Mecca in Morocco: Articulations of Muslim Pilgrimage in Moroccan Everyday Life

The book explores the ways in which the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, is embedded in Moroccan society, examining how it shapes their everyday lives and world upon return. It argues that the practices, experiences, and meanings attached to Hajj are shaped by and in turn shape their life and world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is deeply embedded in Moroccan society. This book explores the ways in which the Hajj is lived and negotiated by Moroccans, focusing on the impact it has on their everyday lives and worldviews. The book argues that although the Hajj takes place in a distant location, it profoundly shapes the practices, experiences, and meanings that Moroccans attach to it. The chapters in the book present various perspectives on how the everyday Moroccan context shapes pilgrims' perceptions of their experience in Mecca and how they position themselves and are positioned as members of their community after completing the Hajj.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of the ḥājj/ ḥājja in shaping the everyday life of Moroccans. The ḥājj/ ḥājja is a person who has completed the Hajj and is considered to have a special status in Moroccan society. They are often seen as role models and are expected to uphold certain values and practices. The book explores how the ḥājj/ ḥājja's experience in Mecca shapes their daily routines, relationships, and interactions with others.

Another important theme of the book is the negotiation of Moroccan views on the Hajj. The Hajj is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is shaped by a range of factors, including religious beliefs, cultural practices, and social norms. The book examines how Moroccans negotiate these views and how they adapt their practices to suit their own needs and circumstances.

The book also explores the impact of the Hajj on the broader Moroccan society. The Hajj brings together people from different backgrounds and cultures, and it can have a significant impact on social and economic relations. The book examines how the Hajj has contributed to the development of tourism in Morocco and how it has impacted the local economy.

In conclusion, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is deeply embedded in Moroccan society. This book explores the ways in which the Hajj is lived and negotiated by Moroccans, focusing on the impact it has on their everyday lives and worldviews. The book argues that although the Hajj takes place in a distant location, it profoundly shapes the practices, experiences, and meanings that Moroccans attach to it. The chapters in the book present various perspectives on how the everyday Moroccan context shapes pilgrims' perceptions of their experience in Mecca and how they position themselves and are positioned as members of their community after completing the Hajj.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399520713