KNOCKING ON HEAVEN'S DOOR
A knock won't always get you into heaven....... sometimes it can't even get you to answer the pizza boy at your own front door. The Islamic or Muslim religion is an obvious and constant presence in Morocco. It's Arabicic meaning is "submission", and with the world news having bombarded our ears with words like "Koran" (Q'uran sacred book of religion) and "Jazeera" (means nothing but island) and "Taliban" (means nothing more than 'students') foreigners have been more exposed to the once closed world of Islamic religion.
However, most of the exposure has been biased one way or the other. Depending on which "side" you are on. Religion itself is a complex and intricate philosophy threaded through human emotion.
An issue, I don't care to get into.
People have been knocking on heaven's door for a very long time.....only they can decide if they are heard.
Insha'Allah (God willing).
Needless to say, I chose to live (temporarily) in a Muslim country. I'm am making my way through the "tourist" sites, and differences of culture.
I took a stroll to the famous Koutoubia Mosque near my neigborhood. A well known landmark. You can follow the prevalent signs everywhere, to the Mosque gardens and entrance. You'll find signs at any entrance into the old medina.The gardens are a quick and tranquil get away from the street chaos, but don't try to walk on the grass!
I have to say, the visit was a little disappointing since non muslims cannot enter the Mosque to view the awesome structure. There was a door keeper of sorts who would have stopped any non muslim looking person from entering. So I'm told.
I could have tried and given myself an appointed Muslim name as entrance...maybe it should be....Jameela Sadee9a.... or beautiful friend! Don't hold me accountable for my own translation, as I'm going off my recent Arabic studies. Besides, I'm being a little irreverent.
Islam, states that its really only necessary to change your name when converting to Islam, if your name holds a negative or bad meaning. Since 'Elizabeth' has been around since the dawn of time and means, "The vow of God" or "My God is a vow", I think I'm good. Wheeew....
The Koutoubia Mosque or Kutubiyya Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية Arabic pronunciation: [jaːmiʕu‿lkutubijːa(h)]) is the largest mosque in Marrakech, and stated to be on the top list of things to do in Marrakech! I won't bore you with the hostorical details. You want more Moroccan and architectural history? Link up.
A quick point of the good ol' Lumix and I can capture what I can't participate in. Outside you'll see the tower and loud speakers for the 5 daily prayers. Inside you see a reverance. An ancient tradition.
I may not be Muslim, but the structures created in the name of religion have always had a deep rooted respect in me. The Cathedrals of Europe, Walls of Jerusalem, Temples of Asia, Mosques of the Middle East and MENA.... I've always been able to enter. Until now. Probably won't be the last time. Still, it leaves me with a desire to be a part of that. The stillness.
For now, I'll be satisfied with the business of the surrounding grounds, and the history.
Watching people come and go.
Whether in traditional kaftans, hijabs, veils, or polo shirts. The Mosque is always an attraction for tourists, and a place of peace for locals. Even foreign locals who have converted....as long as you show your "paper" of conversion with your Islamic name. So I've been told by those with obvious foreign ethnicity, who've been stopped at the Mosques door.
Ramadan is almost upon us. July 20th to be exact. Things will change around here. And many will need the prayers to get through the month long fasting. Forbidden to put anything into the body that is from the outside. That includes second hand smoke, and aspirin for a headache!
For now, I'll enjoy the sound of the call to prayer daily. And knowing I've had a closer look at the ever looming Koutoubia. I pass by it daily to school, dinner, or my frequent wanderings. It's visible from most locations in the city center.
Though these photos, won't do justice to the structure. They're my photos. And doesn't that always give us a bit of closeness? :)
Sidebar: The Five Pillars of Islam:
1. "Shahadah": The Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is his messenger.
2. " Salah": Establishing of the five daily Prayers
3. " Zakat": The Giving of Zakaah (charity), which is one fortieth (2.5%) of the net worth of possessions kept for more than a year.
4. "Ramadan". Fasting for the faith
5. " Hajj": The Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability.
More on Ramadan if you're interested @ http://french.about.com/library/travel/bl-ma-ramadan2.htm
and more on Mosques and history of Marrakech @ http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Morocco/Wilaya_de_Marrakech/Marrakesh-2111278/Things_To_Do-Marrakesh-Koutoubia_Minaret_Koutoubia_Gardens-BR-1.html
A knock won't always get you into heaven....... sometimes it can't even get you to answer the pizza boy at your own front door. The Islamic or Muslim religion is an obvious and constant presence in Morocco. It's Arabicic meaning is "submission", and with the world news having bombarded our ears with words like "Koran" (Q'uran sacred book of religion) and "Jazeera" (means nothing but island) and "Taliban" (means nothing more than 'students') foreigners have been more exposed to the once closed world of Islamic religion.
An issue, I don't care to get into.
People have been knocking on heaven's door for a very long time.....only they can decide if they are heard.
Insha'Allah (God willing).
Needless to say, I chose to live (temporarily) in a Muslim country. I'm am making my way through the "tourist" sites, and differences of culture.
I took a stroll to the famous Koutoubia Mosque near my neigborhood. A well known landmark. You can follow the prevalent signs everywhere, to the Mosque gardens and entrance. You'll find signs at any entrance into the old medina.The gardens are a quick and tranquil get away from the street chaos, but don't try to walk on the grass!
I have to say, the visit was a little disappointing since non muslims cannot enter the Mosque to view the awesome structure. There was a door keeper of sorts who would have stopped any non muslim looking person from entering. So I'm told.
I could have tried and given myself an appointed Muslim name as entrance...maybe it should be....Jameela Sadee9a.... or beautiful friend! Don't hold me accountable for my own translation, as I'm going off my recent Arabic studies. Besides, I'm being a little irreverent.Islam, states that its really only necessary to change your name when converting to Islam, if your name holds a negative or bad meaning. Since 'Elizabeth' has been around since the dawn of time and means, "The vow of God" or "My God is a vow", I think I'm good. Wheeew....
The Koutoubia Mosque or Kutubiyya Mosque (Arabic: جامع الكتبية Arabic pronunciation: [jaːmiʕu‿lkutubijːa(h)]) is the largest mosque in Marrakech, and stated to be on the top list of things to do in Marrakech! I won't bore you with the hostorical details. You want more Moroccan and architectural history? Link up.
I may not be Muslim, but the structures created in the name of religion have always had a deep rooted respect in me. The Cathedrals of Europe, Walls of Jerusalem, Temples of Asia, Mosques of the Middle East and MENA.... I've always been able to enter. Until now. Probably won't be the last time. Still, it leaves me with a desire to be a part of that. The stillness.
For now, I'll be satisfied with the business of the surrounding grounds, and the history.
Whether in traditional kaftans, hijabs, veils, or polo shirts. The Mosque is always an attraction for tourists, and a place of peace for locals. Even foreign locals who have converted....as long as you show your "paper" of conversion with your Islamic name. So I've been told by those with obvious foreign ethnicity, who've been stopped at the Mosques door.
Ramadan is almost upon us. July 20th to be exact. Things will change around here. And many will need the prayers to get through the month long fasting. Forbidden to put anything into the body that is from the outside. That includes second hand smoke, and aspirin for a headache!
For now, I'll enjoy the sound of the call to prayer daily. And knowing I've had a closer look at the ever looming Koutoubia. I pass by it daily to school, dinner, or my frequent wanderings. It's visible from most locations in the city center.
Though these photos, won't do justice to the structure. They're my photos. And doesn't that always give us a bit of closeness? :)
Sidebar: The Five Pillars of Islam:
1. "Shahadah": The Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is his messenger.
2. " Salah": Establishing of the five daily Prayers
3. " Zakat": The Giving of Zakaah (charity), which is one fortieth (2.5%) of the net worth of possessions kept for more than a year.
4. "Ramadan". Fasting for the faith
5. " Hajj": The Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability.
More on Ramadan if you're interested @ http://french.about.com/library/travel/bl-ma-ramadan2.htm
and more on Mosques and history of Marrakech @ http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Morocco/Wilaya_de_Marrakech/Marrakesh-2111278/Things_To_Do-Marrakesh-Koutoubia_Minaret_Koutoubia_Gardens-BR-1.html
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