Page:A Moslem seeker after God - showing Islam at its best in the life and teaching of al-Ghazali, mystic and theologian of the eleventh century (IA moslemseekeraft00zwem).pdf/142



When you put on the pilgrim’s garb at the proper place, did you discard the qualities of human nature as you cast off your clothes? * No. Then you have not put on the pilgrim’s garb. When you stood on Arafat, did you stand one moment in contemplation of God? No. Then you have not stood at Arafat. When you went to Muzdalifa and achieved your desire, did you re nounce all sensual desires? No. Then you have not gone to Muzdalifa. When you circum ambulated the Ka aba, did you behold the im material beauty of God in the abode of purifica tion? No. Then you have not circum ambulated the Ka aba. When you ran between Safa and Marwa, did you attain to purity (safa) and virtue (muruwwat)? No. Then you have not run. When you came to Mina, did all your wishes (muna) cease? No. Then you have not yet visited Mina. When you reached the slaughter place and offered sacrifices, did you sacrifice the objects of worldly desire? No/ Then you have not sacrificed. When you threw the pebbles, did you throw away whatever sensual thoughts were accompanying you? No/ Then you have not yet thrown the pebbles, and you have not yet performed the pilgrimage/ "

Such was the mystical interpretation of the rites at Mecca taught by the Sufis to their disciples.

Mecca, when Al-Ghazali made the pilgrimage, was under the rule of the Sherif Abu Hashim