Standing Again at Sinai
Literature
Comparative Analysis of Malcom
X “Mecca” and Standing Again at Sinai
Introduction
It
is so mesmerizing, interesting, and intriguing, to understand the beliefs
elaborated in the writings on Malcom X and Standing again at Sinai. Malcom X introduces
the aspect of the Islamic religion, which is portrayed as loving, people
recognizes Allah as one true God, they are live in peace and harmony despite
coming from different world destinations and races. This is in contrast to the
country Malcom X lives in, the United States of America, which is filled with
racism.
Malcom
X reiterates the importance of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Most of the Muslims
perceive it as one of the five pillars of their religion. Kirk et al., (2019)
explains that the pilgrimage is one of the five symbols or the basic acts of
worship that are mandatory for all Islamic followers. As a matter of fact,
every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to pay a visit to it, must do so, at
least once, in their lifetime.
Indeed,
it is mind blowing to understand how the pilgrimage to Mecca is of personal and
transformative significance to Malcom X. To him, it offers time for a
reflection about his life in the US, and spiritual repentance as Muslim
follower. At this moment, he is able to visit the plains of Arafat and throwing
stones at the Devil, which is a symbol of a certain aspect of the Islamic
faith. It is also viewed as a reminder of the importance of obedience,
sacrifice and the submission to the Allah.
The
aspect of the standing again at the Sinai, explains the covenant the people of
Israel made with God, which became the root experience of Judaism. This is the
main event that led to the establishment of the Jewish people. As a matter of
fact, the Israelites were waiting for the God’s presence upon the mountain.
However, the major aspect that is more disturbing is the caution that Moses
gave to his people, especially men, not to go near a woman. This creates the
beginning of a controversy of the contribution of women in the history of
Judaism and Jewish culture. The purpose of this paper is to compare, contrast and
provide insight of how religious traditions deal with issues and challenges
emanating from the modern world.
Summaries of MALCOM X and
Standing Again at Sinai
MALCOM
X is an American citizen who is converted to the Islamic religion. He has a family
that consists of a spouse with three daughters. As a Muslim, he decides to
visit the pilgrimage in Mecca, which is also known as Hajj. The assistance and
warm welcome he receives from the people of the Islamic faith is beyond
imagination.
It
all begins with his sister Ella, who offers financial assistance towards his
journey to Mecca. He then applies for the visa, at the Saudi Arabian consulate.
Contrary to what he expects, the ambassador tells him that he requires a signed
approval from Dr. Mahmoud Shawarbi. This is a requirement that no Muslim who
was converted in America would be given a visa for the Hajj pilgrimage without
a signed approval. This becomes the beginning of the sign of Allah.
Dr
Shawarbi, later invites him to his office and hands him a signed letter
approving him to visit Hajj in Mecca. Dr Shawarbi also gave him a telephone
number of his son, Muhamad Shawarbi, a student in Cairo and Omar Azzam who
lived in Jedda. They were to assist on his smooth journey to Mecca. On his way
to Cairo, he meets his brother Muslim friend. This friend ingrains a spirit of
togetherness in MALCOM’s mind as he prepares a Hajj party for him. He is
received as brother. He later proceeds on his journey to Jedda Airport. On the
airport all Muslims around hailed the word “Labbayka! Labbayka” which means
here I come, O Lord. Malcom X is assigned to a Mutawaf, a person who is meant
to guide him around and to the pilgrimage.
What
captures one’s attention is the warm welcome and the hospitality he received
from Dr. Omar Azzam. He comes to his rescue when the airport officials
confiscated his luggage, including his passport. In less than half an hour he
is released, the suitcase and passport given back to him. Dr Azzam takes him to
his home, where he meets his father. He is accorded a warm welcome and
hospitality. Malcom reiterates that he had never felt so honoured in his life
nor received such true hospitality.
Malcom
is then taken to a three-room suite, similar to that of New York Hilton. In the
next morning, he presents himself to Hajj committee court which had already
been notified about his case. The judge Sheikh Muhammad Harkon is so generous
to him by being awarded two books, one in English and other in Arabic. His name
is later recorded in the Holy register of true Muslims. The Sheikh blesses him
to be a great preacher of Islam in America.
The
Azzam Family assigns two young Arabs to accompany Malcom to Mecca. Upon arrival
at Mecca, a Mutawaf guides him to a huge black stone house in the middle of the
Great Mosque. He prays and later proceeds to the well of ZemZem where they
drank its water. Lastly, at Mount Arafat he lifts his hands in prayer and
thanksgiving’s repeating Allah’s words “There is no God but Allah”.
The
context of Standing Again at Sinai basically explains the covenant between the
Israelites and God. It is the iconic symbol of the establishment of the Jewish
people. However, there is a disturbing plea on the role of women in the Judaism
culture and history. At the central moment in Jewish history, women are
invisible.
On
the Sinai covenant, women are portrayed to be at the sideline or being put
aside and eavesdropping on the conversation between God and men. Rachel Adler
reiterates that the Exodus is one of the major biblical events that women
silence is so deeply charged, such as it can provoke crisis for the Jewish
feminists. She asks whether women are Jews or they are meant to be men’s object
to take care of households and children. Moreover, she argues that if women
have been invisible from the first moment of the Jewish history, is it possible
for them to be visible now.
Women
absence from being designated as rabbis is unthinkable according to Rachel
Adler. She reaffirms that it the time for women to recreate history and to
reshape Torah. It is to move from anger at the tradition, through ager to
empowerment. Rachel elaborates that it is the work of women to render visible
their presence, and their deeds that were erased in traditional sources.
Lastly, Jewish feminists need to understand that Jewish past requires some
explication and that women can create new liturgy, and take positions of
authority.
Similarities between Malcom
X “Mecca” and Standing Again at Sinai
There
are significant similarities and differences between Malcom X contexts which represents
Islam with that of Sinai, which elaborates Judaism.
Firstly,
both Islam and Judaism are monotheistic religions, as they emphasize to their
followers the importance of religious laws and commandments. Judaism and
Muslims have a strong emphasis charity, community and praying to the one true
God or Allah.
Secondly,
when examining the role of scriptural narratives in Islam, there is the Quran
and Bible in the Judaism or Christianity. These are holy books that contain
stories that shape the worldview of their respective adherents. Kirk et al.,
(2019) explains that they are both viewed as authoritative sources of guidance
and inspiration.
Thirdly,
women do not play a significant role in both Islam and Judaism. When Malcom
visits Dr. Azzam home, he notes the absence of women from the compound and in
Mecca all women have to wear a Hijab. Rachel Adler views the role of women in
the Jewish society as suppressive, and it is the time for women to recreate
history and reshape Torah. However, both Judaism and Islam affirm the dignity
and worth of women.
Differences between Malcom
X “Mecca” and Standing Again at Sinai
There
is a various differences between the Islam and Judaism. For instance, the
Islamic religion emphasize on the role of prophet of Muhammad who founded their
religion in the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, they believe in one God, Allah and
follow Quran. On the other hand, Judaism reiterates on the role Moses as he
guided the Israelites in making a covenant with God at Sinai.
On the aspect of
the holy books, Judaism had the Torah which consisted of the five books of the
Hebrew bible and other religious text known as Talmud. Islam uses the Quran,
deemed as the direct word from God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
