ISLAM IN INDIA: AN ISLAM IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

Dr. Doris JakobshDr. Doris Jakobsh

Adherents.comWORLD-WIDE MUSLIM POPULATIONS

900 MILLION

Country Number of Muslims (approximate)

Indonesia 170 million

Pakistan 137 million

Bangladesh 106 million

India 103 million

Turkey 62 million

ISLAM:ISLAM: Meaning = Meaning =

Submission/SurrenderSubmission/Surrender To ‘Allah’ (‘the God’)To ‘Allah’ (‘the God’) ‘‘God alone is great’God alone is great’

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CONTEXT:CONTEXT:

3 great ‘super-powers’:3 great ‘super-powers’:

Byzantine Empire - ChristianByzantine Empire - ChristianEthiopian Empire – ChristianEthiopian Empire – ChristianPersian Empire – Zoroastrian, with Jewish Persian Empire – Zoroastrian, with Jewish

and Christian minoritiesand Christian minorities

Arabia of Muhammad - polytheisticArabia of Muhammad - polytheistic

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HANIFSHANIFS

Already a movement towards monotheism, Already a movement towards monotheism, due to the belief that worldview of the due to the belief that worldview of the ‘super-powers’ was more progressive than ‘super-powers’ was more progressive than that of polytheismthat of polytheism

Movement that affirmed monotheism, but Movement that affirmed monotheism, but distinct from Christianity, Judaism, distinct from Christianity, Judaism, ZoroastsrianismZoroastsrianism

MUHAMMAD:MUHAMMAD:

570-632 CE570-632 CE Born in MeccaBorn in Mecca

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MUHAMMADMUHAMMAD

Merchant familyMerchant familyPart of Quraysh tribe (custodians of Part of Quraysh tribe (custodians of

sacred places of Mecca)sacred places of Mecca)25 years old – entered service of Khadija, 25 years old – entered service of Khadija,

a wealthy widow much older than a wealthy widow much older than MuhammadMuhammad

Fatima – their daughterFatima – their daughter

Muhammad leads a caravanMuhammad leads a caravan

MUHAMMAD AND GABRIELMUHAMMAD AND GABRIEL

611 CE611 CE Solitary meditations in Solitary meditations in

cavescaves Archangel GabrielArchangel Gabriel

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HIJRAHIJRA

611-621 Muhammad preaches to fellow 611-621 Muhammad preaches to fellow Meccans about the oneness of GodMeccans about the oneness of God

622 – accepts an invitation to Yathrib 622 – accepts an invitation to Yathrib (Medina)(Medina)

This journey is called This journey is called HIJRAHIJRAThis is the date from which the Muslim This is the date from which the Muslim

calendar startscalendar starts

MUHAMMAD IN MEDINAMUHAMMAD IN MEDINA

MUHAMMAD RETURNS TO MUHAMMAD RETURNS TO MECCAMECCA

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USING MEDINA AS A BASE, ALL OF USING MEDINA AS A BASE, ALL OF ARABIA IS BROUGHT UNDER ARABIA IS BROUGHT UNDER MUHAMMAD’S CONTROLMUHAMMAD’S CONTROL

HE WAS THE RELIGIOUS LEADER, HE WAS THE RELIGIOUS LEADER, POLITICAL RULER, MILITARY POLITICAL RULER, MILITARY COMMANDERCOMMANDER

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HIS DIVINE REVELATIONS CONTINUE HIS DIVINE REVELATIONS CONTINUE TO THE END OF HIS LIFETO THE END OF HIS LIFE

THESE REVELATIONS TOGETHER THESE REVELATIONS TOGETHER MAKE UP THE TEXT OF THE QUR’AN, MAKE UP THE TEXT OF THE QUR’AN, THE HOLY SCRIPTURES OF ISLAMTHE HOLY SCRIPTURES OF ISLAM

MUHAMMAD’S DEATHMUHAMMAD’S DEATH

In 632, he was suddenly taken ill. on June 8, with his third wife Aishah beside him, the Messenger of God "died with the heat of noon."

ISLAM’S EXPANSION, 25 YEARSISLAM’S EXPANSION, 25 YEARS

MECCA TODAYMECCA TODAY

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5 PILLARS OF ISLAM5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

SHAHADASHAHADA - WITNESS - WITNESSSALAATSALAAT - PRAYER 5 TIMES DAILY - PRAYER 5 TIMES DAILYZAKATZAKAT - ALMSGIVING - ALMSGIVINGSAWMSAWM OR OR SIYAMSIYAM, FASTING, , FASTING,

RAMADANRAMADAN HAJJHAJJ - PILGRIMAGE- PILGRIMAGE

1) SHAHADA: CORNERSTONE 1) SHAHADA: CORNERSTONE OF ISLAMOF ISLAM

“There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his messenger (Quran, 48:29).’’

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SHAHADASHAHADA

In Arabic, the first part is la In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa'Allahilaha illa'Allah - - 'there is no god except God'; 'there is no god except God'; ilahailaha (god) can (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God--wealth, power, and the like. put in place of God--wealth, power, and the like. Then comes Then comes illa'Allahilla'Allah: 'except God', the source : 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is is Muhammadun rasulu'LlahMuhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the : 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.' A message of guidance has messenger of God.' A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves. It is taken come through a man like ourselves. It is taken directly from the Qur'an: directly from the Qur'an:

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QUR’AN 3:18, BEARING QUR’AN 3:18, BEARING WITNESSWITNESS

"God bears witness that there is no god "God bears witness that there is no god but God and so do the angels and those but God and so do the angels and those possessed of knowledge. In justice, there possessed of knowledge. In justice, there is no god but Him, He is the exalted, the is no god but Him, He is the exalted, the wise." wise."

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2) SALAAT: PRAYER2) SALAAT: PRAYER

dawndawn noonnoon mid-afternoonmid-afternoon sunsetsunset nightfallnightfall

Prayers determine the rhythm of the entire dayPrayers determine the rhythm of the entire day Prayers can be performed anywhere, but Prayers can be performed anywhere, but

preferably in a mosque preferably in a mosque

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SALAAT, POSTURESSALAAT, POSTURES

The The SalaatSalaat consists of standing, consists of standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting bowing, prostrating and sitting positions. positions.

Before, during and after each of these Before, during and after each of these positions, Muslims recite verses from positions, Muslims recite verses from the Holy Qur'an and glorify Allah as the Holy Qur'an and glorify Allah as directed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) directed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was taught the details by who was taught the details by Archangel Jibril (Gabriel, pbuh).Archangel Jibril (Gabriel, pbuh).

Muslims performing Muslims performing SalaatSalaat facing facing toward Ka'bah. toward Ka'bah. RIGHT: Pilgrims in RIGHT: Pilgrims in prostration.prostration.

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CALL TO PRAYER:CALL TO PRAYER:

““God is most Great. God is most Great.God is most Great. God is most Great.God is most Great. God is most Great.God is most Great. God is most Great.I testify that there is no God except Allah.I testify that there is no God except Allah.I testify that there is no God except Allah.I testify that there is no God except Allah.I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.Come to prayer! Come to prayer!Come to prayer! Come to prayer!Come to success (in this life and the Here after)! Come Come to success (in this life and the Here after)! Come to success!to success!Allah is most great. Allah is most great.Allah is most great. Allah is most great.There is no God except Allah.”There is no God except Allah.”

(heard in Muslim mosques)(heard in Muslim mosques)

MUSLIMS, CALCUTTAMUSLIMS, CALCUTTA

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3) ZAKAT: ALMSGIVING3) ZAKAT: ALMSGIVING all things belong to Godall things belong to God

wealth is therefore held by human beings in wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. trust.

Zakat literally means grow (in goodness) or Zakat literally means grow (in goodness) or 'increase', 'purifying' or 'making pure'. 'increase', 'purifying' or 'making pure'.

So the act of giving zakat means purifying one's So the act of giving zakat means purifying one's wealth to gain Allah's blessing to make it grow in wealth to gain Allah's blessing to make it grow in goodness. goodness.

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ZAKAT: ‘RELIGIOUS PAYMENT’ZAKAT: ‘RELIGIOUS PAYMENT’

Zakat is a religious ‘payment’ made by Zakat is a religious ‘payment’ made by Muslims from their wealth or income, or Muslims from their wealth or income, or business, or crops, business, or crops,

In the form of money or crops or animals – In the form of money or crops or animals – usually 2.5%usually 2.5%

Often Zakat committee set up, or, in Often Zakat committee set up, or, in Islamic countries, governmentIslamic countries, government

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ZAKAT: QUR’AN 9:103ZAKAT: QUR’AN 9:103

"Take from their wealth a portion for "Take from their wealth a portion for charity, in order to clean them thereby, charity, in order to clean them thereby, and sanctify them." and sanctify them."

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4) SAWM OR SIYAM 4) SAWM OR SIYAM

FastingFasting

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.relations.

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SAWM OR SIYAMSAWM OR SIYAM

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are NOT women who are pregnant or nursing are NOT required to complete the entire fastrequired to complete the entire fast

They can break the fast and make up an equal They can break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the yearnumber of days later in the year

They can also feed a needy person for every They can also feed a needy person for every day missed.day missed.

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RAMADANRAMADAN

RRamadan is the ninth month of the Muslim amadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendarcalendar

The Month of Ramadan is also when it is The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Qur’an was sent down believed the Holy Qur’an was sent down from heaven to guide humankind and offer from heaven to guide humankind and offer the way of Salvation the way of Salvation

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RAMADANRAMADAN

Ramadan is a time when Muslims Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation and contemplation

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QUR’ANQUR’AN

One may eat and drink at any time during One may eat and drink at any time during the nightthe night "until you can plainly distinguish "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night."daylight: then keep the fast until night."

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ID/EID-AL-FITR ID/EID-AL-FITR

- Begins with the sighting of the Begins with the sighting of the new moon:new moon:

Fasting is forbidden on this day, Fasting is forbidden on this day, as it marks the as it marks the endend of the month long fast of Ramadan of the month long fast of Ramadan

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EID:EID:

One is encouraged to rise early and eat a One is encouraged to rise early and eat a light snacklight snack

Then bathe, as always, but with the Then bathe, as always, but with the remembrance that this is a special day. remembrance that this is a special day.

Muslims are encouraged to dress in their Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible. best clothes, new if possible.

‘‘EID MUBARAKEID MUBARAK’’

EID GREETING CARDS

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5) HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE5) HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE

a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male and female ADULTS whose health and and female ADULTS whose health and means permit itmeans permit it

about about two million peopletwo million people go to Makkah go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe each year from every corner of the globe

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HAJJ: PREPARATIONSHAJJ: PREPARATIONS

Before setting out, a pilgrim should Before setting out, a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan to have enough funds for his/her own to have enough funds for his/her own journey and for the maintenance of journey and for the maintenance of the family while he/she is away, and the family while he/she is away, and prepare him/herself for good conduct prepare him/herself for good conduct throughout the Hajj. throughout the Hajj.

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HAJJ: LUNAR CALENDARHAJJ: LUNAR CALENDAR

Although Makkah is always filled with Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic yeartwelfth month of the Islamic year

so Hajj and Ramadan are at times so Hajj and Ramadan are at times celebrated in the fall or winter celebrated in the fall or winter

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QUR’AN, 22:26-30 QUR’AN, 22:26-30

Behold! We gave the site to Abraham of the (Sacred) House (saying): Behold! We gave the site to Abraham of the (Sacred) House (saying): "Associate not any thing (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My "Associate not any thing (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round or stand up or bow or House for those who compass it round or stand up or bow or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)."And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on "And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel lean on account of foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;"That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them and "That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them and celebrate the name of Allah through the Days appointed over the celebrate the name of Allah through the Days appointed over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.thereof and feed the distressed ones in want."Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them perform their "Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them perform their vows and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House."vows and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House."Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah for him it is good in the sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in for him it is good in the sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in pilgrimage) are cattle except those mentioned to you (as pilgrimage) are cattle except those mentioned to you (as exceptions): but shun the abomination of idols and shun the word exceptions): but shun the abomination of idols and shun the word that is false.that is false.

MINA:MINA:

OOn the first day of the n the first day of the Hajj, pilgrims sweep out Hajj, pilgrims sweep out of Mecca towards of Mecca towards MinaMina, a , a small uninhabited village small uninhabited village east of the city. east of the city.

Pilgrims generally spend Pilgrims generally spend their time meditating and their time meditating and praying, as the Prophet praying, as the Prophet did on his pilgrimage. did on his pilgrimage.

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HAJJ: CLOTHINGHAJJ: CLOTHING

Pilgrims wear simple but special white Pilgrims wear simple but special white clothes: simple because no distinctions clothes: simple because no distinctions of class and culture are to be shownof class and culture are to be shown

‘‘Ihram', a garment made of two seamless Ihram', a garment made of two seamless white sheets or towels symbolising purity white sheets or towels symbolising purity and equalityand equality that must be worn by menthat must be worn by men

all are equal before Godall are equal before God

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HAJJ: RITESHAJJ: RITES

Ablutions (as before prayer times)Ablutions (as before prayer times)

Abstention from any killing, sexual activity, Abstention from any killing, sexual activity, cutting hair or nailscutting hair or nails

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TOUCH KA’ABATOUCH KA’ABA The Ka'aba is a stone building located near the center of The Ka'aba is a stone building located near the center of

the quadrangle of the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of the quadrangle of the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. Set in a silver surround in the east corner of Makkah. Set in a silver surround in the east corner of the Ka'aba, some four feet above ground level, is the the Ka'aba, some four feet above ground level, is the Black Stone. This sacred Stone, the focal point of the Black Stone. This sacred Stone, the focal point of the HajjHajj, is the only remnant of the shrine which Abraham , is the only remnant of the shrine which Abraham built when it was given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel. built when it was given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel.

Kiss or touch KA’ABA Kiss or touch KA’ABA

Circumambulate 7 times (Circumambulate 7 times (Tawaaf)Tawaaf)

KA’ABA, DRAWINGKA’ABA, DRAWING

Each year an Arab nation provides the beautiful drapes which cover the Kab’ah for the Hajj.

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REFLECTIONS AT KA’ABA REFLECTIONS AT KA’ABA ““To touch and kiss the stone is to travel To touch and kiss the stone is to travel

back in time and follow in the footsteps of back in time and follow in the footsteps of all those pious and noble greats in history all those pious and noble greats in history who have touched it. It is not easy to do who have touched it. It is not easy to do that, though. It seems there are always too that, though. It seems there are always too many people ahead who are trying to do many people ahead who are trying to do the same. The closest we came to it was the same. The closest we came to it was about ten feet and there we raised our about ten feet and there we raised our hands in salutation and to say that 'God is hands in salutation and to say that 'God is great.”great.”

Reflections of a devotee at the Haj,

http://users.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

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HAJJ: KA’ABAHAJJ: KA’ABA

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KA’ABAKA’ABA

Islam's holiest place was not built by its Islam's holiest place was not built by its last Prophet Muhammad last Prophet Muhammad

tradition has it that the Ka'bah was tradition has it that the Ka'bah was originally built by Prophet Adam and was originally built by Prophet Adam and was rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his eldest son Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael), his eldest son Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael), nearly four thousand five hundred years nearly four thousand five hundred years ago. ago.

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TALBIAH (prayer during TALBIAH (prayer during TawaafTawaaf circumambulation)circumambulation)

Here I am O Here I am O AllahAllah, at Thy Command. Here , at Thy Command. Here I am, at Thy Command.I am, at Thy Command.There is no partner unto Thee. Here I There is no partner unto Thee. Here I am, at Thy Command.am, at Thy Command.Verily Thine is the praise, the blessings Verily Thine is the praise, the blessings and the sovereignty of the universe.and the sovereignty of the universe.There is no partner unto Thee.There is no partner unto Thee.

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ZAMZAMZAMZAM

Zamzam – wellZamzam – well

Where the water sprang up under Where the water sprang up under Ismael’s feetIsmael’s feet

Now enclosed in a marble chamber in Now enclosed in a marble chamber in the Ka'bahthe Ka'bah

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REFLECTIONS, ZAMZAMREFLECTIONS, ZAMZAM

““As we drink from As we drink from Zamzam, we know it Zamzam, we know it is the same well that is the same well that sprang up in the sprang up in the middle of the desert middle of the desert so Hagar and so Hagar and Ishmael could drink Ishmael could drink from it.” from it.”

http://users.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

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SA’YSA’Y: ‘RUNNING’ : ‘RUNNING’

Run 7 times up and down a colonnade between Run 7 times up and down a colonnade between 2 hills (450 yards apart) – SA’Y - ‘Hagar 2 hills (450 yards apart) – SA’Y - ‘Hagar searching for water for Ishmael’searching for water for Ishmael’

Hagar, is said to have run back and forth seven Hagar, is said to have run back and forth seven times between two rocky hillocks, al-Safa and al-times between two rocky hillocks, al-Safa and al-Marwah and then found the sacred water known Marwah and then found the sacred water known as Zamzamas Zamzam

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Reflections at HajjReflections at Hajj

““As we walk and run between Safa As we walk and run between Safa and Marwah, the two hillocks in the and Marwah, the two hillocks in the northeast of Ka'bah, we know northeast of Ka'bah, we know these are the same hills where these are the same hills where Hajerah (Hagar) ran to search for Hajerah (Hagar) ran to search for water for infant Ishmael.” water for infant Ishmael.”

Reflections of a devotee at the Hajj

http://users.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

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RETURN TO MINA:RETURN TO MINA:

Before daybreak on the third day, pilgrims move Before daybreak on the third day, pilgrims move back to back to MinaMina. There they throw white pebbles . There they throw white pebbles that have been collected earlier. that have been collected earlier.

According to some traditions, this practice is According to some traditions, this practice is associated with Prophet Ibrahim. associated with Prophet Ibrahim.

As pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of As pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of these pillars, they remember the story of Satan's these pillars, they remember the story of Satan's attempt to persuade Ibrahim to disregard God's attempt to persuade Ibrahim to disregard God's command to sacrifice his son. command to sacrifice his son.

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REFLECTIONS AT MINAREFLECTIONS AT MINA ““As we gather pebbles at Muzdalfah to throw at the As we gather pebbles at Muzdalfah to throw at the

pillars designated as the place where Satan tempted pillars designated as the place where Satan tempted Prophet Abraham, we realize that some of the very Prophet Abraham, we realize that some of the very pebbles may have been touched by the Prophet and pebbles may have been touched by the Prophet and his companions. At this place, we are in the grip of his companions. At this place, we are in the grip of history. We can see it, hear it, feel it, touch it and history. We can see it, hear it, feel it, touch it and drink from it. It is in drink from it. It is in MinaMina where Satan tempted where Satan tempted Prophet Abraham and he threw pebbles at Satan to Prophet Abraham and he threw pebbles at Satan to keep him at bay. In the memory of that incident, we keep him at bay. In the memory of that incident, we also throw pebbles at the symbolic Satan reminding also throw pebbles at the symbolic Satan reminding ourselves the satan within us exploiting our ourselves the satan within us exploiting our weaknesses and tempting us with riches, pleasures, weaknesses and tempting us with riches, pleasures, and non-productive activities. ”and non-productive activities. ”

http://users.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

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FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICEFESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE

Following the casting of the pebbles, most Following the casting of the pebbles, most pilgrims sacrifice a goat, sheep or some pilgrims sacrifice a goat, sheep or some other animal. They give the meat to the other animal. They give the meat to the poor after, in some cases, keeping a small poor after, in some cases, keeping a small portion for themselves. portion for themselves.

CAMELS, FOR FESTIVAL OF CAMELS, FOR FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICESACRIFICE

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END OF HAJJ:END OF HAJJ:

Men either shave their heads or clip their Men either shave their heads or clip their hair, and women cut off a symbolic lock, to hair, and women cut off a symbolic lock, to mark their partial deconsecration. This is mark their partial deconsecration. This is done as a symbol of humility. All done as a symbol of humility. All proscriptions, save the one of conjugal proscriptions, save the one of conjugal relations, are now lifted.relations, are now lifted.

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REFLECTION: END OF HAJJREFLECTION: END OF HAJJ

““The most difficult time comes when The most difficult time comes when leaving the House of Allah. One is never leaving the House of Allah. One is never completely satisfied with the time spent completely satisfied with the time spent here. There is always a desire for visiting it here. There is always a desire for visiting it again and to enjoy the peace and again and to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this holy place of the tranquility of this holy place of the Prophets. We make the Prophets. We make the farewell Tawaaffarewell Tawaaf and pray that we come back here soon.” and pray that we come back here soon.”

http://users.erols.com/ameen/hajjexp.htm

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HAJJ, REFLECTIONHAJJ, REFLECTION "It would require a master pen to describe the scene, "It would require a master pen to describe the scene,

poignant in its intensity, of that great concourse of poignant in its intensity, of that great concourse of humanity of which I was one small unit, completely humanity of which I was one small unit, completely lost to their surroundings in a fervor of religious lost to their surroundings in a fervor of religious enthusiasm. Many of the pilgrims had tears enthusiasm. Many of the pilgrims had tears streaming down their cheeks; others raised their streaming down their cheeks; others raised their faces to the starlit sky that had witnessed this drama faces to the starlit sky that had witnessed this drama so often in the past centuries. The shining eyes, the so often in the past centuries. The shining eyes, the passionate appeals, the pitiful hands outstretched in passionate appeals, the pitiful hands outstretched in prayer moved me in a way that nothing had ever prayer moved me in a way that nothing had ever done before, and I felt caught up in a strong wave of done before, and I felt caught up in a strong wave of spiritual exaltation. I was one with the rest of the spiritual exaltation. I was one with the rest of the pilgrims in a sublime act of complete surrender to pilgrims in a sublime act of complete surrender to the Supreme Will which is Islam."the Supreme Will which is Islam."

Lady Evelyn Cobbold, 1934Lady Evelyn Cobbold, 1934

http://www.islam.org/Mosque/jlthajj/hajj.htm

ISLAM IN INDIAISLAM IN INDIA

FIRST MUSLIMS: 711FIRST MUSLIMS: 711

Caliphate of DamscusCaliphate of Damscus

MAHMUD OF GHAZNIMAHMUD OF GHAZNI

AfghanistanAfghanistan 1001 – 1026 CE1001 – 1026 CE 17 invasions17 invasions ‘‘The Idol Breaker’ The Idol Breaker’

GHAZNI VICTORY TOWER, GHAZNI, AFGHANISTAN

ANANDPAL, RAJA OF ANANDPAL, RAJA OF PUNJABPUNJAB

1008 CE1008 CE PeshawarPeshawar Runaway Runaway

ElephantElephant

TIMURTIMUR

"I am the scourge of God appointed to chastise you, since no one knows the remedy for your iniquity except me. You are wicked, but I am more wicked than you, so be silent!"

Tamerlane

1398, India

BABURBABUR

1526-1530

PURANA QILA, DELHIPURANA QILA, DELHI

Babur's Purana Qila, Delhi

HUMANYUNHUMANYUN

1530-15561530-1556

AKBARAKBAR

1556-16051556-1605 Son of HumayunSon of Humayun Greatest of MughalGreatest of Mughal

lineline

Jahangir's birth, Rejoicing, Mughal, Jahangir's birth, Rejoicing, Mughal, c. 1590.c. 1590.

JAHANGIRJAHANGIR

1605-16271605-1627 Muslim emperor in Muslim emperor in

power when first power when first Europeans came to Europeans came to IndiaIndia

Built Built SikandraSikandra, , Akbar’s tombAkbar’s tomb

SHAHJAHANSHAHJAHAN

1627-16581627-1658 ShahjahanShahjahan MumtazMumtaz

TAJ MAHALTAJ MAHAL

AURANGZEBAURANGZEB

1658 to 17071658 to 1707

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BRIDGES: ISLAM AND BRIDGES: ISLAM AND HINDUISMHINDUISM

Kabir Kabir

NanakNanak

AkbarAkbar

KABIR, THE WEAVERKABIR, THE WEAVER

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KABIRKABIR

““Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.My shoulder is against yours.My shoulder is against yours.You will not find me in stupas, not in shrine You will not find me in stupas, not in shrine

rooms, nor in temples:rooms, nor in temples:Not in masses, nor kirtan, not in eating nothing Not in masses, nor kirtan, not in eating nothing

but vegetables.but vegetables.When you really look for me, you will see me When you really look for me, you will see me

instantly:instantly:You will find me in the tiniest house of time.You will find me in the tiniest house of time.Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God?Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God?He is the breath inside the breath.”He is the breath inside the breath.”

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KABIR:KABIR:

““Swan, tell me your story.Swan, tell me your story.What country have you come from, swan, what shores What country have you come from, swan, what shores

are you flying to?are you flying to?Where do you rest at night, and what are you looking Where do you rest at night, and what are you looking

for?for?It’s dawn, swan, wake up, soar to the air, follow me!It’s dawn, swan, wake up, soar to the air, follow me!There is a land not governed by sadness and doubt, There is a land not governed by sadness and doubt,

where the fear of death is unknown.where the fear of death is unknown.Spring forests bloom there and the wind is sweet with Spring forests bloom there and the wind is sweet with

the flower ‘He-Is-Myself’.the flower ‘He-Is-Myself’.The bee if the heart dives into it and wants no other The bee if the heart dives into it and wants no other

joy.”joy.”

8181

KABIR:KABIR:

1440 – 1518 CE1440 – 1518 CEWeaver caste in VaranasiWeaver caste in Varanasi (At an earlier time weaver caste of (At an earlier time weaver caste of

Varanasi had converted to Islam)Varanasi had converted to Islam)Advantageous to do soAdvantageous to do soKabir raised as MuslimKabir raised as Muslim

8282

KABIR’S CRITIQUE OF ISLAM:KABIR’S CRITIQUE OF ISLAM:““I’m asking you, Mr. MuslimI’m asking you, Mr. MuslimWith your red and yellowWith your red and yellowRags and robes.Rags and robes.Now you, Mr. Qazi [religious administrator]Now you, Mr. Qazi [religious administrator]What kind of work is that,What kind of work is that,Going from house to houseGoing from house to houseChopping heads?Chopping heads?Who gave you the order for chickens and goats?Who gave you the order for chickens and goats?Who told you to swing the knife?Who told you to swing the knife?Aren’t you afraid to be called a sageAren’t you afraid to be called a sageAs you read your versesAs you read your versesAnd dupe the world?And dupe the world?Kabir says, this high class MuslimKabir says, this high class MuslimWants to force this way on the world.Wants to force this way on the world.

Fast all dayFast all dayKill cows at night,Kill cows at night,Here prayers, there blood –Here prayers, there blood –Does this please God?”Does this please God?”

8383

- KABIR URGED PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS TO FIND SALVATION IN TOTAL SURRENDER TO GOD

- THIS ALONE IS THE TRUE PATH

8484

KABIR:KABIR:““O servant, where does thou seek me?O servant, where does thou seek me?Lo! I am beside thee.Lo! I am beside thee.I am neither in temple nor in mosque.I am neither in temple nor in mosque.I am neither in Kaaba nor in Kailash.I am neither in Kaaba nor in Kailash.Neither am I in rites and ceremonies,Neither am I in rites and ceremonies,Nor in yoga and renunciation.Nor in yoga and renunciation.If thou are a true seeker,If thou are a true seeker,Thou shalt at once see me.Thou shalt at once see me.Thou shalt meet me in a moment of time.Thou shalt meet me in a moment of time.Kabir says, ‘O Sadhu’Kabir says, ‘O Sadhu’God is in the breath of all.”God is in the breath of all.”

8585

AKBAR:AKBAR:

Conquest is not what he is known forConquest is not what he is known forUnification and consolidationUnification and consolidation

Policy of conciliationPolicy of conciliation

8686

AKBAR:AKBAR:

Abolished Abolished jizyajizya – special tax on non- – special tax on non-MuslimsMuslims

Sought out Hindu holy menSought out Hindu holy menEmployed HindusEmployed Hindus

8787

GENUINE CULTURAL GENUINE CULTURAL SYNTHESIS:SYNTHESIS:

Began as a policy of conciliationBegan as a policy of conciliationEvolved into something much bigger:Evolved into something much bigger:

CULTURAL SYNTENSIS OF THE CULTURAL SYNTENSIS OF THE FINEST ELEMENTS OF ALL THE FINEST ELEMENTS OF ALL THE WORLD’S RELIGIONSWORLD’S RELIGIONS

8888

AKBAR LEADS BY EXAMPLE:AKBAR LEADS BY EXAMPLE:

Married 4 wives: Muslim, Buddhist, Married 4 wives: Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, HinduChristian, Hindu

FATEHPUR SIKRIFATEHPUR SIKRI

- Visible model of Visible model of policy of cultural policy of cultural fusionfusion

- Combined elements Combined elements of both Muslim and of both Muslim and Hindu traditionsHindu traditions

Diwan-i-kas - Akbar's audiencesDiwan-i-kas - Akbar's audiences

Buland gate, entrance to MasjidBuland gate, entrance to Masjid

Din-i-IlahiDin-i-Ilahi

‘‘divine faith’ divine faith’ New religionNew religion One that would One that would

incorporate both the incorporate both the common and the common and the BEST elements of the BEST elements of the world’s religionsworld’s religions

Religious Religious syncretismsyncretism

9494

FATEHPUR SIKRI: A DREAM?FATEHPUR SIKRI: A DREAM?

YET, IN A LITTLE MORE THAN 20 YEARS, YET, IN A LITTLE MORE THAN 20 YEARS, FATEHPUR SIKRI WAS ABANDONEDFATEHPUR SIKRI WAS ABANDONED

POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF A SHORTAGE OF POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF A SHORTAGE OF WATERWATER

TODAY, IT IS QUIET AND DESERTED PLACETODAY, IT IS QUIET AND DESERTED PLACE