US Muslim Girls on a new road to Makkah

Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Life & Society, Women Topics: Hajj, Makkah (Mecca), Women Views: 8841
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Until this year, the answer from the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C., was always the same: No.

A group of American Muslim high school girls could not enter the kingdom to make a sacred pilgrimage called Umrah to the holy city of Mecca. No, they could not enter Saudi Arabia, even under the supervision of adult female chaperons.

They could only make the journey to Islam's holiest sites accompanied by a male relative, called a mahram. This was tradition, observed since the days of the Prophet Muhammad.

In March, without explanation, the Saudi Embassy reversed its decision. Two days later, a group of 15 students and five women from the all-girl Al-Aqsa School in Bridgeview, Ill., boarded a plane to Jeddah, blazing a trail that they pray will be followed by other girls.

"It was like a visa from God," said Maai Shaker, a student who went on the trip. For the girls, who are anticipating graduation in June, the trip has become the highlight of their senior year.

It's unclear why the Saudis shifted their policy to allow the girls to travel without a male escort. A woman in the visa section of the Saudi Embassy would say only that the girls received a "special permit." It's also not clear whether this was the first time the Saudis waved the requirement. But the situation is unusual.

The girls' trek comes amid a lively debate among Muslim women about their role in Islam and the balance between tradition and modernity, particularly among educated, Western Muslim women. In recent years, they have pushed the envelope, observers say, demanding rights such as equal access to prayer space in mosques that have forced a redefinition of what it means to be a Muslim woman.

What unites the women is social status, said Kecia Ali, an assistant professor of religion at Boston University.

"It's very important to be clear that when we talk about these debates, we're talking about a subset of educated elite Muslim women," Ali said. "The majority (of Muslim women) live in poverty, and poverty does as much to dictate the circumstances of their lives as religion."

Though most Saudi Arabian women do not live in poverty, the kingdom is influenced by conservative Wahhabi clerics whose religious rulings have, among other things, barred women from wearing bras or high heels. As the keeper of Islam's holiest shrines, the country has prided itself on observing traditions that govern the major Hajj pilgrimage and a smaller one, called Umrah, which the girls did.

Many Saudis weren't prepared to encounter 20 unaccompanied Muslim women from America making the Umrah trek, the girls said. Yomna Elsiddig, one of the students, said a bellhop stood dumbfounded in the hotel lobby. "He said, 'Where's the man?'" she recalled. "He was so surprised he didn't know what to do."

Aminah McCloud, a professor of Islamic Studies at DePaul University, said some of the recent strides toward gender equality are a natural outcome of Muslim women searching for ways to blend their religion with American culture, particularly converts who may not have Muslim relatives.

"It can be very much viewed as 'Oh, my God, it's going against religion,'" McCloud said. "I think they view it as trying to practice Islam when maybe their fathers and husbands and brothers couldn't go on the pilgrimage.

"Obviously the Saudis heard the arguments and agreed because they let them in."

In fact, no one at the Saudi Embassy was available to explain why the visas arrived this time.

Khalid Baste, the principal of the Al-Aqsa School and a chaperon on the pilgrimage, said students from the school had been applying for pilgrimage visas for at least 20 years. She remembers applying when she was a student at the school 17 years ago. Each time, the Saudi Embassy informed them that their applications had been denied.

"They said each girl needed a mahram," Baste said, who has made previous pilgrimages accompanied by male relatives. "Or we just got no answer at all."

Some Muslim leaders in Chicago attribute the change of heart to the nature of the Umrah pilgrimage. Unlike the Hajj, the trek to Mecca and Medina that every Muslim strives to make once in a lifetime, Umrah is a mini-pilgrimage that is considered more relaxed, though pilgrims generally observe all the rituals, such as circling the Kaaba, a shrine that Muslims believe was built by the Patriarch Abraham, whom they call Ibrahim.

Without attributing too much significance to this one incident, other Muslims said Saudi Arabia might be feeling pressure to entertain interpretations of Islam that are less strict than those of the kingdom's Wahhabi clerics. As gatekeepers to Islam's holiest sites, they've been able to enforce traditions such as the mahram.

"They've been imposing their doctrine on the rest of the Muslims, and it's very unfair," said Assad Busool, a professor at the American Islamic College in Chicago. "There are a lot of rumblings about this, even in Saudi Arabia, so they must open up."

Whatever the reason, the Saudi decision allowed these senior high school girls to spend spring break on a spiritual journey that some said was all the more special because they could bond uninterrupted by fathers and brothers.

"I think having a man there would have made it a lot less special," said Nadia Ismail, a student.

The girls recounted moments of splendor as they stood before the Kaaba and walked between the hills of Safa and Marwah, re-enacting Hagar's search for water, as described in the Quran. Back in Chicago, like high school girls everywhere, they giggled about their shared experiences. But many also cried as they described the life-transforming journey.

"When you're near it you're so close to God," said Tahanee Ghanayem. "It's almost like a piece of heaven."

The girls said they relished the memories, even if they found humor in some Saudi customs that for these American-born daughters of immigrants appear antiquated and unnecessary. A guardian may have been a good idea when camel-led caravans braved the desert, they said, but not today.

"We don't need to stick to old customs," Ismail said. "It's time to move on."


WHAT IS UMRAH?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Muslims any time of the year. It is sometimes called the "minor pilgrimage." Unlike the Hajj, the major pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim strives to make once in a lifetime, the Umrah is not considered obligatory by most schools of Islam.

During the Umrah, pilgrims circle the Kaaba, which they believe was built by the Patriarch Abraham, and run between two hills to re-enact Hagar's search for water, as told in the Quran.

Deborah Horan is staff reporter for Chicago Tribune

See: IslamiCity Hajj Information Center


  Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Life & Society, Women
  Topics: Hajj, Makkah (Mecca), Women
Views: 8841

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Older Comments:
KRIS FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum and greetings to all.

Sister Floater, I admire your courage. May you find peace and serenity in Islam. And may ALLAH richly reward you for your observance.

But I have nothing against women going in groups to Makkah. They too have a sincere intention of trying to gain the pleasure of ALLAH. I do not wish to comment on the " mahram " part but I do hope that some solution can come out of this.

Regards,

Brother in Islam,

Kris
2007-07-09

FLOATER FROM USA said:
I am a Muslim revert, and i do not have a 'mahram' per se, and as much as i would love to make the Hajj, i will not, i will wait until insha Allah, Allah opens a way for me according to His law, not mans. As it is just as important to me to live by Allah's laws as it is to fulfill them. Who would i be, rushing Allah, and breaking His laws because my impatience made me feel like He was not moving fast enough to accommodate my unquenchable whims in this day and age.

What is next? The women and the men praying together? Allah gave us a recipe. If we start mixing up, changing the ingredients, we might not like what we end up with, but worst of all, Allah might not either. Remember, this is the Holy Land we are talking about, what exactly will keep it Holy? Disobeying Allah?

salam
2007-07-08

M SALEH FROM UK said:
I believe in the religion of Islam, as it was revealed by Allah the almighty at the time of the prophet (peace be upon him). If the Prophet (SAW) prohibited the travelling of women with out a mehram as mentioned with in the article... then that prohibitation becomes a part of the religion of Allah, for all time, i.e. from the time of the prohibitation until the day of judgement. How can we say that it is now OK to give girls permission to travel with out a mehram... can you not see the possibilities of evil temptations that will prevail if women are permitted to travel all over the place from country to country as and when they wish with out any male accompanyment. If you need evidence or disagree then just consider this: Comparing the statistical figures of women who are raped in a country where women roam freely (such as the United States of America) is exteremly higher than in a country where women need a mahrem to make journeys(such as Saudi Arabia). Not just rape, but non marital dating, adultery, womenising etc....

This trip may have insha allah been a trip, of a group of girls who I pray had good intentions and sincerity to please the Allmighty, however to give regular permissions like this to girls from all over the world to visit the Holy cities, in my view will spread more evils than good.

....and Allah knows best!
2007-06-05

A H FROM USA said:
What is the purpose of doing an Umrah? To please Allah Subhana Wa Tala right?
What does doing something against the Sunnah do? Gain Allah's Displeasure, right?
Here is a situation when a person goes through a lot of hardship, sacrifice of time and money all for what? Allah's Displeasure.
The sisters action pleased a lot of anti-Muslims and also those without knowledge of their religion.

They could have earned limitless blessings by giving the money spent on the Umrah to Muslims in poor or war-torn countries who do not even get one sqaure meal a day. The price of one ticket would have given new clothes to a over a hundred orphans in Bangladesh or Somalia.
2007-05-30

AMINA FROM US said:
From my understanding it is obligatory for women to have a male mahram when they travel. Allah has made Islam easy for us by providing exceptions in special circumstances, but I don't believe this is one of them. When going on Hajj or Umrah Hajja chants that she is submitting to Allah and coming in worship to Him, isn't breaking His rules to fulfill an optional act of worship then a contradiction? Perhaps if these were older women, who had never done Hajj but met all the requirements but had no Marhram, it would be a different stories, Allaahu Alim... I just don't see the point of pushing to exercise an exception when it doesn't apply to oneself... down the line it ruins it for those who really need it... may Allah guide us all and accept our sincere good intentions and actions.
2007-05-29

SAMEENA FROM US/INDIA said:
Muslima, are you really a woman or one of those muslim brothers faking it? If I had to bet money on it, I would say you are a man.
Islam has already made quite a few changes like abolishing slavery and doing away with the tax levied on nonmuslims. If the world of islam didnt come crashing down when those changes were made in keeping wiht the times, why does everyone assume allowing women/girls to visit Mecca without a male chaperone is going to shake the foundation of islam. isnt it really about muslim men wanting to hang on to their patriarchal power in a 21st century world? Guys give it a rest or muslim women just might throw both you and your version of Islam out of their lives!!!!!!!!!! Watch it guys, we are waking up!
2007-05-29

JAWAD FROM US said:
Salam Alaykum! It is funny to hear so call muslims who go agaianst the sunnah, claim that Islam was perfected and soon aftrewards make a statement about making it modern with our times. What a contradiction. Didn't Allahs Messenger say the best speech is the book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The prophet said women must not travel without a Mahram period.........Allah said whatever the messenger gives you take it and whatever he say leave alone, stay away from it.
2007-05-27

MUSTAFA AZIZ FROM USA said:
I am also pleased with this decision. And to Muslimah, it is the Saudi's themselves who are the biggest culprits of introducing innovations into Islam. Yes, Islam was perfected with the Quran, but that does not mean that we do not use our intellect and logic to apply its message to our times. Your kind of thinking is what has led the Muslims into such a disastrous state today. Perhaps you are not, but I think most women are quite capable of handling themselves during umrah or Hajj, thousands of women do it every year without a mahram. Saudi custom is not Islam!
2007-05-25

ROSMADI FROM MALAYSIA said:
Positive changes is good.
2007-05-25

AROOJ FROM USA said:
Hello
I am not sure as to be happy or to dislike the idea that the saudi embassy has allowed these women to go. I am not completely sure what the Islamic ruling is on such visits regardless if its umra or hajj or even going to another country. The embassy has followed a certain ruling for many many years, and im thinking it was the correct one. SO why the change now? I am a girl and sometimes i would like to go for umrah as well but have no male relative to escort me, however i am not willing to go against Islam to go for umrah. We should follow islamic ruling. Allah knows best.
2007-05-24

AHMED FROM USA said:
Amazing. Without any explaination given, a 180 degree reversal!! Typical Saudi [] reaction towards anything that gets initiated from the USA. Where is the daleel "proof" from the Quran and the Sunnah?? But again, why should I be surprised! They are the Saudis. They don't need proof from the Quran and the Sunnah.
2007-05-24

MUSLIMA FROM USA said:
Why does distroying Islamic tradition seem to please many Muslim women so much? Allah (swt) has blessed us with guardians so that we may interact in this world safely and protected. Which of the favors of your Lord shall ye deny.
We must stop coveting the role of men and securing a place in Hell. Sisters we must do our best to protect and defend this deen
2007-05-24

ZALEEMA FROM US said:
Assalamu Alaikum. While we laud this "break through" - I wounder where will Muslims stop at changing principles of the religion. Are we becoming like the Christians and Jews - changing elements of our religion that we deemed not fit giving the time in which we live?
Certainly the saying of the Prophet (PBOH) that speaks about a woman not traveling for a distance of more than a night and a day if examine closely will expose its logic even in this so call safe travel times that we live in. Brothers and sisters wake up our religion was perfected 1428 years ago and does not need you and I to add nor substract from it. May Allah guide us.
2007-05-24

KHALKHAN FROM S'PORE said:
Assalamualaikum, alhamdulillah it so good to hear this. I was supposed to make my first Umrah this June but since am not 45 years old yet and does not have a Mahram for this trip I was ask to postpone till next year.
I believe the Saudi Government should look into this ruling as you are depriving us women of our right. I am so disappointed of this they should ease on this age ruling.
I am a mother of 4 and I really can take care of myself without a man especially when we do our Umrah with a group. I am sure we will take care of each other.
Wasalam
2007-05-24

JEFF RUSSELL FROM USA said:
I might be viewed as a male chauvinist due to my opinion over this issue. However, as a Muslim, I believe that Allah SWT knows it all, even the future. He has completed His deen on Prophet Muhammad SAW. Rasulullah SAW has obligated the escort of a male companion for the pilgrimage; he has not obligated this from his own desire but from the order of Allah SWT. Allah obviously always knew that at one time it would be safer to travel than at the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Our deen has a lot of flexibility and is not rigid. If God intended, He could have left room for a review to the requirement of a mahram. Today, we have no right to undo what was instructed by Rasulullah SAW and hence Allah SWT. The Saudi government's original decision was more in accordance with the shariah and the reversal appears a result of some pressure from the west, since the girls were Americans. God forbid, if that is the case as is my fear, than they are guilty of shirk.
2007-05-24

MOHAMMAD SHAFIQUE FROM CANADA said:
It is indeed very good to know that at last they had the
breakthrough, they could make it. I am not too sure about what
Islamic law says about it but my gut feeling is that why not if a
group of women wants to perform hajj or Umara in a group. They
are educated and they definitely have the ability to identify what is
good and bad. May Allah bless the team and more and more sisters
visit Makkah /Madina to get the ultimate blessing of Allah.
2007-05-23

NASIR A FROM US said:
I am glad to hear the good news, the Saudis must
allow this for all and they should get away from the group umrahs.
2007-05-23

WHANAPI WNAMAT FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum. As what we in Malaysia practice, you are all eligible to get the visa cos you go to mekkah in a group of muslim female (muslimah) whereby you all are mahram to each other, so no need for male companion. Hope Allah bless you all with His Light in the future so that you didn't encounter this mess to be His Guest!!!
2007-05-23

FAISAL FAROOQ FROM PAKISTAN said:
Journey of today are safe and easier especially in America and Saudi Arabia where institutions are strong. Rules are generic and made for all people. Institutions for law and order in developing countries like Pakistan and India etc are not too strong to protect women during journey inside country even in trains and aero planes. Islam ordered men to protect their sisters, daughters and wives and provide them comfort during journey. So I think it is not wrong in keeping male relative during journey and Umrah.
2007-05-23

A SISTER IN ISLAM FROM USA said:
I just wonder what are these ladies tying to proof, by the Sharia law, they should have have a mehram present then they should otherwise they are breaking the Law of Allah.
2007-05-23

ROMESH CHANDER FROM USA said:
Great. So US Muslim women have a chance to 'liberate' themselves by going to Mecca. Will, their Pakistani and Egyptian and Iranian and Sudanese sisters will do the same thing? If so, watch for a revolution (and uncontrollable one) in Islam (and serious threat to men).
2007-05-23