Inside Mecca

[xdianax]

Has anyone watched this National Geographic program on PBS? It is on tonight, and I have previously watched it. It takes the viewer through the different stages of the Hajj, while following a South African, a Malaysian, and an American during the Hajj. I was surprised when they said 80% of Muslims aren't Arab. It was really amazing and beautiful to see all these different people converging in one single place all sharing in the same worship. I also admired how the men had to all wear the same white robe--so that no matter ones' class, race, status, they were all the same in Mecca. Also, at the five praying times, stores close, everything stops, and everyone gets down and prays.

However, in the program a few things seem to undermine this sense of unity. The South African man spoke of how Muhammad (pbuh :)) spoke of the importance of charity, yet he saw many starving children in Mecca, (and he actually went out and bought food to deliver to these children). Later, when he went to the South African tent, the narrator explained that people, depending on how much money they are willing to spend, get varying accomodations in the tents. I thought this kind of undermined the whole idea of each man being equal.

In terms of the three people the program followed, I think I most admired the South African man who was so compassionate and awe-struck by the experience. The American woman actually kind of annoyed me, because during the Hajj, her beliefs seemed a bit superficial.

I was wondering if others have seen this, and have thoughts and reactions.

:) In Love,

Diana

[xdianax]

Hmmm, I guess no one else saw the show...

[TrippinBTM]

I saw it once (seems like a few years ago), and also remembered thinking how despite everyone wearing white and trying to be equal, how it never happens. I don't remember who was saying it, but I do remember someone on the film saying how it bothered him, it was probably the guy you mentioned.

[kiss_the_sky]

I haven't seen it, I wish I had. But national geographic different up here...:(

[cabdirazzaq]

Later, when he went to the South African tent, the narrator explained that people, depending on how much money they are willing to spend, get varying accomodations in the tents. I thought this kind of undermined the whole idea of each man being equal.

I understand your point... And generally we muslims should be ashamed of what has happend to us. We are ordered to pay the zakah(the poor due which is one amongs the pillars) yet many people seem to abondon it, is it really that difficult to pay 2.5% from your saved up wealth to the poor ???
During the caliph Umar ibnu Abdil Aziz era, the zakah which the goverment sent to north africa and yemen acually returned with the reason that they couldnt find any poor person to give it to.

[stoney69]

actually, its amazin how everyone is fed in mecca. charity through individuals and organisations is free flowin. i was absolutely amazed to see the more than 2.5million people gathered in and around mecca durin ramadhan sharin bread, dates, yoghurt and what have you as the athan (call to prayer) announced the breakin of fast !

the 2.5% of zakah is very much practised - after all, ramadhan - the fastin month cannot be concluded unless that much (atleast) is shared with the less fortunate

and oh, as is the case with most religious areas - there is no shortage of the ones who extend their hands for charity. doesn't necessarily mean they're starvin. i've had some follow me to the icecream stand and ask for one

charity is indeed one of the pillars, however we've also been advised not to entertain the extended hands if they belong to other than the weak or challenged

[cabdirazzaq]

however we've also been advised not to entertain the extended hands if they belong to other than the weak or challenged
Asalamu aleykum!, dear brother do you think you could explain what you mean by this, i really dont think I understand. As the chinese say, its better to ask and sound stupid than to be silent and remain stupid.

[TrippinBTM]

he means one should be discriminate in giving charity. Don't give to every hand, it might be some guy wanting free stuff, rather than someone who needs it.

[stoney69]

wa alayk as-salaam - trippin got it right, its charity to the NEEDY

[stlkr_94]

cabdirazzaq, it doesn't mean to speak arabic if you're muslim

everyone can speak their own language in islam
for myself i've never prayed arabic cause i really don't like doing this

i'm turk and i want to pray turkish....

First of all islam is the religion of free thoughts..