Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Hajj

After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and meaning of Hajj, what were thoughts about the film?  What points in the film struck you and made you think?  Did the film challenge you?  Why/why not?

45 comments:

  1. After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and meaning of Hajj, I thought that the people must really be devoted. I was amazed at the amount of people that attended the pilgrimage. What made me think during the film was the fact that the people had to contain themselves. They couldn't get mad, they couldn't argue etc. I think that for some people it would be hard not to do those things but then again, it is part of their religion. This film made me think of how sacred ka'bah is to Muslims because only Muslims are allowed there...
    The film challenged me to be a more devoted person. I had already decided that next year, if i can, i am going to go in a ten day pilgrimage in Mexico.

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  2. After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and the meaning of Hajj, I gathered many new ideas and thoughts about the event. I suppose when I had first been introduced the idea that one of the Five Pillars of Faith was visiting Mecca, I didn’t realize how complex of a process it was. The same goes for Hajj, I had no idea how structured the holiday was and how extremely significant it is to the Islam religion. The film allowed me to register those concepts. Specific points that struck me in the film were the throwing of rocks at the temples and the sacrificing of sheep. I suppose these rituals seem very farfetched to those who don’t fully understand and practice the religion. The way in which the film challenged me was the concept that these Muslims are to remain focused on their religion and nothing else for eight days. It does make me wonder if Muslims are closer to their faith than other religions or if it’s just similar to that of Christians going to church.

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  3. After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and meaning of Hajj, I had many thoughts about the film. I found the sheep thing disgusting and I still don't quite understand why they do it. What I found interesting was the lady who was raised Catholic and later converted to Islam. I really hadn't thought about people converting to Islam so I kind of thought all Muslims were African because I had never seen a non-African Muslim before. The film didn't challenge me. I'm not quite sure why it didn't challenge me it just didn't. I don't like how they have to wear all those things, especially the women having to cover their heads that would be a bother to me. I liked the big quilt thing they made to put at the Ka'bah. It makes me wonder how close Muslims are to their religion compared to other religions.

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  4. After watching the National Geographic video and the meaning of Hajj and all its customs, I was greatly surprised on the ways and beliefs of Hajj. The people are greatly devoted to their religion and seek God/Allah in doing so. Some travel across the world to visit the Ka’bah, to lay their eyes upon it. This I thought was outstanding, how these pilgrims about 2 million strong run threw the rituals and perform their dues to God. “I never really considered, on what it took to be Islamic,” but it looks like it takes a great deal. What I really took me back and made me think was when the people travel to the tent cities and establish their quarters. Some of the wealthier people could provide themselves with greater qualities. But it doesn’t make sense on how they are there to worship God, but somewhat they have higher standards. It takes away from the purpose, it’s really a time when all are equal and that you can’t tell if some one is more wealthier or not. I just felt that they sort of took things a bit to far when they stated how all were equal and the white robes represent they were all the same. I do reflect it back on my religion and feel stronger with mine, cause I grew up with being Mormon. I do see the similarities and differences, but I really did enjoy the film and the information it provided.

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  6. After watch the National Geographic video on Mecca and the meaning of Hajj it made me think a lot. I thought this video was very informative. I liked the four different point of views that they portrayed. There were alit of interesting parts in this movie. Just the amount of people that were there was very surprising. i would have thought it would be around 1,000 to 2,000 people but 2 million really surprised me. I think that if you participate in the Hajj it is a very life changing experience as all four of the people in the movie said. Another thing that caught my attention in the movies was the throwing of rocks at the third pillar. I like that this had a connection with Abraham throwing the rocks at the devil. Another connection I thought was interesting was the Sacrifice of the Sheep. This is just like Allah giving Abraham the ram in the place of Ishmael. Those were some of the points in the film that stuck me. I think that this movie definitely challenged me. The main reason is it made me really think. Another reason was because there was so much information covered in one movie. Just based on the the Movie I think that the Muslims must have to have a ton of dedication. The film was very interesting I like watching some of this sometimes.

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  7. After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and the meaning of Hajj, it proves to me that they are extremely religious and it was overwhelmingly surprising how the Hajj is participated. People come from around the world to participate in this physical and spiritual journey to return to Mecca and in a way get closer to Allah. The amount of pilgrims is astonishing. Around 2 million pilgrims participate in the Hajj so as one of the people in the video said it would be like 20 super bowls happening at once. They go through different stages of Hajj and look like they do different rituals on different days of the Hajj. The one that caught my attention was throwing rocks at the pillar. They do this because it was said that Abraham through rocks at the devil when he was in temptation. The challenge that occurred to me was that I see all of these rituals that the Muslims do and comparing it to the other religions got me thinking if we are active enough with our religion or is it just that they care more about their religion than we care about ours?

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  8. After watching the video from the National Geographic, on Mecca and what Hajj meant, I noticed a lot. For instance, I noticed that they are some way corrupt about the tent thing. I don't think it is right to treat other people better just because they have more money. All of them should be treated equally, because they are in a religious holiday. I also thought the film was very good because it explained things about Hajj. For example, they indicated what Muhammad did and Hagar is that is how you spell her name. The parts of the video that made me think was the fact that only the men get to cut their hair and shower. Another thing that struck me was the fact that they slaughter lams and camels. Personally, I don't know if the film challenged me because it did not take my thoughts over my faith away or make them change. I still think the lady is very uneducated in saying Jesus is God. Overall, this video was very interesting and gave good information.

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  9. After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and over the Hajj I was able to gain a better understanding over this very important Islamic event. In my opinion the Muslims seem like a very devoted religous group. I thought it was unbelieveable to see just how many followers of the Islam faith from all around the world make the journey to Mecca, I believe the movie said that their were about two million people, I find this truely incredible. Before watching the video I didn't know about all the rituals and practices that take place during the Hajj I thought it was a matter of just going to Mecca but now I realize that it is a process and there are a series of steps involved. There was a part in the film where the American lady said that they weren't allowed to be angry or quarrel during the Hajj this part struck me because no matter what they have to just let it go and forget about the problem because of their religion. The film didn't really challenge any of my prior opinions. After first learning about Islam I thought that its followers were very religious and devoted to their faith and now after watching the video I still hold this opinion to be true.

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  10. First of all wow is the first thing I thought after watching the video. I always thought they would just go to Mecca pray pointing to the Mosque and then leave. After seeing the video I was like whoah I'm so off. The complexity of the Hajj is just incredible. The running they do between hills, the walking around from place to place. It actually did challenge because it made me think a lot about a lot of things. Stuff that I can't even explain. I only thing that I thought was weird about the Hajj is how they have "VIP" tents when it should be all about equality. Just like the guy from South Africa said. Another thing I thought was weird was the killing of the lambs but then they donate them to the poor so that's good.

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  11. Carlos,
    I know huh, who would have thought that it was such a process. I agree with you that is should be equal. I think its not right that some people get better tents just because they have the money; thats like telling the other people "hey look i get a better sleeping place cuz im better." at least thats what i think. Also the lambs, at first i thought that they just killed them and did nothing with them but when they said they donated them I was relieved.

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  12. The National Geographic video of Mecca made me really think about the importance of religion to the Muslims and how much devotion they give their faith everyday. I enjoyed the film because it made me realize how complex the journey was to Mecca and how symbolic it was to the Muslims everyday life. The film opened up my eyes to how special it was for Muslims to follow one of the Five Pillars of Islam to visit there and it showed me that the Muslims that do get to attend the Hajj probably leave there a changed person. Points in the film that really caught my attention were the sacrificing of the sheep and the walking around of the Kaba seven times in one day. Like Olivia, I agree that the film challenged me in believing whether the Muslims could stay focused for their faith for all eight days they are there. I realized while watching this film that the Islam faith is not relaxed, their beliefs are strong and so is the following during the Hajj.

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  13. I'm actually glad we got to watch this film so I could better understand about Hajj and Mecca. It shows me a lot that I didn't understand or hardly even knew about. I think one of the things that struck me the most was when they were skinning the animals. It's so sad because in the video they said they kill thousand or millions a year. It was very interesting to me to see that Fidela had switched from being catholic to islamic. Questioning your faith is something that is sometimes frowned upon, but she believed she was more comfortable with muslims. I don't really think the film challenged me, but I realized that I learned a lot from it.

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  14. After watching the video on the Hajj it made me think about all the really devoted religious people in the world. I thought that the video was not that interesting. My thoughts about the video were that the people in the Islamic religion are kind of random. For example they walk around the Kaa'bah like so many times but I don't really see how that pertains to the religion. Also I thought that going to Mecca was supposed to be a natural sort of journey but then I saw Fidela in the movie bust out with a sandwich bag with her rocks in it and it just wasn't natural at all. Some points that struck me in the film was that people that go to Mecca are really faithful to the point where they tear up. That made me think of all the people who are in a religion but aren't as faithful as they should be. The film didn't really challenge me in any way because they have their own way of thinking and I have mine and thats that.

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  15. Diana,
    I think what you said was really good. I definitely agree with you on the part that everyone should be treated equally and because they are there on a religious holiday, it should not matter on who has better money. I'm not exactly sure what the shaving of the heads meant.

    Olivia,
    I had been thinking of the throwing of the rocks too. It surprises me that they do that not only because I am not part of it but also because the video said sometimes even their own people were killed because they got hit by the rocks. I don't know why they would keep doing something that would hurt their own people. Muslims must be really religious to be able to concentrate on their religion for 8 days. I think it's easier because they are so used to it.

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  16. The National Geographic video we watched about the Hajj made me ponder about how much Muslims put into their religion. I never knew about the Hajj before we started discussing it, and I'm grateful that I was able to watch the video. One of my first impressions was how cool it would be to live in a city where everyone was of the same faith, and no one else was allowed in. Everybody would get along great because they know if they don't, then their beliefs would be questioned by others. It would also be nice to not have to worry about anyone discriminating against your religion and the things you do for it. I think it was a great film overall, and I'm grateful that the National Geographic people respected the Muslims enough to make sure that only Muslim camera-men were allowed to film. One thing that struck me while I was watching was all of the shoes that were lying around the three pillars. People were so desperate to "cast out Satan," that they were willing to throw away their shoes if they did not have rocks. I once had an experience like the Hajj where I went to a place of spiritual significance in my church known as Martin's Cove, which is in Wyoming. While there, I heard a story about how pioneers traveling through this place often did not have shoes, because they were worn out from all of the walking they did. Me and some of my friends decided that if they couldn't wear shoes, then we wanted to experience what it really felt like to walk miles barefoot. I can personally attest that it was extremely hard to do, and shoes aren't something to be taken lightly. I appreciate the fact that Muslims don't take the easy road out when it comes to staying true to their beliefs.

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  17. The video that we watched over Mecca and the meaning of Hajj was incredibly interesting. I don't even know where to begin. There are so many believers and I think it's amazing how everyone comes together and travels to Mecca to pray to the Ka'bah. Seeing all the people going around in one huge mass circling the Ka'bah really struck me with how serious the whole journey was. Hajj is such a long process and how patient everyone must be was hard to believe. I love learning new things so the movie, I thought, was great. It helped me understand what Muslims really had to do during to Hajj. The movie challenged me because it confused me about how similar Christianity and Islamic beliefs are. Everything they would talk about would be similar to what I had learned in religious ed class.

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  18. The video really made me see just how strict the Muslim religion can be. I know that there are a lot of "more strict" Christians than there are around here, but it seems that Muslims are more devoted to their religion. I thought it was kind of interesting how the Islamic people would try to "re-enact" important events in their religion. As far as challenging me...I think the only thing that I really didn't agree with was that Fidela had to get permission from a male family member just to travel to Mecca. I don't think that that challenges me religiously, but sometimes I can be kind of a feminist...

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  19. Zulema- I found it hard to believe that they weren't allowed to argue or quarrel with each other. It made me think about how often people argue, and how some people like to be contrary about everything. Since there's over 2 million people there, I'm pretty sure that plans made didn't always go as smooth as intended. It's really remarkable that everyone was able to keep a cool head during the Hajj.

    Keyli- I think that Fidela is very devoted to Islam to convert from Catholicism, especially in America. I'm not sure if there are a lot of Muslims in Texas, but it would be hard to switch from one faith to another.

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  20. Hugo-
    I agree. There were so many people that made the journey! And to think, that isn't everyone. It too makes me wonder if we are being as active in our religion as we should. They pray 5 times a day, and I can only recall praying at the dinner table, sometimes at night. Good post.

    Teresita-
    Ha! Your post is pretty random yourself. I see your point, but I think there was a reason as to why they were walking around in a circle around the Ka'bah. Just like when they were pacing up and down seven times on those walk ways-- it represented Abraham's wife trying to find water for her parched son. I have to disagree. I thought the video was very interesting just because it was something new. And I do agree about the sandwich bad. That was random. :)

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  21. I gained so much more knowledge about Islam after watching the National Geographic video. There were so many interesting parts about it. I personally would be a little scared to go to Mecca if I were Fidela. I thought it was interesting that Fidela's son had to give her permission to go to Mecca. There seemed to be just so much going on in Mecca. It was crazy how there were so many people and they all looked like ants from up high. It was so cool when they were circling the Ka'bah together. I would think that some people would get mad with all the pushing and shoving but I didn't see any of that. Everybody seemed to be very patient. There was so much walking going on, which would probably kill my feet. Muslims completely devote themselves to Allah during Hajj which takes time and effort. I'm really impressed that they all did this and were very patient with everything.

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  22. Deep,

    I agree, after hearing that there are 2 million pilgrims that travel to Mecca, was also very shocking to me as well. I also found that ritual with the Muslims throwing rocks at the stone pillars was very fascinating. That they would also throw shoes and items that they really didn’t need to show that they didn’t need that temptation and wanted the devil out of their lives. The sheep was really interesting cause they butcher a lot of sheep, one for every person then for camels it was seven people to a camel But I do believe that it does take a lot of dedication to travel across the world and visit Mecca and the Ka’Bah.

    Diana,

    Yea I totally agree on the tent I idea, I felt that they really did that things to far. That it should be were all are equal that’s what the white robes represent. Then the camels and sheep were very interesting as well, how they had a scripture of some sort of the sheep’s side. On the other hand I do agree with your blog and thought you did a great job.

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  23. After watching the video on The National Geographic on mecca and the meaning of Hajj, it really had struck my idea of this religion. In class we went over the 5 pillars of faith in Islam, which are just five essential "duties" that a Muslim must carry out. The Hajj is one of the five duties that they must do. So when we watched the video, it surprised me on how many people really participated in this event. I strongly believed that only a couple thousand would go, but about 2 million people took part in this event to see the Ka'bah and participate in important events that Abraham had done. To me, this is overwhelmingly surprising. It really shows how religious this group of people are. During the video, it was surprising what they had to do. What caught my interest the most is how they went to the city with white tents. During the beginning of this scene, it said that they go here as equals, which was very interesting and I liked the idea that they had. But has the video progressed, they started talking about how the people with money, were allowed to pay for a higher standard living. This to me took out the part that the whole event was trying to established. Another part of the video was the throwing of the rocks at three pillars. This was interesting because it symbolized the three points when Abraham threw rocks at the Devil, who was trying to stop him from killing Ishmael. Very interesting how Muslims try to re-enact events that took many many years ago. I learned a lot from the video, and my viewpoint for the Muslims and their religion changed tremendously.

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  24. Jessica-
    I agree with you that Muslims seem to be very strict about their religion and even though there are some strict Christians, the Muslims still seemed more devoted and strict. I also found it interesting that they would do things to symbolize certain events in history like walking around on the walk-ways seven time to commemorate the journey that Hagar made to find water for her child.

    Keyli-
    The animal part kinda freaked me out too. It was kind of gross and what not. It would be hard to change religions and then face anger and hatred from parents and other people.

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  25. After seeing this film this week, i have thought about how much this means to Muslims. We could not understand the shear impact this can have on somebodies life. When you travel to Mecca and have the ability to worship and feel the very presence of God, that can jus change your whole life. For example, Fidelia or what ever her name was, changed her religion from Catholicism to Islam. That really made me think of what i believe in. The way people have to be humble, and peaceful during Hajj is real cool. When everybody had to sleep in a tent together, thats something alot of people wouldnt do. That made me want to do something like that, but in the Catholic church. Islam i think has made me look at things from a different view.

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  26. After watching the National Geographic video about Hajj, I really thought about how Muslims are really driven and dedicated to their faith. This really shows especially in the case of the guy who was from South Africa who doesn't lose his temper in one part of the video. I know if it were me, I'd more than likely lost my temper. Just the mere fact that millions of people go to Hajj every year made me think that there are still people in this world who are strong believers in their faith. It was pretty cool to see Muslims from all over the world going to Mecca for one purpose. Even before watching this video I was never really a religious person, so I didn't challenge me in that aspect.

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  27. Olivia, I agree with you in your thoughts about the Muslims staying completely focused during those eight days of worship. I think that it is hard to believe that no fitting or temptations are broken during this time and it makes me realize how strong their faith is.

    Kevin, I strongly agree with your comments on this week's post. I was surprised that the Muslims gave up their shoes as well, but until I read your post, I hadn't analyzed it and thought about those that gave up your shoes having to walk all that distance with out any. I agree that were very dedicated to their faith.

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  28. After watching the National Geographic video about the Hajj, it really made me realize just how dedicated Muslims are to their religion. The part where Muslims were all throwing rocks at the pillars, even though the video mentioned people getting trampled and killed during that part of the Hajj, really showed me that they were willing to get injured just to fulfill that part of their faith. I was really blown away at how focused on their faith they could stay during the eight days of Hajj. The video didn't really challenge me except in the aspect that I believe followers of other faiths should try and model their dedication after Muslims.

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  29. Sergio, I strongly agree with your opinion about how you'd like to do something like what the Muslims do but in your own church. It was really impressive the way they all went to Mecca and just completely focused on their religion and stayed peaceful and calm. I also look at things with a different point of view now.

    Sally, I also agree that it might have a been a little scary to go to Mecca by yourself for the first time. However, after seeing how peaceful and dedicated to their faith everyone is, I feel like it would be an amazing experience that a Muslim would remember their entire life. I'm also really impressed with how patient they were. Millions of people were crowding around and fulfilling their duties, but everyone was more or less peaceful and waited their turn.

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  30. Keyli-I'm glad we got to watch this video too. It gave me a pretty good understanding of Mecca and the Hajj also. Yes it did show that I hardly knew anything about it too. The thing that caught my attention the most was the sacrifice of the sheep also. Fidela's switch was very interesting also. I think the film did challenge me because it was a lot of information all at once.

    Sergio- After watching this video I have also thought of how much this means to the Muslims. I agree we do not understand till we have actually been devoted and have experienced all of the things that they experienced. I think it would be very hard to stay peaceful when all of these people are pushing and trying to get their things done. I agree a lot of people wouldn't sleep in a tent but in this situation I think they would. This movie in general has made me think.

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  31. Keyli,
    I agree with you on that sometimes questioning your religion is frowned upon. But in her case, she was moved so much by it, that she became a muslim. I was also shocked when they were killing the animals. But im kind of used to it with Tyson being in Lex.

    Olivia,
    I also did not know how structured Hajj had to be. Not only do you have to be Muslim to get in, but you also have to prove all sorts of other things. Having to be focused and devoted for eight days would prob. be kinda of difficult.

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  32. Carlos-
    I agree with you when you said that the "VIP" tents are weird, because they should be equal. I also agree with you in the fact that lamb killing was strange. Other than that good job.

    Keyli-
    I agree with you about the killing of the lamb. It is just sad seeing dead skinless animals. You are right about what you said about Fidelma. It is sometimes sad knowing that people would question their faith.

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  33. teresita de los arboles,
    I must admit your post made me laugh. I have to disagree on something you said, though. Although I'm not religious, I did find the video interesting; it was something new for me so it was definitely interesting. I do think that the things they do are a bit random (no bashing what so ever), but there's a purpose behind what they do. However, I discussed this at length in my journal so I will just agree with you on that. Walking around the Ka'bah seven times does actually pertain to their religion, believe it or not.

    Keyli Aldana
    Like you, I'm glad we watched this documentary to gain a better understanding about Muslims and their faith. It is sad to think about them killing sheep during Hajj, but it's another think to actually see it. It is a bit sad to think that people can turn you away if you question your religion to ultimately convert to another one, but all that should matter is the happiness of the person converting. I agree with a lot of what you said. The film didn't really challenge me but I learned much from it.

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  34. Irma,
    I agree with you I also thought they must be very devoted if that many people attend the pilgrimage. Ya, it must have been hard for some people to contain themselves, it would be very difficult for me I would think.

    Keyli,
    Like you it taught me a lot I didn't know or understand. The skinning or sacrificing of sheep also struck me, I found it disturbing and sad. I also found it interesting that Fidela switched from Catholic to Islamic. I don't think the film changed me either and I also learned a lor from watching it.

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  35. Franklin- Well if it's a duty you should probably expect to have lots of people going and performing their duties. What questions me is that do Christians have duties of their own? Yeah I also agree with the extra privileges when they went to the camps. It should be all about equality.

    Irma- Yeah what went through my head when I heard that was that the people who were in the simple tents and even the ones that brought their own tents were the more devoted ones that sacrificed comfort for their religion.

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  36. Stefani- I agree with what you said about how if you were in the man's situation you would not be able to contain yourself and would've lost your temper, I relate to this and know that this would've been really hard for me to do also.

    Sergio- I can relate to what you said about how after viewing the National Geographic video over the Hajj it made you think more about your own religion, because after watching the video I did the same. I also agree with what you said about how we, non muslims, will never quite understand the great impact of what the Hajj is for the Muslims. During the video upon arriving many of the Muslims began to cry because of the overwhelming impact.

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  37. Sally,
    I agree with you that going to Mecca would be scary if a person was like in the situation that Fidela was. Also I thought that it was crazy that her son had to give her permission to go to Mecca. That right there gives the children of Muslim families power over some situations. Great post.

    Stefania,
    I agree with you that the Muslims must be dedicated to their faith if they are willing to do all of those activities and be patient and not lose one's temper. It does show that there are still strong believers in one groups faith. Great post.

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  38. Sergio,
    I agree with your thoughts about the intensity of Hajj. The experience is obviously life changing if people go through such difficulties to get there and participate in the event. There is something challenging about almost every aspect of Hajj yet every single person there pushes through it.

    Kelli,
    As many people have mentioned, the throwing of the rocks and dangerous the event can be is shocking to me as well. To know that you're putting your own life in danger so you can participate in one of the proceedings of Hajj must be frightening. Obviously, however, they must trust their God enough to do it.

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  39. Rosie,
    I think they sacrifice the sheep to symbolize Abraham's sacrificing of his son. I also think that it must have been hard to convert from Catholicism to Islam especially because they are both very different religions. I also hadn't thought about other people converting to Islam because it never crossed my mind.


    Jessica,
    Islam seemed very strict to me too, which just puts in perspective how seriously or not seriously we take our religions. I like how they re-enacted their religions too, because it also makes the holidays and celebrations more meaningful. I think it would be challenging to be a woman in the religion of Islam because they have to do basically what they man tells them to and don't have a say in anything.

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  40. Carlos- Wow that was a really opinionated and surprised response.I like that your opinion was well stated and it was to the point. Also I agree with the VIP tent ordeal. That it not equal at all.

    Keyli- Your opinion was very thorough. It was easy to read adn I liked that. I also liked what you had to say. Good job.

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  41. After watching the film, my thoughts about the Hajj are a bit clearer. The film did a brilliant job of showing that life, that sheer devotion to the world. I think that many don’t really understand what it means to worship in this religion. This movie helps to at the very least better understand it. I think that what stood out to me the most was all of the hardships and danger that they face at Hajj. It challenged to see a different point of view. This movie challenged me to see the world through their eyes, if only for a moment.

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  42. Jessica- A woman’s place is in the kitchen!...Ha no I’m kidding. I agree that this film showed the strictness of this religion but, it also showed their devotion. Indeed it is interesting that they try to recreate important events yet, so do a lot of other religions. Good Job.

    Stef- I’m totally with you on the fact that I would have lost my temper instead of remaining calm like that South African man. Yes, I agree that their still are many people that are strong believers in their faith. Good Job.

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  43. Hugo: I agree Hugo, I never would have thought that a lot of people would go. It surprise me how committed the Muslims are.

    Kevin: Very true Kevin, it actually quite amazing that they give up their own shoes and walk the whole way.

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  44. Terestita
    I understand how maybe you got bored with the video, because it did kind of get long at times. But when you said that they were kind of random, I don't know if I agree. A lot of times the "random" things they were doing had purposes, like that was how many times Abraham was said to have walked around the Ka'bah. They might seem pointless to us, but I think that they had a point. Nice work.

    Stefani
    I agree with you that the Muslims seem to be very religious people. They all seemed extremely dedicated to their religion, and to their purpose of just being in Mecca as well. Like you, I thought it was pretty interesting how the guy from South Africa didn't lose his temper, because I know that it was probably very hard in that situation. Good job.

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  45. I was very impressed with this video. I feel like I've learned lots about the Hajj, and I think I have a greater understanding of Islam rituals now compared to what I did before the video. What really struck me during the film was the fact that over 2 million people were in the vicinity of one city over the course of 10 days. Although the film did not really seem to "challenge" me, per se, I have come to respect Islam even more, specifically for the dedication that it requires from its followers.

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