RIYADH: The death toll from this year's Haj has exceeded 1,000, an AFP tally said Thursday (Jun 18), more than half of whom were unregistered worshippers performing the pilgrimage in extreme heat in Sa
I can’t help but wonder if even a single Muslim will question how their god could let this happen. I mean, their religion literally mandates that they make a pilgrimage there, and then a bunch of them die completing that mandate. Wild.
My heart sincerely goes out to the families, this is tragic.
their religion literally mandates that they make a pilgrimage there
No it doesn’t. Pilgrimage is one of those obligations that most people are exempt from unless they can. Perhaps they thought they were more physically fit than they really are. Someone who is sick, poor, or unable for whatever reason, is exempt.
My heart sincerely goes out to the families, this is tragic.
People who die during pilgrimage are considered martyrs, so it is not the worst outcome. There has always been a risk associated with pilgrimage. Right now it is as easy and comfortable as it ever been.
I wish people commenting here knew a bit about Islam before doing so.
I would argue that Muslims are, by default, required by their religion to make the hajj. You make it sound as if it’s opt in, but their religion mandates it with some exceptions.
Not the worst outcome for whom? People are dead. I’ll bet there’s at least one child, sibling, or parent who isn’t terribly comforted by the idea that their loved one is a martyr.
While I wouldn’t call myself an Islamic scholar, I would say I do know a bit about it.
I would argue that Muslims are, by default, required by their religion to make the hajj.
No it does not. The verse is quite clear: {وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا} {And for God is the duty of the people to perform the Hajj to the House, whoever is able to make a way to it} emphasis mine. If someone knows they can’t: sick, poor, etc… the verse says basically don’t go.
While I wouldn’t call myself an Islamic scholar, I would say I do know a bit about it.
Do you know that in certain cases Hajj is haram? Possibly risking your life is one reason why many have prohibited it.
Not the worst outcome for whom? People are dead. I’ll bet there’s at least one child, sibling, or parent who isn’t terribly comforted by the idea that their loved one is a martyr.
For the faithful it is not. I don’t know what to say more than this. They could have not performed hajj but they chose to oblige themselves.
You realize that my entire comment basically boiled down to, “I wonder if this will make chime question their faith,” so imho replying that I shouldn’t feel bad for the faithful is a little bit missing the point.
If it’s not clear, I’m not a Muslim, and not religious at all. Even if all of the families are comforted by their religion, I will still feel pain for them.
I wonder if this will make chime question their faith
Why would they question their faith? The Quran clearly states go to pilgrimage only if you can. Perhaps they felt compelled to go, but surely they knew they didn’t have to.
People who are religious are generally not afraid to die. There are endless risks associated with pilgrimage beyond just a heat stroke.
would argue that Muslims are, by default, required by their religion to make the hajj. You make it sound as if it’s opt in, but their religion mandates it with some exceptions.
Nah dude, the vast majority of Muslims never go to mecca. It’s not a mandate anyone enforces but yourself. I think only like 9% of Muslims ever actually get to make the trip.
I can’t help but wonder if even a single Muslim will question how their god could let this happen. I mean, their religion literally mandates that they make a pilgrimage there, and then a bunch of them die completing that mandate. Wild.
My heart sincerely goes out to the families, this is tragic.
No it doesn’t. Pilgrimage is one of those obligations that most people are exempt from unless they can. Perhaps they thought they were more physically fit than they really are. Someone who is sick, poor, or unable for whatever reason, is exempt.
People who die during pilgrimage are considered martyrs, so it is not the worst outcome. There has always been a risk associated with pilgrimage. Right now it is as easy and comfortable as it ever been.
I wish people commenting here knew a bit about Islam before doing so.
I would argue that Muslims are, by default, required by their religion to make the hajj. You make it sound as if it’s opt in, but their religion mandates it with some exceptions.
Not the worst outcome for whom? People are dead. I’ll bet there’s at least one child, sibling, or parent who isn’t terribly comforted by the idea that their loved one is a martyr.
While I wouldn’t call myself an Islamic scholar, I would say I do know a bit about it.
No it does not. The verse is quite clear: {وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا} {And for God is the duty of the people to perform the Hajj to the House, whoever is able to make a way to it} emphasis mine. If someone knows they can’t: sick, poor, etc… the verse says basically don’t go.
Do you know that in certain cases Hajj is haram? Possibly risking your life is one reason why many have prohibited it.
For the faithful it is not. I don’t know what to say more than this. They could have not performed hajj but they chose to oblige themselves.
You realize that my entire comment basically boiled down to, “I wonder if this will make chime question their faith,” so imho replying that I shouldn’t feel bad for the faithful is a little bit missing the point.
If it’s not clear, I’m not a Muslim, and not religious at all. Even if all of the families are comforted by their religion, I will still feel pain for them.
Why would they question their faith? The Quran clearly states go to pilgrimage only if you can. Perhaps they felt compelled to go, but surely they knew they didn’t have to.
People who are religious are generally not afraid to die. There are endless risks associated with pilgrimage beyond just a heat stroke.
Nah dude, the vast majority of Muslims never go to mecca. It’s not a mandate anyone enforces but yourself. I think only like 9% of Muslims ever actually get to make the trip.