Umrah ?

 

No, I am not one of those. Relatively I have more money than some. I have saved for a trip for a time and wished to make some kind of 'spiritual pilgrimage'. It does not have to be the Umrah or to Mekka or anywhere really. Just about a month away somewhere where I can pray more, be away 'from the world' for a time, and try, TRY and give fuller attention to God, seek to know what God's will might be. where the direction ahead lies. As far as I am concerned, it would be absolute hypocrisy and a 'blasphemy,' for want of a better word, to 'buy your way' in any 'sacred place'. It seems to me that so many of the 'great' 'religious leaders' made journeys 'into the desert,' where they 'meet with God'. From Moses onwards.

 

For me - that 'desert' is the heart. It's the source of all 'intent' and the place that must become truly 'holy'. But like all prophets - for me, being, at least nominally 'Christian' - I believe, it is good to get away to a physical place too if possible, for a time, where you can really look into your own heart and find the God you seek, or God speak to you. And sharing the experience in a place like that, where the people of the world - at least those of true faith, strip themselves of worldly things, and show solidarity in true faith, and humility before their God. I was going to go on a much needed 'holiday' - spend time wherever, doing whatever. But I don't want or need that, not really, not deep down. Some might say, 'nice that you have that option'. That's not it either. Just some place for a 'soul jihad' perhaps, away from the noise and distractions of the world for a time. Though I fully realise it is when we think we can be alone - that there are other 'noises and distractions' inside of us that can often shout louder than any 'noise' the world may throw our way.

 

It's just something I have been thinking about. My friend has waited a long time too, and we just seem to be seeking something the same at a deep, core spiritual level, that I wondered if God had not brought us together for this purpose too. God does work in mysterious ways, as we all know. That we come from different 'faiths' to share what we have in common, to teach each other and grow in understanding and faith, and love of the Creator is what is truly important - the way of peace - the way that does not lead to any human being hurting another in ANY way and use the 'name of God' as some excuse. That is the worst 'blasphemy' as far as I am concerned.

 

The latter part of the declaration is something I cannot make, not yet anyway, if ever. I don't know. It would be like paying to enter a sacred place for me to say such a thing, when I cannot honestly say it is what I truly believe at this time. It would be a lie and that would be no good to anyone. Jesus said, "take up your cross and come follow me." I realise Islam does not believe in the crucifixion. To me I see in the 'crucifixion' utter submission to the will of God - even to 'death, death on the cross'. And the 'cross is folly to the world'. The wordly man does not understand the meaning of true submission - complete submission, and perfect obedience to God's will in all things - even 'death' itself, as and when and how it comes. I just don't know. I am trying to learn. I submit my lack of knowing which is, well - infinite :-)  to God too when I pray, and in that there is less worrying about any of it. If God wills, it will happen.  A poster said how my friend had influenced me. We influence, teach best by examply I believe. "By their fruits you shall know them." My friend told me a week after we met and talked that he'd have sworn I was a true 'Muslim' if I were not a 'Christian'. I told him I did not know what I was, and was very reluctant to use 'labels' as they more often than not caused greater division between people. So, the journey continues :-)  Thank you all again so much and

 

God bless all of us - and may the Good Allah lead us all on the 'right path' to 'the Light' of 'Jannah'. :-)

 

 I will keep you posted folks :-)