module 5

 

Photograph of Hajj in 2011 (photo: @ifatma)

The photo above is a picture of the 2011 hajj, the hajj is also known as the Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi arabia. For every adult Muslim it is required to attend at least once in his or her lifetime. If they are unable to attend they are also able to perform the hajj by proxy which is them appointing someone like a relative or close friend to stand in for them. I've always found the islamic culture super interesting which is why I decided to choose the picture of such an important part of their life.  during the Hajj they retrace the route of prophet muhammad and ibrahim. The hajj is also supposed to deepen their devotion to allah. The Hajj consists of six days of growing closer to Allah and after completing the 6 days they can add hajj to their name which translates to intend a journey. day one consists of circling the kaaba,retracing the steps between the two hills where hagar once ran back and forth while searching for water for her dying son.they then end the day by sleeping in the valley of mina. day two is when the pilgrims leave toward mount arafat where they spend the afternoon praying then continue up the hill where jabal al-rahma gave his last sermon.TO at the end they're day they go on a 5.5 mile walk to muzdalifah. The next three days consist of circling the kaaba one more time, casting stones in mina,men will shave their heads while women will cut off locks of their hair which for the muslims is a sign of renewal like how being baptised is for christian. one final thing they must do is kill livestock and distribute the meat to the poor. the Hajj takes place once a year and they continue the same tradition every year.

mosque lamp, Syria, 13th-14th century (Brooklyn Museum)

The Medieval period showed great art and architecture, one piece that caught my eye was a mosque lamp that was made between 13-14 century. The mamluk created this lamp to give the presence of divine light and the presence of god. it was originally made for Sayf al-din Quawson who was one of the emirs of the sultan nasir muhammad ibn qualun. the lamp was could be seen being hung up near tombs hospices or other public buildings during the 14th century.

Macaulay, Dr. Elizabeth, and Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay. “The Five Pillars of Islam.” Smarthistory, smarthistory.org/the-five-pillars-of-islam/.

Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/447006.

“What Is Hajj and Why Is It Important?” International Learning Movement, www.ilmuk.org/news/what-is-hajj-and-why-is-it-important/.