نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 دکتری مدیریت آموزشی، پژوهشکده زیارت و گردشگری، دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد، مشهد، ایران.
2 استادیار مدیریت اسلامی، پژوهشکده مطالعات اسلامی در علوم انسانی، دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد، مشهد،
چکیده
کلیدواژه‌ها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Purpose: Pilgrimage (Ziyarat) has been defined and interpreted in various ways throughout Islamic thought. The purpose of this study is to redefine the concept of pilgrimage within the framework of the Islamic monotheistic worldview, emphasizing its foundation in the concept of the Covenant (Ahd). This study seeks to move beyond conventional definitions of pilgrimage as merely a devotional practice, positioning it instead as a transformative phenomenon that strengthens the individual's spiritual journey while also influencing the broader structure of Islamic society and civilization. According to Quranic verses and Islamic traditions, the ultimate purpose of human creation and the ultimate goal of an Islamic society is to attain divine proximity (liqa’ Allah). Within this framework, seeking and engaging with divine signs (Ayat Allah), particularly
the special divine signs (Ayat Khasa), is of paramount importance. Pilgrimage represents a direct engagement with divine signs, facilitating both spiritual growth and social cohesion within the Islamic system. Unlike other devotional acts, pilgrimage is fundamentally a two-way interaction. First, the pilgrim presents their faith and spiritual state before the divine figures, reaffirming their religious identity. Second, by renewing their covenant and allegiance to the divinely chosen individuals (Awliya Allah), the pilgrim redefines their role and position within the cosmic order and the Islamic societal framework. With this redefined understanding, pilgrimage emerges as an irreplaceable practice within the Islamic system—one that no other devotional or socio-religious practice can fully substitute in terms of its individual and communal impact.
Methodology: This study employs a conceptual analysis and logical reasoning approach, utilizing library-based and documentary research methods. The research framework is structured around Islamic theological sources, historical analysis, and philosophical inquiry. It aims to demonstrate how pilgrimage, viewed through a redefined covenantal perspective, functions as a core mechanism for both spiritual transformation and the development of Islamic civilization. The research is guided by the following analytical dimensions: first, examining pilgrimage about divine proximity and the role of sacred figures in Islamic thought. Two, Covenant aspects: Establishing the relationship between Ziyarat and the Pilgrim’s reaffirmation of their spiritual and social commitments. Three, demonstrating how pilgrimage contributes to the formation of Islamic identity, reinforces social bonds, and strengthens the Islamic system.
Findings: The study finds that pilgrimage plays a unique and irreplaceable role in both the individual and communal dimensions of Islamic
life. First, it serves a spiritual and devotional purpose: pilgrimage is not merely a religious visit but a process of moral purification and self-realization. It serves as a means for the pilgrim to assess their faith, renew their spiritual allegiance, and draw closer to divine guidance. Second, the social and communal function of pilgrimage fosters unity, brotherhood, and a collective religious consciousness among Muslims. Events such as the Arbaeen Pilgrimage exemplify how mass pilgrimages create a shared spiritual experience that strengthens the bonds among believers, diminishes sectarian divisions, and reinforces Islamic solidarity. Three, pilgrimage serves as a Covenantal Act: Unlike other devotional practices, pilgrimage explicitly involves a contractual and covenantal dimension—a renewal of faith and a reaffirmation of the pilgrim’s place within the divine order and the Islamic framework. Furthermore, pilgrimage plays a vital role in the civilizational contribution: it acts as an essential component in Islamic civilization-building, shaping cultural identity, strengthening socio-religious institutions, and influencing governance and community structures. By integrating these perspectives, the study underscores that pilgrimage is not merely an isolated act of devotion but rather a foundational pillar in the development of the Islamic system.
Conclusion: The redefinition of pilgrimage within a covenantal framework highlights its essential role in personal transformation, societal cohesion, and the continuity of Islamic civilization. By engaging with divine signs and reaffirming allegiance to divinely guided figures, the pilgrim actively participates in the divine plan for Islamic society. This study concludes that pilgrimage cannot be replaced by any other form of devotional or socio-religious act in the Islamic system. Its role in facilitating spiritual elevation, social unity, and contributing to civilizational
development makes it a cornerstone of the Islamic worldview. Therefore, policymakers and religious scholars must recognize and integrate Ziyarat into broader socio-cultural and political strategies to fully harness its potential in shaping the contemporary Islamic world
کلیدواژه‌ها [English]
Javaheri, M. R. (2005). The etiquette and rewards of pilgrimage to Imam Reza (A) from the perspective of the infallibles. Mashhad: Khayr al-Bariyah Publications. [In Persian].
https://sanad.iau.ir/journal/prb/Article/694879?jid=694879 [In Persian].
https://doi.org/10.52547/journalitor.37470.11.22.93 [In Persian].Sayyah, A. (1998). The great comprehensive Arabic-Persian dictionary. Tehran: Islamic Publications. https://noo.rs/Fv1IO [In Persian].
https://www.sysislamicartjournal.ir/article_152590.html [In Persian].Tayyeb, M. (2002). The guide to visiting: On the etiquette and secrets of visiting the Ahl al-Bayt (A). Tehran: Safina Publishing [In Persian].
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