https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur Taylor Critcher en-us 2020-06-25 13:46:42 UTC 2020-06-25 19:56:55 UTC hello@padlet.com tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640006417 In this article, we read about a current issue that is impacting Islam and its traditions. For the first time ever, The Hajj pilgrimage is canceled due to the national pandemic. This was heartbreaking news for the community as Hajj is something Muslim’s will save for years in order to take this pilgrimage. It is meant to be a spiritual awakening. Many are understanding while others criticize the Saudi Arabia Government. However, Saudi Arabia has one of the largest coronavirus outbreaks, making the journey and the crowds in Mecca very dangerous. Khalid Almaeena, a man who has done the pilgrimage many times, explains it is the way Muslims from different countries, races, and social classes come together that make it important. We read the disappointment coming from the religion. ]]> 2020-06-25 13:48:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640006417 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640346318 A quote that stood out to me was “The Hajj is a transformative, emotional, and spiritually moving experience—the spiritual pinnacle of a devout Muslim’s life” (Hubbard & Walsh). I started to read more into the importance of this journey. I was shocked by what I found. The article emphasizes the struggle the community goes through in order to pay for the pilgrimage. Some save their entire lives, others sell their land, and some wait years to be put on the list where an organization will help you pay for it if you are very poor. Many people feared they would never be able to go due to older age and health. One teacher who has been saving her whole life emotionally stated, “It was my only wish. To cancel it completely is such a shame. May God relive us of this burden.” It certainly is a powerful, heart rending time for the community. ]]> 2020-06-25 19:20:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640346318 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640346600 The first Hajj in 632, started with a small group who traveled to Mecca with no transportation, suffering with disaster, deprivation, and so much more. It took weeks to months in order to get to Mecca. As years went on, the pilgrimage became more and more known. There were many tragedies such as a ship full of pilgrims set fire and killed, disease outbreaks, and other natural disasters. Today, with transportation available and more affordable options, the kingdom makes billions of dollars from all its visitors. ]]> 2020-06-25 19:20:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640346600 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640347578 We learn in our textbook, Hajj is the holy pilgrimage to Mecca in the second week of the last month of the Muslim ritual calendar. Being one of the five pillars, it is an essential practice of Islam that Muslims must follow if they are able to. Some refer to the Hajj as a rebirth while others see it as starting fresh of no sins. There are rituals and rules when it comes to the pilgrimage. Men must wear special white clothing called ihram. All must enter a state of ritual purity, also called ihram, in order to ensure the mind is on God and God only. Pilgrims refrain from sexual activity, arguing, or senseless conversation. Once in Mecca, the most important focus is the Ka’ba. It is known to be dedicated to Allah. The ritual is reciting verses from the Qur’an. The Hajj ends with the Feast of Sacrifice. ]]> 2020-06-25 19:22:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640347578 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640358592 The whole reason for the Hajj is to visit the Ka'ba, the house of Allah. According to the textbook, "The most important universal belief of Muslim religious life is the oneness of Allah" (Brodd 471). Islam reflects Muslim belief in the importance of submitting to their God, Allah's, will. ]]> 2020-06-25 19:36:04 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640358592 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640364736 Textbook:
Brodd, Jeffrey, et al. Invitation to World Religions. Oxford University Press, 2019.

Article:
Hubbard, Ben, and Declan Walsh. “The Hajj Pilgrimage Is Canceled, and Grief Rocks the Muslim World.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 June 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/world/middleeast/hajj-pilgrimage-canceled.html.]]> 2020-06-25 19:42:59 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640364736 tcritc1 https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640375304 2020-06-25 19:55:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tcritc1/26tfk2yqq9tdw2ur/wish/640375304