On the Conceptualization of Travel in the Islamic Faith
Proceeding from the need for a deeper understanding of the basics of Islam and drawing on the text of the Qur'an and Hadith, the author studies the phenomenon of travel in order to reveal the nature and content of jihad. It is noted that jihad has not just militaristic meaning, it also denotes some physical effort, hardship and suffering to which Muslims volunteer. Hadith admit that travel is a severe test needed to strengthen faith, which is regarded as part of jihad. The religious travel motifs in the Qur’an and Sunnah are shown through the deistic perception of travel, when the act of traveling is predetermined, while the pilgrim keeps his freedom, with his intent (niyya) viewed as a central element. A special status of a traveler in religion is established through the recognition of some indulgences in the performance of cult practice. These indulgences relate to zakat, namaz and fasting (abstinence from eating in the month of Ramadan). The author also mentions three fundamental motives for people moving towards a pilgrimage: realization of the consequences of unbelief, contemplation of the beautiful things created by the Almighty and repentance for polytheism. Proceeding from this analysis, the author notes the importance of reflecting a special position of this category of Muslims in authoritarian religious sources.