On the one hand, it is hard not to be impressed with 1.8 Muslims making the journey to Mecca this year. The pilgrimage is called Hajj and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. If able, every Muslim is required to make the journey. Many save for a lifetime to cover the expenses. Admirable!
On the other hand, more than 1300 of these pilgrims on Hajj dying this year from heat exhaustion is tragic. It is easy for a non Muslim, like me, to say, “What a waste!” But for those who made the Hajj this year and even for those who died trying, it was an act of faithfulness.
Religious pilgrimages have been around a long time. Jewish people go to Jerusalem. Roman Catholics travel to the Vatican. And in general, Christians want to travel to the Holy Land.
Jesus was on a pilgrimage, when, as a boy, he was separated from his family while traveling to Jeruslaem. But being separated from your family is certainly different than dying en route.
Still, big events regularly claim lives. Stampedes at music concerts can be fatal. As can mobs rushing a field after a sporting event. Admittedly, dying over a sport or a song seems silly in comparison to perishing on a religious pilgrimage, even if it is not our religion.
Criticizing someone’s else's religion is never a good idea. Christians are also on a pilgrimage. Although different, our pilgrimage at times can be difficult and dangerous. But Jesus did not just say, “You go.” Instead he said, “Follow me.” And him leading the way makes all the difference.
Mark Ross
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