Topic: Pilgrimage
Relation: Week 8 Lecture, "Religion."
Source: "Mecca Pilgrimage," http://www.meccapilgrimage.com. "Journey to Mecca, In the footsteps of Ibn Battuta," http://www.journeytomecca.co.uk/about-ibn-battuta/introduction.
Description: The website, "Mecca Pilgrimage," tells about the Hajj and how it is a yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. The pilgrimage to Mecca, "is a religious obligation that should be performed at least one time in every Muslim's life" (Mecca Pilgrimage). The pilgrimage is celebrated from the 7th to the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah this is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. The sacrament of the pilgrimage to Mecca has been going on for thousands of years dating back to Abraham. When the pilgrims reach Mecca they begin a state of ihram (which means purity). Males who are in this state of purity will wear ihram clothing, this clothing consists of two white seamless sheets that are draped around the body and sandals. The clothing symbolizes the state of holiness that the pilgrims have entered into and shows a "sense of impartiality and harmony by erasing visual signs of wealth, culture and class" (Mecca Pilgrimage"). Females also dress in white with only their hands and faces exposed. Pilgrims are not to engage in sexual relations, cut their hair or nails, fight or hunt while they are in the state of ihram. After arriving to the city of Mecca the pilgrims begin their rituals.
"Journey to Mecca" is a film about a man names Ibn Battuta who is one of the most famous travelers in history. The scene brings the audience back to the year 1325 to Tangier, Morocco and send them on a journey to Mecca to perform the Hajj.
Analysis: My research has shown me that the pilgrimage to Mecca is a sacred one. Those that participate in this religious journey have an experience that can't be duplicated. I think that everyone should be able to participate in a spiritual journey. "Mecca Pilgrimage" does a good job of helping explain the rituals and practices of the Hajj. The film "Journey to Mecca" looks very interesting and I think it would also help give a person a good look on what the Hajj might be like from the year 1325.
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