The Muslim Hajj and Christian Visiting Of Lourdes

Visiting of Lourdes began when Bernadette Soubirous saw “Mary” and the appearance of water from a spring at Lourdes which a later began to heal those who would bath in it or drink it. In the Qu’ran it is said that the Hajj was instituted when Abraham and Ishmael are commanded to build the Ka’bah. Later, in the forming of the religion Muhammad adopted this action as one of his central ideas.

The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam , as it is a Moslem religious rite. All Moslems are required to take this pilgrimage to the Ka’bah at least one time in their lives. The only exceptions are those who are sick or who do not have enough money.

The pilgrimage to Lourdes is neither obligatory nor even recommend; travelers to Lourdes take the journey on their own accord. The Roman Catholic Church does not require its members to visit Lourdes and neither did Mary (when she was viewed by Bernadette) command or urge all Catholics to visit this place.

Most Muslims take the pilgrimage to the Hajj as a statement of their faith. The main reason that they take the journey is because it is one of the five pillars. A Moslem not adhering to any of the five pillars (without reason) is not perceived as a true Muslim; therefore, all five pillars including the Hajj must be kept.

The pilgrimage to Lourdes is usually taken for the purpose of healing. It is rumored that the water from a spring that flows at the grotto has a miraculous power attached to it. This water has supposedly cured up to 1000 people with 67 of those which had no medical explanation for their healing. As a result of the “miracle power” disabled and infirm people travel from all over the world to get the opportunity to be healed. A minority of others take the trip to taste of the atmosphere that was touched by “our lady”.

During the four day Hajj pilgrimage Moslems have a number of significant actions that they undertake .The pilgrims pray many times, reflect and meditate. They collect pebbles and throw them at a brick pillar in the lapidation ritual. The pilgrims sacrifice lamb, goat, cow or camel. Also they trim three strands of their hair or shave it all off completely. At Lourdes, Pilgrims will seek out the blessed from the spring. They have church services, pray and tour the grotto and surrounding areas.