Islamic Fundamentalism
Islamic Fundamentalism
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difference between a real and a relative feature is
that what is essential is relevant in all circumstances
and at all times, whereas the relative is required
only in relation to particular sets of circumstances.
Wherever such circumstances do not exist, relative
features lose their relevance and therefore their
desirability. This difference between the real and
relative is illustrated by the Quranic injunction to
perform the Hajj pilgrimage: “Pilgrimage to the
House of God is a duty to God for all who can make
the journey” (3:97).
The wording of the command to perform Hajj
shows that it is not obligatory for all believers in
any absolute sense. It is obligatory rather for those
who have the means and the resources, and who are
in good enough health to reach the place of
pilgrimage. Neither does this injunction even imply
that those who do not have the means should make
superhuman efforts to find the wherewithal for the
journey, so that they may perform this ritual
worship. This injunction means that those who have
the means should perform the pilgrimage and those
who have not will not only be exempted, but will
