for most of his life. Mecca was a holy city even before Muhammad won it for Allah. However, the continuation of many old practices ere still encouraged. But he purified them by restoring what he believed to be their true meaning, in the worship of the One God. So theoretically, people going on pilgrimage to Mecca are walking in the footsteps of Muhammad, performing the same rituals that he did all those years ago.
Even more important than following the Prophets example is the fact that pilgrimage is commanded in the Qur'an.
"Perform the pilgrimage and the visit (to
Mecca) for Allah."
(Qur'an)
"It is the duty of all men towards God to come
to the House a pilgrim, if he is able to
make his way there"
(Qur'an)
"And proclaim among men the Pilgrimage,
and they shall come unto thee on foot
and upon every lean beast, the shall come
from every deep ravine
(Qur'an)
The 5th Pillar of Islam makes it a duty for everyone to go on pilgrimage (Hajj). I say everyone because in Islam, everyone human is born a Muslim until he/she converts to a different religion. If you fail to go at least once in your lifetime, it is regarded as a grave sin. However, only 1/10 Muslims manages to do it, because you have to meet the following conditions:
- You must be passed puberty therefore be of sound mind, so that you know what you're doing. Children going accompanied by an adult do not count.
- You must be able to afford it. Therefore, you should have no debts; and you should have gained the money to pay for the pilgrimage through honest means (i.e. Not robbing a bank).
- You should be physically fit. Muslims are advised to go on pilgrimage when they are young enough to withstand the gruelling conditions. But the problem is that many cannot afford until they're old hence some even die on their pilgrimage.
The Greater Pilgrimage is called the Hajj; people who complete it are honoured with the titles of hajji (for a man) and hajja (for a woman). The words hajj literally means 'to set out for a definite purpose'.
Hajj: the Greater Pilgrimage
This can only be done on special days during the pilgrimage month, Dhul-Hijjah. It involves:
- Wearing the ihram.
- Staying at Mina overnight.
- 'Standing' at 'Arafat from noon to dusk on 9 Dhul-Hijjah.
- 'Stoning the Devil' and making an animal sacrifice at Mina on 10 Dhul-Hijjah.
- Cutting or shaving your hair.
- Making the Tawaf, the 'Circling' of the Ka'bah in Mecca.
- And again 'Stoning the Devil' at Mina on 11, 12 and 13 Dhul-Hijjah.
Umrah: the Lesser Pilgrimage
This can be done at any time of the year. Muslims have to perform the 'Umrah, the Lesser Pilgrimage. It involves:
- Wearing the ihram.
- Performing the Tawaf, the ritual 'Circling' of the Ka'bah seven times.
- Performing the Sa'y, the ritual 'Running' between Mounts As-Safa and Al-Marwa seven times.
A Farewell Circling of the Ka'bah is performed when a pilgrim leaves Mecca (after 'Umrah or Hajj.
But pilgrims must arrive in Mecca a couple of days before 8 Dhul-Hijjah. Because the Hajj takes 5-6 days, and pilgrims will need time to perform the 'Umrah as well so they'll have to do 2 rituals.
Many pilgrims extend their trip so that they can visit the second holy city - Madinah.
At Mecca
In the Qur'an, Mecca is stated as the 'mother town'. Because it is the spiritual centre of Islam. Pilgrims arrive there in their hundreds of thousands every year at Hajj. Only Muslims are allowed into the holy city. The area of the hajj is haram. This word means both 'forbidden' and 'sacred', i.e. it is so special that it is set apart for a holy purpose, and those who are not Muslims are therefore forbidden. The mosque in which the Ka'bah stands is called the Masjid al-Haram, the Sacred Mosque.
Ihram
Pilgrims must purify their bodies (a full bath or by performing wudu) and enter into the state of holiness called ihram before reaching the sacred city. This word literally means 'consecration', or dedication to holy things. The special dress worn by pilgrims is also called ihram.
The Ihram is an important symbol for Muslims. It has the following meanings:
- That you have entered a state of holiness. It is a reminder that you are performing special, sacred rituals.
- That you have put off all that connects you with your usual lives, in order to concentrate totally on Allah.
- Because the dress code is so simple, it is a sign of humility before Allah.
(The clothes in which a newborn child is wrapped in is similar to the ihram. They therefore remind a Muslim of the day he/she first came into the world as a helpless baby. Also, the ihram wraps will be kept for the pilgrim's burial. So wearing them now reminds the pilgrim that he comes before Allah, stripped of all material goods and status, just as he will be at death.)
- White is a symbol of purity. It is a reminder that you must try not to sin.
- Muslims are all dressed the same because they're equal in the sight of Allah.
Once in the state of ihram, no perfume or jewellery is allowed because pilgrims must not worry over their personal appearance. They must strictly obey Allah's laws, therefore they must avoid all violence to all living things. Pilgrimage has to be treated as a sacrifice to Allah therefore during which no sex is allowed. Which is why spouses or couples stay in separate accommodation. All this is done so that the Muslim can devote all their concentration wholly on Allah during this intense period of their lives.
The Ka'bah
The first thing that is noticeable in Mecca is the building towards which he or she turns in prayer five times a day: the holy Ka'bah. It is set in the courtyard of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. [Ka'bah means 'cube']. It has words of the Qur'an embroidered on it.
The Ka'bah is said to be the first house of prayer. Legend claims that Adam was sent down from heaven and wandered the earth until he reached Arabia. There he wanted to build a house of prayer like the one in heaven. One story says that Allah let down a replica out of heaven; others that Adam built it himself.
Later on, it is claimed that Ibrahim rebuilt the Ka'bah, with the help of his son Isma'il.
And when we made the House (at Mecca) a resort for mankind and a sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship).
Ibrahim's Egyptian wife was called Hajar, who gave birth to Isma'il. There is an open area in front of the Ka'bah, enclosed by a semi-circular wall, marking the traditional site of the graves of Hajar and Isma'il .
Low down, set into the wall in one corner of the Ka'bah, is the Black Stone. It is a very ancient stone, probably a meteorite [it is believed to have come down from heaven].
Like a big inverted bowl with an opening in the centre, the Black Stone is now set in the wall in a silver surround. Those who cannot get close enough to kiss it raise their hand to it as they pass it.
Muhammad restored the Ka'bah to what he believed had been its original purpose: the centre for the worship of the One God.
Tawaf: the Circling
The Circling demonstrates the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony tighter around their central shrine, each reciting an individual verse of the Qur'an.
At the end of the Circling, they go to the Station of Ibrahim to pray two rak'ahs.
Sa'y: the Running
In performing this ritual, pilgrims are re-enacting Hajar's frantic search for water when left in the desert with her young son Isma'il. The story tells how they were saved from dieing of thirst. Isma'il dug his heels into the sand, where Hajar had left him, and a spring of water gushed up.
The Day of 'Arafat
The most important part of the Hajj is the 'Standing before Allah' at 'Arafat, where pilgrims beg forgiveness of their sins. It is an amazing sight to see about to see about 2 million people, out in the relentless heat of the desert, and swarming over the Mount of the Mercy, engrossed in their devotions. It calls to mind for Muslims the Day of Judgement, as the following passage shows. It is from an article entitled 'Journey to Mercy':
Witnessing this, one cannot but think of the day of Reckoning, which we must, all keep in mind every minute of every day. The day of Arafat is extremely difficult. How much more difficult will that day be. On the day of Reckoning you need God's mercy. It is for the day that you must seriously consider fulfilling every pillar of the pledge as a Muslim. It is for that you should plan to complete Hajj as soon as you are capable, for Hajj is one way you may, if Allah wills, erase all your sins, secure for yourself forgiveness and ensure Allah's mercy.
Pilgrims perform the noon and afternoon prayers together at Arafat' then move off at dusk to spend the night at Muzdalifah' where they perform the sunset and night prayers.
AT MINA:
Stoning the Devil
The next day, on 10 Dhul-Hijjah' the pilgrims arrive at Mina' where the 'Stoning of the Devil' takes place. On this day, they throw seven small pebbles at the pillar known as the 'Great Devil'. The ritual continues on 11 and 12 Dhul-Hijjah' when they throw seven pebbles at each of three pillars (hence 49 pebbles in all). Some pilgrims continue the practice into 13 Dhul-Hijjah (hence 70 pebbles in all).
The purpose of this ritual is firstly: It reminds pilgrims of the famous story of Ibrahim and his son Isma'il' in which Allah tested their faith by asking Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to him. Three times the devil tempted Ibrahim not to do it, and tempted Isma'il to run away. But both father and son withstood the temptations' and they drove away the devil by throwing stones at him. They were prepared to go through with the sacrifice' in obedience to Allah's command' and out of love for Allah. Then' at the last moment, Allah stopped Ibrahim's hand, and provided a ram for sacrifice instead.
The other purpose and meaning of this ritual is a much more personal one. As the pilgrims 'Stone the Devil', they are expressing their own rejection of evil and their own resolve to withstand any temptations, which may come their way.
The Animal Sacrifice
Pilgrims on Hajj are required to offer an animal for sacrifice. This is done at Mina' where the meat is roasted and enjoyed by the pilgrims' but at least a third of it must be given to those who are too poor to buy their own animal.
This sacrifice is another reminder of the story of Ibrahim and Ismai'il, since a ram was given to Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of his son. By sacrificing animals, Muslims recognise that the meat, which we eat, is a gift from Allah that should never be taken for granted. Also, since animals are very expensive, it is a sign that Muslims are prepared to give up things for their religion.
After making this sacrifice, pilgrims are allowed to change out of their ihram and rest for a while before putting on the ihram again and completing the rituals of the Hajj. It is at this stage that they have their hair cut (a woman may just have a lock of hair snipped off; a man may have his whole head shaved). This is a sign that they are coming out of the state of consecration.
Id-ul-Adha
This means the 'Major Festival', and it is also called the 'Festival of Sacrifice'. Because when the pilgrims are sacrificing their animals near to the holy city of Mecca, Muslims all over the world are joining them in making an animal sacrifice: a goat or sheep per family, or a cow or camel between larger group.
The meaning of this sacrifice is the same as for those on the Hajj.
-It reminds Muslims of the story o Ibrahim and Isma'il, and of their willingness to make great sacrifices for Allah.
-It shows their own readiness to make sacrifices for their religion.
-It is a way of giving thanks to the Creator God for the meat they eat.
-It shows their concern to share their wealth with the poor.
In addition:
-It is a way for the Muslims back home to show their support for their fellow Muslims who are completing the Hajj.
Pilgrimage enhances one's belief in oneself or can change one's perspective on life. One famous example is the case of Malcolm X. He was born as Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, North-Western USA in 1925.
He went on pilgrimage to Mecca. This had a dramatic effect on him and his attitude to white people.
At the age of 6, his father was deliberately run over by a tram, and his mother was sent away because doctors claimed she was mentally ill. So Malcolm had to go live with foster parents. His life became better when he went to high school. He was popular, however, the teachers there did not have any confidence in Malcolm after he stated he wanted to become a lawyer. So Malcolm left school and got involved in dangerous gangs. Soon he started selling drugs.
He later changed his name to Malcolm X because he thought that his previous surname of 'Little' was the name of the white slave-owner. The X stands for his unknown African name.
He went to prison in 1946 and after he was released - he joined the Nation of Islam (an offshoot of Islam). He started his hate for white people and had become what we now call a racist.
Then later on he became disillusioned with the immoral behaviour of the leader of the Nation of Islam.
While on Hajj, he wrote a letter, and it shows a profound change that had come over him:
"I have been blessed to visit the Holy city of Mecca. There were tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. They were of all colours, from blue-eyes blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white."
Christians go to places of worship to try to feel closer to God. They believe that the actual effort they made to study, meditate and pray helps people to take their faith seriously. It is also a way of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the real world - to escape reality for a while.
If one thinks about it properly - all life is like a pilgrimage, from birth to death. Some people's spiritual lives are helped out when they on a religious pilgrimage.
Going on pilgrimage helps you out in three ways:
- It aids in your quest for God, thus feeling closer and a lot more involved with him.
- It gives you a sense of priority - knowing that yours and everyone else's time on earth is limited.
- It helps discipline their spiritual life because you feel that you are actually doing something to feel closer to God.
Christian places of pilgrimage are greatly linked with great figures and events in the Christian faith. And they believe that there is a special awe and holiness that comes from being used and prated in for centuries.
Some believe that the special ness of these places rubs on to them, during their pilgrimage.
There are many places of pilgrimage in Christianity. Some of these include:
Bethlehem - the Church of the Nativity
This is where Jesus was born. It was built by the first convert Roman Emperor. When the Persians invaded, many Churches were destroyed except this one because it showed three wise men wearing Persian dresses.
Nazareth
This was where Jesus grew up. There are to sites of interest - the Basilica of the Annunciation and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Gabriel. Both claim to be the site of Annunciation.
A tradition claims that Gabriel appeared before Mary inside the Orthodox Church.
Taize
This is an international place of pilgrimage. It is situated in southeast France. It was formed after WWII. It brought together young Christians from all divisions and even non-believers into an area where life is simple and the hospitality is warm and friendly. The founder reckoned that if people knew each other, then there's less chance of another war breaking out. But the main reason why people come there is to worship.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
This is just off the Northumbrian coast. A huge monastery was built here at the request of King Oswald. He wanted Christianity to flourish in his kingdom. However when Henry VIII came to power, he closed it down. So it is now in ruins but pilgrims still hold services there.
Lourdes
This is in the south of France and is a very popular pilgrimage site. It is claimed that Bernadette is said to have seen the Virgin Mary.
Since becoming a place of pilgrimage, there have been many cases of miraculous cures. Others however say that instead of being healed physically, they were healed mentally.
I have enjoyed writing this piece of work and have learned a lot. So I have come to realise that going on pilgrimage is a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It gives you a chance to reflect on your life and your time, left on this world. Or gives you the feeling of Ummah (being part of a brotherhood) and not ever feeling isolated. The pilgrimage seems to be more popular with Islam, since it has the largest gathering of people on earth. Nevertheless, the experience for both religions is the same.
BIBLIOGRAPHY - Islam A New Approach - Jan Thompson
- Christianity A New Approach - Kevin O'Donnell
Page1 Varun Sivabalan