Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some people are excused the rigours of Ramadan, including young children and those whose health will
not permit fasting. Travellers on a journey are also excused, although they are expected to fast on altern-
ative days instead.
Hajj
Every Muslim capable of doing so (whether physically or financially) is expected to per-
form the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest of cities, at least once in their lifetime. For
a pilgrimage to qualify as a 'true' hajj, it can only be performed during a few specific days
of the Muslim year. Visiting Mecca at any other time of the year is known as
umrah
(the
'lesser pilgrimage' or 'visitation'). Performing hajj is richly rewarded: all past sins are
forgiven. Additionally, pilgrims are entitled to prefix their names with
Al-Haj
and doing
so still evokes much respect in the community.
The Quran
Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, unlike the Bible or Torah which
they believe were inspired by God but were recorded subject to human interpretation. For
Muslims, the Quran is therefore not just the principal source of doctrine in Islam, but also
a source of spiritual rapture in its own right. It is recited often with emotional elation, as a
blessing to the reciter and the listener. The use of the 'sacred' language of Arabic, with its
unique rhythms, gives the recitation a sacramental quality that eludes translation, and
many Muslims around the world still learn large portions of the Quran in its original form
to feel closer to God's words.
Given the belief in the Quran's physical sacredness, Islamic law forbids the touching or reciting of an Ar-
abic Quran without special ablution. Travellers should be aware of this when visiting mosques and re-
frain from touching the holy book.
Sharia'a
As there is no distinction between life and religion in Islam, it follows that a set of prin-
ciples or 'laws' based on Islamic teaching should shape the general conduct of life. The
'legal' implications of those principles is referred to as Sharia'a, although it is not 'law' in
a Western sense and is widely open to differences of interpretation.
In matters of dispute, or where someone breaks the moral code of Islam, Muslim schol-
ars turn either to the Quran or to the Sunnah, a body of works recording the sayings and
doings of the Prophet (and some of his companions) for guidance. However, there are
