The Holy Month of Ramadan has ended and Muslims throughout the world are now celebrating the Glorious Feast of Eid al Fitre. But the realities of the occupation in Palestine linger on as the Jews celebrate their New Year, Rosh Hashana…. meaning a total closure on the entire Occupied West Bank. During the entire month there were obstacles, some making it impossible for Muslims to pray at one of their most sacred sites…. as can be seen below.
EID MUBARAK TO MY DEAR ISLAMIC READERS AND FRIENDS!
Praying for Al-Aqsa access
Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem is considered the third holiest site in Islam.
During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, thousands of worshippers make their way there to pray in the space where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
But for many Palestinians living in the occupied territories, visiting the seventh century mosque is impossible due to Israeli-imposed travel restrictions.
Al Jazeera’s Jacky Rowland reports on how others arrive at the site after taking considerable risks to make the journey – defying Israeli restrictions and sneaking under the separation barrier.
Desertpeace 
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September 20, 2009 at 18:03
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Aufzuleiden said,
September 21, 2009 at 04:50
‘m so glad that there aren’t any demands upon those who have trusted their lives in the Lord Jesus to make pilgrimages to any specific places in order to demonstrate their faithfulness or devotion. In fact, someone could just as well open their heart from the comfort of a La-Z-Boy recliner rather than getting down on your knees. Think about it: what does being uncomfortable have to do with being able to communicate with the Lord God Almighty? Nothing. Nothing at all. If we are to be in a relationship with the Lord, if we are to trust that God is the God of Love that is discussed in scripture, than we have the assurance that there is no sacrifice that can be offered by man that will satisfy Him save for the offerings of our heart (‘a broken heart and a contrite spirit, He has yet to deny,’).
It is the sacrifices of the heart that God is looking for, not the ability to travel someplace else to pray. Why is a pilgrimage not a form of idolatry? For one thing when people go on a pilgrimage they act as though they are venerating the place – something that looks very suspiciously like worshiping the place rather than the spirit IN the place. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, well … calling it a goose won’t make it white.
Quack.
NB: the above content may be construed to arrive at the conclusion that I am somehow ‘anti-Islam’ or that I hate Muslims. This is not the case at all. However, I am a Christian and, as such, have my own beliefs about what the ‘right way’ is and what other religions reflect. When religion leads to intolerance (Christianity especially) I enjoy pointing out the root of the issue, usually religion. In other words, I am an equal opportunity destroyer of religions. As I wrote earlier, I am a Christian, I am NOT religious.
Wie viel ist aufzuleiden!
The Progressive Mind » PRAYING FOR THE RIGHT TO PRAY « Desertpeace said,
September 21, 2009 at 05:03
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