Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Give to the poor (one-fortieth of your wealth, if you are not in debt).
4. Fast during daylight hours through the month of Ramadan. Fasting is a great
social equalizer and helps everyone to feel the hunger of the poor.
5. Visit Mecca. This is interpreted by some Muslims as a command to travel.
Muhammad said, “Don't tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you've
traveled.”
Good advice for anyone, no matter what—or if—you call a higher power.
Once inside, notice the traditional elements of the mosque. The niche (mihrab) across
from the entry is oriented toward Mecca (the holy city in today's Saudi Arabia)—the dir-
ection all Muslims face to pray. The small stairway (mimber) that seems to go nowhere is
symbolic of the growth of Islam—Muhammad had to stand higher and higher to talk to his
growing following. This serves as a kind of pulpit, where the cleric gives a speech, similar
to a sermon or homily in Christian church services. No priest ever stands on the top stair,
which is symbolically reserved for Muhammad.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search