Mahmal of the pilgrimage: a doctrinal and objective study

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

The Mahmal of the pilgrimage (a strecher with a canopy carried by camels) was very famous among Muslims, as it appeared in the Mamluk era to signify the cover prepared for the Holy Kaaba and made in Egypt, and a celebration used to take place in Egypt with the departure of the Mahmal attended by the dignitaries, princes, rulers and the judge.  After the return of the Mahmal from the Hajj , the Muslim public used to take  blessings from the Mahmal. Moreover ,they started to bring their children to see and touch the Mahmal for blessing as it had been placed inside the Sacred Mosque and had visited holy places. ‏ And since taking blessing could be legal and could be heresy, it has been found that taking  blessing of the Mahmal  in that way is kind of  the heresy blessing that the scholars had warned of, and that it was among the heresies that lead to polytheism, so it was imperative to work to prevent it, especially with the accompanying music bands that were roaming  In the Haram and in places of Hajj, which are not accepted in times of worship, and all of this contradicts what the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, warned us of, and he, peace be upon him, was most keen on protecting the aspect of monotheism and blocking every path that leads to polytheism. So we must follow it, may God bless him and grant him peace.