We’re getting to the end. Next week will be the final book club post for Pillars and we will wrap it all up with a final Zoom call once I am back in Djibouti. I will send a link a week before call so keep your eyes open for that!
Chapter 32 Exile or Pilgrim
Researching and writing about the Hajj, the pilgrimage, was probably the most challenging part of this book. The hajj is the most mysterious aspect of Islam to me because non-Muslims are not allowed to go on the hajj. I can pray, fast, give, recite a creed. But I cannot go on the hajj. I can even watch Muslims pray, fast, give, and hear them recite the shahadah but I can’t watch them on hajj. I can only hear about it. So I did. I read books, articles, listened to stories, went to a hajj return party.
What do you know about the hajj? Have you thought much about pilgrimage from a Christian or other faith perspective? Do you have friends who have been on the hajj? Have you ever asked them about it?
Chapter 33 Pilgrims and Guides
Who have been your most helpful guides into your host culture or a religious experience?
Do you agree with my conclusion that Jesus would have taken the water from Zamzam and drunk it? To me, this is a clear example of a holy welcome, an invitation into a sacred space to share something meaningful. How can you offer a holy welcome to others?
Chapter 34 My Pilgrimage
Have you thought about your own life as a pilgrimage? The term “journey” has become a bit cliche. How is it related to or different from “pilgrimage?” Even if it is cliche, is it still valuable? How or why?
What else struck you in these chapters?