Well, we're almost done watching the National Geographic special, Inside Mecca, and I hope that you were able to learn something from it. I find it absolutely a fascinating field trip that we have been able to take - via video, obviously - into the holiest place in the Muslim world, a place that only Muslims are allowed to go.
The Kaaba, the building that houses the Black Stone, originally built by Adam (of Adam and Eve), and rebuilt by Abraham almost four thousand years ago is an amazing sight to see. It is probably one of the most recognizable holy places in the world, and now you know its significance.
As part of the hajj, we got to see the three pilgrims on their spiritual journey and discover what Islam means to them. It is important, with the way some Americans view Muslims today, I believe, that there is a balanced portrait of Islam and what the religion is. We cannot base our views upon the actions of a tiny group of extremists.
So, in 150 words or more, tell me what insights you have gained from watching Inside Mecca. Thanks.
Due Thursday, October 7th.
43 comments:
Mason C.
Fifth Hr
From the short film Inside Mecca, I Learned how distinct the Muslim religeon is from my own. The Hajj is a very powerful jounrney that even helped me learn. It shows how much Muslims respect God and that they are commited to their religeon. At first, I thought the Hajj was just a simple trek to go worship the rock, but I now realize they do much more, such a the walk to the plane of Arafat, and when they walk between the two hills. They do as thier holy profit Muhammad did. They also stone Saton at the three pillars. All the Muslimas on Hajj wear the same clothing, men the two piece cloth clothing called ihram, and woman all wear simple clothes. The hardest part seems all the walking in the heat and the tight living conditions. The most unbeleivable part is when they all circle the Kaaba. It is crazy how two million people can fit in that stadium. Also, the people that went on the Hajj in the movie were of all different races and a little descriminated at first, they all were treated equal. The Hajj is the most powerful expirience a Muslim can have.
Elizabeth Hentschel
I’ve learned a lot about the muslim religion from watching Inside Mecca. To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know what the hajj was before watching this movie. I learned that this trip is only taken once a lifetime, sometimes twice is not a vacation at all. It’s a religious retreat that makes you a true muslim. There are so many rituals that take place during this time (2-3 weeks) but even in a holy place I learned that there is still segregation. The South African Dj said that even though he was in Mecca, the most holy city, he was still being segregated against because he was black. The same thing happened with the American Woman, people were coming up to her asking her if she was “really muslim”. It’s kind of sad how even in the most holy city in the world for Muslims there’s still segregation. All in all though, I learned that traveling to Mecca for the hajj as a muslim is a very emotional and religious experience.
#24
David Airhihenbuwa
1st hour
After watching the video, I knew a lot more about Hajj than I previously did. I used to think that all the Muslims do when they get to Mecca, is only to walk around Kaaba seven times, but turned out I was wrong. They do even more like throwing stones at what they believe to be the devil, slaughtered sheep for single individual, and cows for up to seven people to make sacrifices to Allah, journey to Medina, they speed walk in the mosque to symbolize being in a hurry to respond to God. And I didn’t know there was a camping ground built to accommodate all the people that came there for the Hajj. I didn’t know that you have to be Muslim to enter Mecca. I use to think the rituals were just performed in one day. When I saw the crowd in Kaaba, I was astonished, there were so many people crowded in a place that didn’t have very much space for them.
Natalie Schaefer 5th Hour- From the video, "Inside Mecca", I learned all about the hajj. Before the video I knew you had to make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you were Muslim. From the video I learned all the specifics. I learned the special clothing men have to wear- ihrams that have one piece of cloth going up and one going down. It makes all men equal in appearance. I also learned that women must have a male family member's permission to hajj. Two million people do the hajj every year so that means it is very crowded. There is a whole tent city with about 10 people to a tent. To complete they hajj Muslims must do many rituals including circling the Kabba (religious building, center of Islam) 7 times, do the striving where they walk between two hill tops to mirror Hagar looking for water, throw stones at pillars that represent satan, among other things. Hajj is a very spiritual time for the people that do it and they come back different people.
Lily D 1st hour
I have gained a few insights from the experience of the video. One is that millions of people come each year, for a religious experience. They have to feed, house, and have them walking around for over a week. People die, people have children when they are on the journey. I have a question. Why would someone go on the religious experience if they were going to have a child? But, when I was typing this question I realized the answer. It could be that they believe god will not be happy if they don’t go, even if they go later (the trip that they reserve about 2 years in advance). Maybe they believe that the baby will be blessed, or more holy. They might think that the baby would be blessed with god for going. I’m not quite sure but those are possibilities. Also, I learned that everyone is being forgiven from there sins in Mecca. They ask god to forgive there sins and make sacred prayers. Maybe there prayers will be to, have a wonderful child, to get out of debt, to find a husband who will treat them well, ext. Most people get upset, in disbelieve that they have came, and made it to the Muslims most holy place. The insights were practically endless but, another thing I thought was strange is this. Why would you throw rocks when you risk the chance of hitting someone in the head, and it could kill them? It seems so dangerous and all over a simple stone.
Sarah
I thought that watching Inside Mecca was a fascinating experience. I got to learn about a religion that I knew so little about before. I learned a lot of things about Islam and the Hajj. I know that the hajj is a sacred retreat in which Muslims follow in the footsteps of Muhammad. But I learned some new facts I didn’t know before. A fact I learned is that only Muslims are allowed in Mecca. I also learned that the hajj is five to six days and not just one day. Another thing I learned is that going on a hajj isn’t free. It costs around 2,500 dollars and that is for the regular food and a tent with nine or ten other people. But you can upgrade for a V.I.P. which is even more money, for food that’s better and a tent with less people. I learned that circling the Ka’ba wasn’t the only thing to do on a hajj. There are several other things to do, like throwing the stones at the pillars and traveling back and forth between two hills to represent Hagar looking for water for her son. This movie was quite interesting and very cool.
Judy Hour 5
I already knew the basics about Hajj. I only knew that Muslims went for a week, and that they pray and walk around the Kabaa (7 times). One is the biggest things that I didn’t know was that the Muslims did other things, like going to the mountain. Because I am Muslims, I go to Arabic school to learn more about my religion. I did know the story about how Hagar went running between the mountains in search for water for her son, and how she found water (zamzam). I didn’t know however, that during Hajj the Muslims had to do the same, run between the mountains. I also knew the story about how Allah tested Abraham by telling him to kill his son, and how the satin tried telling him not to. I didn’t know that there were three poles representing where Abraham threw rocks at the satin. And I didn’t know that during Hajj, the Muslims took out their anger by throwing 49 pebbles at those 3 poles. I also didn’t know that the King of Saudi Arabia would clean the Kabaa before the hajj beings, and with that I didn’t know that there was a lot of preparation before the pilgrimage. I always wondered where the people would eat and sleep. I was surprised to know that there was a tent city. When my grandmother went to Hajj, she bought me and my sister a beautiful gold necklace. That day I got it wondered where she got it from if she was on Hajj. When watching this movie I learned that they sold and traded goods. Towards the end of Hajj the Muslims go to the mountain where Muhammad was, and I didn’t know that either. And finally, the last thing I learned was, that the men cut there hair was a sign of rebirth. These were all of the things I learned from this movie: Inside Mecca.
The insights I gained from watching the Mecca video changed the way I thought about Muslims. I did not know that Muslims went on a spiritual journey to Mecca to get closer to their God. I also did not know that this journey was called Hajj. I learned many things about the hajj like: only Muslims are allowed in Mecca, and women have to dress modestly (cover up their hair and only show their face). I also did not know about the Kaabba . This seems like one of the big spiritual reelects of the Muslim religion. I kind of think of Mecca as being similar to Jerusalem. They are both places were a spiritual phenomena’s have accorded. Most people travel to these places to basically have a fresh start, and in the video it showed that nobody left not changed by the experience. And that’s what I learned about the Muslim religion.
Rachel Steffes/ 5th Hour
Inside Mecca was a real eye opener for me. I had no idea that Muslims even had a distinct holiday were they traveled from wherever they were to this one place- this one holy place- where they can pray and become closer to God. I was overall surprised by the rituals and customs, although a few stood out to me.
Before the American women went to Mecca, she had to have a male relative write a letter of approval. This seemed odd to me because women’s rights are so big, and the fact that a grown woman had to have her son write a letter for her fascinated me.
I also didn’t know that the men who went and did the hajj had to dress a certain way. The Malaysian business man explained all of the men had to wear to simple pieces of white cloth, ihram, in order to show that they are all equal and what they have doesn’t matter.
I was in shock and awe by the “housing” program. I couldn’t begin to imagine ten people to a tent that small.
Also how the men had to cut or shave their heads to show they had become different really stood out to me. I thought that was a very dedicated way to show- physically- that the hajj experience changed you.
I was in admiration at the sign of all those people, walking the distances and feeling what Abraham and Hagar and all the religious idols, felt. How they had to circle the Kabba seven times, or walk between the two hills tops seven times, mirroring Hagar’s desperate search for water, or even the stoning of Satan to defy temptation and doubt.
All of this leads up to the Muslim’s claiming to become an overall better person, proud to be a Muslim, and the feeling to love and be loved by God. I think this would be a fascinating and moving experience for any individual.
The pilgrimage to Mecca, more commonly known as the Hajj, is a highly
important part of the Muslim religion. The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth
principle of Islam, and is the largest religious pilgrimage in the
world. The Hajj is how Muslims show submission to God,
and every Muslim that can afford to do so must participate in the Hajj
once in their lifetime. A woman must get permission from a male family
member to go on the Hajj. Most travelers go in groups to symbolize
unity. The pilgrims first arrive at Mikat, where they put on Ihram, an
article of clothing, and travel to Mecca. In Mecca, the pilgrims
perform Umrah, which is a ceremony where Muslims circle the holiest place in
Islam, known as the Ka'ba, seven times. After the Ka'ba, Muslims leave for
Mina, the city of tents.
Even though every person wears Ihram to symbolize that they are all equal,
those with more money can rent better quality tents. On the ninth day of the
Hajj, Muslims depart from Mina to Mt. Arafat, where they pray until sunset.
Once the sun sets, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah, where they gather pebbles
for the "stoning of the devil," which occurs back at Mina. Muslims also
retell the story of when God ordered Abraham to sacrifice his son. At the
end of the Hajj, before leaving, Muslims perform Tawaf al-Wida, basically a
farewell.
Clearly, the Hajj is a life-changing experience. People that participate in
the Hajj come from all over the world and are very diverse. The
Hajj celebrates a God that sees only what is in your heart. It doesn't
matter what is the color of your skin or your gender.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 World History 1st hour Jeff Couger
BLOG #24 - What did you learn from Inside Mecca?
Jeff Couger
During the movie Inside Mecca, we visited a place that most Americans never get to go or see, and what we saw was definitely fascinating. It helped us learn and understand about Islam’s most holy and sacred place; Mecca.
Although I knew the basis of the Hajj including the circling of the Kaaba, there were many things I didn’t know: One thing that puzzled me was the cost. 2,500 dollars…minimum. Imagine that, 2,500 dollars for over two million Muslims, many poor, paying this much money to complete a required task of their religion. A lot of Americans couldn’t afford to pay 2,500 dollars.
One surprising factor to the Hajj that I learned was that there is more than just one task the Muslims have to complete, but several and it is over a two week period. These include Ihram, where Muslims put on the Hajj garments, next is Tawaf & Sa’I where they go around the Kaaba seven times, next is going to Arafat, where Muslims stay in Arafat and ask for forgiveness. After that they go to Muzdalifah, where they pick up 47 pebbles. Later the pilgrims proceed to Mina where they stone the devil and give animal offerings. Once all these tasks are completed Muslims return to Tawaf to shave their hair and circle the Kaaba.
Rodney Winkler
5th
What I have gained from watching inside Mecca is how I really learned about there culture. I never really knew how spiritual Muslims were. I have never seen somebody show such compassion for there religion. All the people who went to Mecca came back as different person. There are some things I don’t agree with though. I found it absurd that an American woman had to get her sons permission to go to Mecca. She is an adult and should be aloud to make her own decisions. We talked in the last blog about how in some cases women are viewed lower than men. This is a great example. Watching this video gave me a better perspective of Muslims. There is the stereotype of Muslims in America today where they are just terrorists. The terrorists are just extremists who hate America and since they are Arab just happen to be Muslim. America need to have a better view on Muslims.
Lily Doolin 5th hour
What I learned from watching the movie Inside Mecca, is that Muslims take their religion Islam very seriously, and that their relationship with God is emotional. I never knew what The Kaaba was before watching this, and it was interesting learning about how many people come to see this wonderful building. Muslims have 1-2 weeks of worshipping God. This is known as the hajj and Muslims come only once in their lifetime. Something I found interesting, is that you have to ask permission from a male in your family, to go to hajj. Both grown men and women both have to do this, and what the American woman found hysterical was that she had to ask her son for permission to go to the hajj. Once you get there, the males put on two pieces of clothing call the uran. The women have to keep their hair covered at all times. Activities that take place while you’re there, are throwing rocks at “satin, sacrifice, preaching’s, walking to specific places that were in old stories, and spend time worshipping God. By the end of the process, Muslims are ready to go home a new person, and are eager to start a new life.
Inside Mecca: What I Learned
Carolyn Kovach 1st hour
10-6-10
While watching Inside Mecca, I learned that ONLY Muslims can actually go inside Mecca. Not even workers could be a different religion. I also learned that if you are Muslim, then you are supposed to go to Mecca at least once in your life if you can afford it. I learned that taking the trip to Mecca, is a lot more than just walking around the Black Stone. I knew that they had to walk around the Black Stone 7 times, what I didn’t’ know was that there is rituals they have to take part in. Like watching the slaughtering of sheep, and running the path that Muhammad ran through in order to relive Muhammad’s experience. I also learned that even though everyone is supposed to live as pilgrims, if you have enough money, you can have “VIP” treatment. This includes being able to rest and sleep under a tent on small mattresses or blankets. I thought that was weird though because if everyone is supposed to be equal then why would some people have the right to have “VIP” treatment, it just doesn’t make sense.
Sam Y.
10/6/10
I have learned a lot about Mecca, the hajj, and the Kaaba from the movie. One thing I didn’t know is how long the hajj was. I thought it was short, and didn’t know that you go for so long. Another thing I found interesting was how organized every thing was. They organized the tents, transportation, and food. They prepare the whole year just for the one event. There were also A LOT of people. I didn’t know so many went each year. They have to import a lot of supplies for the people. One thing I found surprising was that it wasn’t a vacation at all. There are problems, and you can’t relax much at all. It is very hot out, you can get hurt, and people have died on the hajj. You have to be Muslim to get into the city, and if you go outside the barriers, than the hajj doesn’t count. People go, usually once in their lifetime, and it is a life changing experience.
Alex S
5th hour
What I learned from Inside Mecca was that Muslims are very religious. They are required to make the trip once in their lifetime unless they are not able to or can’t afford it. I also learned that before the women can travel there they have to get permission from a male relative before they can go. Muslims also have to travel in groups when they make the hajj. When they get there, the men have to put on two pieces of cloth called Ihram; this shows that they are all equal no matter your race or how rich you are. When they go to pray at the Kabba, the ruler goes and does the ceremonial washing of the Kabba; he is known as the “janitor” sometimes. After they do that, they cut their hair and can wear regular clothes because it shows the new them and that they are starting fresh. I also didn’t know that you can only be Muslim to get into Mecca. During their trip there, they stone Satan at 3 pillars, the same three pillars where Abraham defended himself against him. They also go to the hill where Muhammad made his last speech and pray until sunset. And to complete their journey, they have to go all of the way inside the boundaries of Arafat, or else they didn’t do the whole trip. Muslims are people who care about their faith and devote lots of time to it.
Sarena Brown - Hour 1
Inside Mecca was a great documentary full of things that people outside of the Muslim religion would never get to see. I have learned many things from watching this movie, and hearing what it’s like to be a Muslim during hajj. Hajj is the pilgrimage that many Muslims take to visit and take part in religious sights and traditions. It is an honor to go once in their lifetime, though people with the resources go as many times as they can afford. I also learned that way more people go to Mecca then I thought. Around 2 million Muslims from across the world come to Mecca every year during hajj. The people living in Mecca prepare for hajj all year round from the moment it ends to the second before it starts. The main message the Muslim religion is trying to send it to be faithful, respectful, and peaceful. They call it being in the state of Ikram. People go on hajj to connect with god, and to be looked at as an equal. No matter what they look like, what their economic situations are, their social class, or what nationality they are, in the eyes of God, they are all equal.
Alex B
From the movie “Inside Mecca” I learned many things, for instance about thing that someone would have to do before going this hajj. For instance, the American woman had to study the Quran before going on the trip. Also that for woman they have to have a man’s permission to go on this trip, which shows the culture of Islam. Women also have to travel in packs while men can travel on their own. Men also have to do something, which is cutting their hair, or which a lot of men do; just shave off all their hair. I also did not know that people picked up stones to throw at satin, and also at the end of the hajj have a huge prayer to say thank you to god. I learned that many people die at all parts of this adventure, like during the stoning and while walking around people die from dehydration or being trampled by the thousands of people there. And all those thousands of people couldn’t be that poor because to do this hajj it is like 2500 dollars and not a lot of people in Islam can afford that.
Sarena Brown - Hour 1
Inside Mecca was a great documentary full of things that people outside of the Muslim religion would never get to see. I have learned many things from watching this movie, and hearing what it’s like to be a Muslim during hajj. Hajj is the pilgrimage that many Muslims take to visit and take part in religious sights and traditions. It is an honor to go once in their lifetime, though people with the resources go as many times as they can afford. I also learned that way more people go to Mecca then I thought. Around 2 million Muslims from across the world come to Mecca every year during hajj. The people living in Mecca prepare for hajj all year round from the moment it ends to the second before it starts. The main message the Muslim religion is trying to send it to be faithful, respectful, and peaceful. They call it being in the state of Ikram. People go on hajj to connect with god, and to be looked at as an equal. No matter what they look like, what their economic situations are, their social class, or what nationality they are, in the eyes of God, they are all equal.
In my honest opinion, I think that Muslims are a wonderful raw religion. What I mean by raw is that they have not been generalized or affected by modern society which seems to eroding and destroying religion these days. It is ashamed though that they are being held by a stereo type because of a group of fundamentalists or extremists. And the truth is that every religion has gone through this stage. I think that we can see by watching the Hajj is that there is always a bigger picture, and sometimes it’s not always clear at first or some people just refuse to look, but we can’t judge others before we look at the big picture, because sometimes we can be wrong. And when we judge before we look, that is when racial discrimination comes in, and then if we don’t fix it fast, then genocide is the next step. So right now is the time to change our view and look at the bigger picture.
Nathan Gaenssle.
By: Jason Bittker
From the movie Inside Mecca I gained many new insights to Islamic culture. First, I learned that being Muslim is a large commitment. Muslims have to pray five times a day and must complete the hajj in their lifetime, if possible. I also learned the hajj isn’t just an ordinary vacation but a long, tiring religious retreat. The hajj contains a lot of traveling and walking to different towns throughout and near Mecca. Also, there is tons of commotion due to the few million people in Mecca at one time. Next, I got an insight to the entire process of the hajj. The hajj is more than circling and praying around the Kaaba. Additionally, Muslims must travel to the city of Arafat, throw stones at three different places to get rid of your sins, and make a sacrifice of a sheep or goat at Minah. I learned that the people of Mecca begin preparing for the next year’s hajj once the previous hajj is completed. They must begin to tidy up hotels, clean up the city, and begin to set up the various locations along the trail of the hajj. Lastly, I learned Muslims are of many different countries, and many Muslims don’t fit their common stereotypes.
Alysse F.
5th hour
I gained a lot of information that I didn't know before from watching the movie Inside Mecca. The Muslims religion is based on a lot of spiritual prayer and they devote their lives to Muhammed's faith. Over two million people attend. When the three pilgrims went on the hajj, I also learned many things. Most people travel in groups to Mecca because they want to be closer to God. There is a lot of preparation before going on the hajj. Fidelma, for example, had to go shopping for proper clothing to make her journey. The men have to wear two pieces of clothing called the Ihram. The women wear a beautiful draped cloth over their bodies to only expose their faces. During the hajj, the Muslims perform different acts. They travel to the mountain where God gave them grace at the plains of Arafat, walked between the two hilltops which was called striving, and threw stones at Satan (towers). When the Muslims are in prayer at a certain time of the day, all the shops close and streets become a place of worship. They must be patient and persevere. Afterwards, they perform the ceremony of thanks at the Kabba. It is a spiritual wave of new birth with love and joy. Each pilgrim will go home with a clean slate to start over new. The majority of the Muslims attending don't want to leave, and it gets very emotional for them because it is the base of their religion. I enjoyed watching the movie Inside Mecca, and I learned a lot of new things from the video.
Beau Harms
After watching the video inside Mecca I have learned that there are so many people that go on this huge journey to receive forgiveness and a new beginning. Every body no matter how rich or how poor you were you had to wear the same cloths as the other these were called Ihurms a two piece towel like cloth that everyone had to wear during the Hajj. A few rituals that Muslims had to do during the Hajj were. They had to walk back and forth between these two hills. They also have to get in a big circle of all the people there and circle around the Kabba 7 times it would usually take around 11 hours to complete this task. During the Hajj Muslims would go to these 3 pillars that were meant to represent the devil. Muslims would throw rocks at the pillars and for every rock they threw they would have to say a prayer. After throwing at the pillars the Muslims would feel like all of their sins were vanished
The Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, Madinah, and the plains of Arafat, are all very important parts of Muslim culture. I have learned this and much more. I thought that this was a very interesting presentation. I had, before the film, no idea of what the Hajj was like. Now I realize it is both a time of struggle, and praise. While the journey may be tiring for some, I cant even imagine the honor it would bring a member of Islamic religion to participate in the pilgrimage. I learned much, such as the tossing of stones at pillars of Satan, the 8 mile walk from Arafat to Mecca, and the requirements to even step foot into Mecca, Madinah, or Arafat. I believe that the journey may be costly, but to be able to go on this pilgrimage would be a once in a life time moment. On top of that, everyone’s path is similar, but the end results, the interpretations of a Muslims visit to Mecca, will always differ from another. And that is true spiritual unity.
Connor Stein
5th Hour World History
Wickersham
Kevin B.
5th Hour
10-6-2010
Blog #24
From the video inside Mecca I learned that if you are a female you need a males permission from your family to be able to go on the hajj. Men wear two pieces of clothing called ihram. They throw stones at pillars in representation of stoning Satan. On the planes of Arafat they went to a mountain to pray. When they went back and forth between the two mountains as Hagar did for her son in looking for water was called the striving. They had to walk around the Kaaba seven times. The ruler had to clean the Kaaba off. Although the hajj is supposed to be how they are all equal it wasn’t. The South African, DJ was not treated the same way he expected he would. Also the American women had people ask her if she was Muslim. Another point is when if you pay more you can get better food. All three people had different experiences. The Malaysian man was going to become a better person. The South African, DJ was just happy to be in Mecca.
Blog #24
Sara Pawloski
Muslims are very holy people who are very focused on their religion. All of their actions are based upon what god wants for them and what the Quran says. They aim to be close with god. Before I watched Inside Mecca in class I had my own opinion about Muslims. I thought that I couldn’t trust any Muslims because of everything that I have been hearing about Muslim terrorists since 9/11. I also thought that Muslim culture was unnecessarily strict and complicated. I now realize that there is only a small group of those Muslim extremists that can be heard about on the news. After watching Inside Mecca I gained a whole new perspective of Muslims. Muslim culture is completely different from our own. However, different is not always bad. For example, American woman are much more independent than Muslim woman who must travel in groups, get permission from a male family member to go somewhere and dress very modestly. Even though I would never take part in this, I now appreciate their culture because they do these things because it is important to them and for their love of god.
Insights from inside Mecca
Alex B
1st hour
I have learned a lot of insights from inside Mecca. The first one I am going to start with is that going to Mecca is a once in a lifetime thing to do. I learned that it is not a vacation. It is much more like a religious retreat. You are not going there to have fun you are going to experience the 5 pillars of Islam. It is expected for every Muslim to go there once in a lifetime. It is something that should not be very expensive but it is 2,500 dollars for the ordinary package. The other insight that I took from this was that there woman are still not completely equal to men. It is like there the women are with the men and need promotion from a man if they want to go to Mecca. The equality is not even in Mecca because of all the old traditions and I don’t think they want it to be changed.
Jackie Feist
5th hour
I learned a ton from Inside Mecca, i really didn’t know anything about hajj just that it was the fifth pillar of Islam and that you had to make a pilgrimage. I didn’t even really know what that was. I Learned that Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca anyway they can to make the hajj, and that only Muslims were allowed into this city. I also learned that woman who were traveling without a man had to get permission from a male family member. First the Muslims must all make the journey to Mecca, then they visited the Kaaba and prayed. After that they traveled to the city of tents were they all stayed in large tents with many other people. Then they walked to the mountain were Muhammad talked to God, they prayed then went back to the city of tents and slept under the stars as Muhammad did. In the morning they picked up 50 pebbles and threw them at the three columns representing Abraham throwing stones at satin as he came back three times trying to influence Abraham against God’s will. Then they walked between two hilltops were Abrahams wife frantically looked for water for her son in the desert. They walked back and fourth seven times. Then they killed sheep and sent them all around the world to feed the poor. After that they went back to the Kaaba one last time, they prayed and circled it, again before heading home. In Mecca they spend all year round preparing for the hajj because millions of people flood the streets to make the hajj. Everyone wears the simple clothes and the men wear simple two-piece towels to represent equality. The hajj brings everyone together and in peace under god no one goes home the same.
Lauren M
I really did learn a lot from watching Inside Mecca. I never actually knew that making a hajj in Mecca was so popular. I knew that making a hajj or pilgrimage was one of the 5 pillars of Islam, but I never really knew that so many people did it. I thought it was very interesting to see the process of the hajj and how it really isn’t even close to a vacation. I also thought it was interesting when it said that the people had to prove that they were Muslim to be able to get into Mecca. I never really knew that the hajj lasted for so long. I thought it was a one day thing. The days during the hajj are jam packed and very busy. I learned that making the hajj is very spiritual and can be very rigorous. I had no idea that people died during the hajj, and that it was a struggle because there are so many people at one time inn the same place. I realized that Muslims come from all over the world to worship the one thing they all have in common. Muslims come from all different nationalities, but when it comes to worship, they all have the same ideas of visiting the Kabba, a very holy place to all Muslims. With the three people that were followed in the movie, they all came from different places around the world. The woman from America was an Islamic convert and was a having a hard time in Mecca with many people asking her if she was actually Muslim. With a positive attitude, she explained that she was a Muslim and went on with her religious experience. According to the movie, all people are equal during this experience. I like the thought of everybody being in the same type of clothes and you couldn’t distinguish the rich from the poor and vice versa. The three pilgrims learned a lot and had a very spiritual experience in Mecca. I learned many things I would have never known if not shown this video.
Some of the insights that I have gained about the Muslim culture from this video would be that it is somewhat male dominated in the Middle East and that the Hajj is almost like the Super Bowl but only larger and having everyone playing in it. I found it interesting that even though everyone was supposed to be ‘equal’, woman still have to get permission from both the Mosque and a man from the family. I also found the Super Bowl comment interesting because even though I didn’t know the exact size of one, I knew that in must have been hard to keep all of those people in there. Another thing that I found interesting was that the Muslims seemed closer to each other unlike my religion, or at least the local branch of it (I am Roman Catholic).
After what I’ve seen, it saddens me even more that people judge the Muslims just because of those extremists. Islam is just another religion that should be treated fairly. Just because a small group of Muslims are extreme, most Americans see them in a bad light. As I think of this now, it’s almost like how the Jews were mistreated because a small part of them might have been in the crowd when Jesus was sentenced to death. It’s not right to just attack people of one religion just because of what others in that religion did. If it was the right thing to do, most people would think that everyone that believes in God, or gods, are nuts. Even the atheists would be considered crazy. People should be more understanding of each other.
Jordan Yunker
I learned a few new things from “Inside Mecca.” I didn’t know that Mecca is for Muslims only, and that only Muslims can attend. I also didn’t ever hear about the stoning of Satan. It was interesting to know about the three pillars that they stone. Another thing I didn’t know is about the city of tents. (Minnah?) It was interesting to know that all these people camp out in white tents, all in the name of Allah. I also didn’t know about climbing the hill to pray. It was crazy to me that they climb up in long robes and sandals, in the blazing heat, just to pray and meditate. Overall, the video provided a nice look inside Islam, at what it is that Muslim people do when making a pilgrimage to Mecca. They seem very spiritual. One other thing I didn’t know was that you walk around the Kabbah 7 times. The video was very interesting, and I learned a lot.
Khalil Hall
I learned a lot about the Muslim religion and the hajj from watching Inside Mecca. One of the most striking things was the fact that only Muslims are allowed into the city. It seemed like the religiously limiting boundaries would be more related to the religious sites rather than the whole city. I also didn’t realize how long the Hajj was. I was under the impression that it only lasted for a couple of days not a weeks. Not to mention the travel time, this brings me to my next realization, the logistics. They compared the people at the Hajj to 20 or 30 super bowl were everyone is playing, so I’m sure that it is a lot to contain. They even said that some people die in all of the chaos and confusion of the journey. The Hajj is also very emotional trip. It isn’t like a vacation. I think that Inside Mecca was a very interesting video.
Justin R.
10/7/10
Wickersham
BLOG #24
In the movie I think it was very intrusting to go into the Muslim world d and see what is holy and what they do in their religion. I learned many things about Muslim and what they do during their holy retreat. The retreat is an 8 day long week where they travel to many places in Mecca and pray too many things that are important and sacred to them. One of the many places they go during the 8 day retreat is to see the Kaaba. Inside the Kaaba is a big black silk covered stone house. It was built by Adam (Adam and Eve) and rebuilt by Abraham. The Kaaba is to the Muslims, the "House of God". I also learned a lot in general about the Muslims religion that they are supposed to go to once in there live for the retreat. Lao that they have to pray 5 times and day and there god is a man called Allah. This is what I have learned from the movie inside Mecca.
What I have learned from National Geographic: Inside Mecca, is that some people don’t believe in religion, and to some, its there life. The Kaaba is a building that houses the Black Stone, originally built by Adam (of Adam and Eve), and rebuilt by Abraham close to four thousand years ago.
These three pilgrims that visited Mecca and The Kaaba were people that live outside of Mecca and are not Muslim. One was from South Africa, one was from Malaysia, and the other was from America. All of them found out that life in their areas is very different from in Mecca. Where they live, they probably only pray once or zero times a day. In Mecca, they go to The Kaaba to pray at least three times or even more, each day.
Their transition from where they live to the different cultures in Mecca have affected them, and maybe they will use those new cultures when they go back to their homes.
Danny S.
I think the video we watched in class was very cool and I learned a lot from it. I think the Muslim people who visit the Kaaba and travel to Mecca on Hajj are very dedicated to their religion and faith. Just like the Muslims do on hajj, I would like to visit Jerusalem one day to visit all of the famous and religious things that I have learned about. By watching the movie, “Inside Mecca”, I have learned how faithful each Muslim is to their religion. I have also learned that anyone can convert to Islam, not just the Arabic people. When I first read about Mecca and how Muslims journey there to pray, I was really interested in it. I think its cool how 2 million people gather around and set aside there differences to worship there god. It seems very peaceful in Mecca, and hopefully one day I could visit there.
Joel S.
Alina S blog 24
Like the South African DJ mentioned in the beginning of his journey, he said that he would think all of the people would be equal. I was really surprised to find that he was not treated an equal. You would think that Muslims of all people would be accepting of a different race but as shown by the examples of the American and the South African, they still have doubts. I think it really shows that the hajj can change things because by the end they all realized they were here for the hajj just like any other person. The fact that most people only go once in their lifetime makes it an even more spiritual experience, just by the way you could see how emotional everyone got, that this is something that will change them forever. The idea of throwing rocks at the devil is very dangerous but the gesture is very moving I’m sure even though there getting pelted with rocks they love it because there freeing themselves. They only get to go once in their lives but they make once enough
Colin Connelly
Insights I learned from the movie inside Mecca is that Islam is a peaceful religion not how the media portrays them being terrorists when its only a group of extremists who cause the terrorist attacks. Another insight I also learned it is a male dominant religion because of the woman from Texas who had to ask her son for permission to go. Another insight Is There is also still rascism because of the black African American who had worse rooms than others and the woman from Texas who was constinlenty being asked if she was muslim which of course she was because you have to be muslim to go on the hajj. Another insight I learned is how old the muslim religion is. In conclusion I think there is a lot we know about muslims but there is still more to learn.
Nick P. 1st hour
By watching Inside Mecca I found out just how large and astounding a religious gathering like that can be. I also learned that only Muslims are allowed inside of the ancient and holy city. Through the movie I realized how important it is for Muslims to make this journey-even if it is only one time in their lives-especially since it is not a vacation or a tropical getaway, it is a religious retreat to think about and find yourself then ask forgiveness for your sins. Watching the DJ give food to the poor showed me how good one person can be to others despite where any of them are from, and despite the conditions of their lives, by watching the three pilgrims make their journey to Mecca I learned that no matter your life, race, or family you can find religious happiness and forgive all of your sins.
Caleb H, 5th Hour ABSENT
Before watching Inside Mecca, I knew very little of the Hajj, other than the fact that it was a pilgrimage that all Muslims should take at least once in their lifetime. Having watched the film, I have learned many interesting facts about the Hajj and what it is like to be Muslim. I have learned that the Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and requires much preparation before being executed. I have also learned that the Hajj is a very ritualistic experience, and stresses the concept of equality among people. Many components of the annual pilgrimage include the toning of satan, the Kaaba, a common dress code among males, the city of tents, the slaughtering of sheep, the ritual of walking between the two hills Hagar did in her time of desperation, and many others. I also learned more of the centralized purpose of the Hajj. Rather than being a religious duty, it is something many Muslims strive to experience, and its signifance is daunting for many of them (for example, when the lady from Austin talked about facing the Kaaba (cube) every time she prayed, and then how she was actually in proximity of it, she said was almost overwhelming).
I learned a lot of new things from the movie. I never knew anything about the hajj before I came to your class. In the movie I learned that it was a big deal for the people to go to the hajj and I didnt know that there were so many people that were crowded in one area. I also learned some things that they do in the hajj like all wearing the same clothes, throwing rocks(or whatever else) at the stone walls. If I was muslim I would be annoyed at the rule where your son or male family member has to approve if you can go. You should be able to make your own descisions since your an adult.I didnt know that the peoples tents were seperated by their ethnic background either. I learned a lot from the movie and enjoyed watching it.
Mady 5th hour
I think that the insight on the Hajj was really interesting. I never knew so many people could gather in once place at the same time. It’s awesome to see how much they care about their religion and how much they respect each other because of their beliefs. I didn’t know that people could be so dedicated to what they believe until I saw the video. It was cool to see a bunch of people from different places unite together because of what they believe in. The Hajj, for a Muslim, is probably the most invigorating experience you can experience in your lifetime. All of the rituals and sacrifices the people make so that they can experience the Hajj is amazing. There were so many different types of people all united through one thing. It was interesting to watch and a great learning experience of how people can grow to accept each other.
During inside Mecca a lot of things happened. In retrospect every person had troubles during the trip but even though they were all supposed to be even they were not. When everyone went to the valley, the rich got better food, housing, and had fans. The white women also had many issues because of her race. Constantly people asked her if she was really a Muslim. But she did all the things a Muslim does and is a Muslim, she circles the Kaaba, goes into the desert where Muhammad’s wife stayed, and prayed 5 times a day. Also the African man had been questioned of his religion. But he was a Muslim like everyone else. I learned from this that the Muslims have to make the trip at least once in their lifetime and not all people are equal there.
Mark G.
Ricardo Leão
5th Hour
From the very interesting “field trip” to the Hajj I learned some things about the Muslim religion. I now have seen just how important this is for them; how it is “spiritual enlightenment”, and that it is an honor to go there even once in a life time. I also did not know that praying to the hajj itself was like praying directly to god. I was never brought up with religion so I also wasn’t aware that praying for day to day was like praying to “messengers of god”. I also learned about Muslim ways and rules. How you have to pray 5 times a day. And how when going to the hajj everyone must dress as equals; rich or poor, old or young, then all dress the same. I also learned about how when they throw rocks at the statues, it’s like stoning satin. And how they throw a certain amount of rocks depending on bad things that have been done in their life.
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