Pilgrimage in Islam: Traditional and Modern Practices

Islamic pilgrimage extends far beyond the Hajj, encompassing diverse practices and sites that transcend sectarian boundaries. Research reveals that Muslims engage in 'replacement hajjs' (ziyārat), visiting graves, shrines, and other holy sites to seek blessings (baraka) from saints, often blending Shia, Sunni, and Sufi traditions. These pilgrimages, including those to Karbala, Konya, Fez, and Samarkand, involve fluid rituals, miracles, and syncretic elements that defy simplistic classifications. Modern pilgrimage is further shaped by commodification, technology, and virtual experiences, creating dynamic, multi-dimensional practices. The study argues that understanding Islamic pilgrimage requires examining texts alongside beliefs, rituals, objects, and emotions, challenging orthodoxies that dismiss ziyārat as heretical.

Wani, N. U. I. (2018). Pilgrimage in Islam: Traditional and Modern Practices. American Journal of Islam and Society, 35(4), 62–64. https://doi.org/10.35632/ajis.v35i4.474