An inward Pilgrimage

Ebrahim Moosa has an interesting Op-Ed piece in the NY Times today on the significance of an inward dimension of the Muslim Hajj. Moosa looks toward Ibn Arabi, the 13^th Century Islamic mystic for insight into making the pilgrimage more than just a trip around the rock. The author wants to highlight that the Islamic pilgrimage, hajj in particular and life in general, should be more than just outward deeds. It is interesting that Moosa argues as such since through Islamic history (and in the Qur’an?) there is a continual emphasis on outward deeds and works with a lack of emphasis on the heart and motivation.

I believe that such an inward glance in Islam would be extremely helpful for the religion. There are many both in Islam and Christianity who just go through the motions. Instead believers of their respective religions should seek to determine their motivations and inward affections instead of just focus on outward actions. More is required than just outward works.

Unfortunately, for Islam this will not be sufficient. There is hope only in Jesus Christ, so ultimately the Muslim must look outside of themselves toward the one and only true God and his Son Christ. However, such an introspective look may prove beneficial in uncovering the radical depravity and deception of heart within the Muslim. Such an inward glance may prove as the catalyst for the Spirit to show the Muslim their sin and point to the only name under heaven whereby one may be saved – Jesus Christ.