Home AWIM - A World in Motion AS HAJJ BEGINS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR THE CHURCH

AS HAJJ BEGINS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR THE CHURCH

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By Jeremiah Goddard

Introduction and Historical Context of Hajj: The Islamic celebration of Hajj begins on 14 June and continues until 19 June. Hajj is one of the most significant religious events for Muslims worldwide, marking a period of intense spiritual devotion and community gathering. To fully grasp the importance of Hajj, it is essential to understand some background on Islam and the historical context of this pilgrimage. This knowledge can better equip us to pray and understand those around us.

Central to Islamic belief is the Ka’aba, a shrine located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic tradition, the Ka’aba was originally built by Adam and later destroyed during the time of Noah. It was subsequently rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The Ka’aba is revered as the Bayt Allah, or House of God, and serves as the qibla, the direction Muslims face during their five daily prayers.

The significance of the Ka’aba extends beyond its historical and spiritual roots. It is the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, an annual journey that every Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. The pilgrimage to this holy site is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – fundamental acts of worship that shape a Muslim’s faith and practices. For those unable to go, they can send someone in their place.

Mecca holds unparalleled importance in the Islamic world. It is not only the site of the Ka’aba but also the birthplace of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. It is where it is believed that Muhammad received his teachings, and the revelations he received form the Quran, the holy book of Islam. For Muslims, Mecca is the most sacred city, and performing Hajj is an act of profound religious significance, embodying their submission to Allah and their unity as a global community. It is believed that when a Muslim leaves Mecca, they do so with a new status, like a newborn baby, sinless and with a fresh start in life.

The rituals of Hajj are deeply symbolic and serve to commemorate significant events in Islamic history. Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as ihram, perform the tawaf by circling the Ka’aba, and walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting the search for water by Hagar, the wife of Abraham. They stand in prayer at the plain of Arafat, a pivotal moment of repentance and supplication, and partake in the stoning of the devil, symbolising the rejection of evil. The pilgrimage concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, a festival that honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah.

Through these rituals, Hajj not only reinforces the individual believer’s faith but also strengthens the bonds of the Muslim ummah, the global community of believers. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and deep spiritual connection, both with Allah and with fellow Muslims from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Christian Perspectives and Reflections on Hajj: Due to Mecca being the global centre of Sunni Islam, Christian believers in Saudi Arabia face significant challenges. Only 4% of people in Saudi Arabia are considered Christian, but this includes foreigners residing in the country. When focusing on ethnic Saudis only the true number is very hard to establish due to the amount of secret believers, but it is estimated to be less than 1%. As around 2 million Muslim men and women seek spiritual truth and enlightenment during Hajj, this period presents a significant opportunity for Christians to pray that Muslims might encounter the God of the Bible. Many testimonies exist of how God has used the Hajj to reveal the truth of the Bible to Muslims, showing them that Jesus Christ is more than a prophet — He is the Son of God and the path to salvation.

One such story involves a woman who kept having dreams of Jesus and told her Imam about it. He advised her that Allah was favouring her and suggested she perform the Hajj. Her family pooled their resources, and she went to Mecca. While walking around the Ka’aba, she saw a vision of Jesus on the Ka’aba stone. He spoke to her, saying, ‘Read the book [the Bible]. I love you. I died for you. Read the book.’ She followed His command and is now a follower of Jesus.

There is also the story of a man and his wife from Türkiye. This man was not a devout Muslim; he struggled with alcoholism and would often beat his wife. Desperate to change, he moved to Saudi Arabia, hoping distance would help. He continued to struggle but decided to seek Allah’s help by performing the Hajj. On his first night in Mecca, he had a dream where Jesus appeared to him, saying, ‘You belong to me.’ He woke up and heard the same message again: ‘You belong to me.’ He returned to his family, weeping and asking for their forgiveness. Over time, his transformation inspired his family, and now they are pastoring a church together.

Stories like these highlight how Muslims find biblical truth in unexpected ways, even during the Hajj. As Muslims embark on their pilgrimage, it is a significant time for Christians to pray, asking that Muslims participating in the Hajj would experience dreams and visions of Jesus.

The time of Hajj marks a pivotal opportunity for Christians to pray for Muslim believers. While Muslims believe that making the pilgrimage to Mecca will cleanse them of their sins and restore their worth to Allah, Christians understand that the only way to God is through a relationship with Jesus. The influx of people in Saudi Arabia during Hajj increases opportunities for the small body of believers in the country to potentially interact  with Muslims they will never have the opportunity to interact with otherwise. The Church can thus pray for divine appointments during this time.

Challenges and Opportunities for Saudi Christians: The number of Saudi Christians, though small, is gradually increasing, with Joshua Project reporting a 4.3% annual growth rate among Evangelical believers. They are becoming bolder in sharing their faith, often using online platforms and satellite TV. However, this bravery comes with significant risks.

In Saudi Arabia, converting from Islam to Christianity is considered one of the most serious transgressions under Islamic law. Converts face harsh consequences. Men and boys are often forced to leave their homes, while women and girls may be isolated and abused within their households. The threat of being killed to “restore” family honour is a constant danger. Due to these risks, many Saudi Christians choose to keep their faith hidden, even from their children, to prevent accidental disclosure.

Foreign Christians also encounter substantial difficulties. Expatriates are restricted in sharing their faith with Muslims and gathering for church activities. Violating these rules can lead to detention and deportation. Asian and African Christian workers, who already face discrimination due to their ethnicity and social status, can experience heightened persecution because of their faith, especially if they have a Muslim background.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of positive change. There seems to be a growing openness in Saudi society towards new ideas, including Christianity. Some Saudis are exploring the Christian faith, and there are reports that many young people might support the presence of church buildings in the country. Amidst the ongoing pressure and persecution, there is a sense of hope and the belief that change is possible.

Please join us in prayer for the following:

  • For God to continue to reach out to Muslim believers through dreams and visions
  • For God to strengthen the believers in Saudi Arabia, giving them boldness
  • For Christians in Saudi Arabia to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit during Hajj