It is the interaction with other people and spiritualism that links us to the Greater rather than ritual that many perceive as the essence of the Hajj, (the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca). From an outsider's perspective though it would be too easy to see more of the ceremonial unless one considers why it has been defined this way from the outset of Islam. The effect upon individuals may be different; however, the Hajj has also had profound historic effect on those who have shaped our global, even American history. MALCOLM X -from HATE to BROTHERHOOD: Malcolm X is but only one and of the more recent whose worldview was affected by the Hajj. Before his pilgrimage, Malcolm X held a frankly racist view of the supremacy of the black man in God’s eyes. After his Hajj though, Malcolm X came to perceive God as colorblind – the array of races and ethnicities and every combination in between made it impossible to classify people by looks rather than character and deed. From the outset of his journey to the Hajj, Malcolm X began to shed his old suit of segregation: “Throngs of people, obviously Muslims from everywhere, bound for the pilgrimage, were hugging and embracing. They were of all complexions; the whole atmosphere was of warmth and friendliness. The feeling hit me that there really wasn’t any color problem here. The effect was as though I had just stepped out of a prison.” Part of this was the “ihram” or state and dress of simplicity/humility that all have to embrace upon embarking for the Hajj: “Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jedda (the entry port for Mecca), was dressed this way. You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know.” Malcolm X had been defined even by the more liberal American press as “The Hate that Hate had Created.” However, he changed as did his views on race and “black superiority,” when he encountered the variety of the Hajj throngs all united by the search for a Higher. He found spiritualism and a different intellectual perspective: “to me the earth’s most explosive and pernicious evil is racism, the inability of God’s creatures to live as One, especially in the Western world.” The experience of Malcolm X was not unique. History tells of many great minds who were forever enlightened by the intellectual as well as spiritual experience. Malcolm X’s life was cut too short. We will never know where the evolution of his revolution would have taken the world. Undoubtedly though, Malcolm X at the end was becoming more a product of the Hajj as diplomacy rather than the “Hate” that had launched him. DIPLOMACY of INDIVISIBILITY: The Hajj is not sequenced as to functionally better accommodate the throng of millions. Rather, pilgrims are all encouraged to come within around a two-week period, and all should be there for the eve and day of Eid al-Adha. The additional strain on logistics, perhaps security and other inconveniences are all set aside in favor all men/women coming together as an indivisible one - all part of a spiritual and intellectual fellowship. It should be more than the symbolism and the sense of the One. Especially when travel was much more difficult, the Hajj also was an opportunity for exchange. That is something that probably could be fostered, although overt politicization could be also understood as contrary to the spiritual moment. SELF-CRITICAL: This is not intended though to be an advertisement for the Hajj or Islam. I have had the opportunity and privilege to make the Hajj. Even as a young boy, the impression left upon me was similar to that felt by Malcolm X. I also traveled with both my mother and father. My mother, an educated, modern, outspoken and observant Muslim woman (as well as Medical Doctor and former political prisoner)to this day still has a deeper impression upon me than any other person, even though she has passed away over 20 years earlier. The “sacrifice” of the “kurbans” (sheep) for me was too much ritual and unnecessary suffering of animals when I sought the greatest spiritual and intellectual focus. Do not misunderstand, I like roasted lamb, and I do believe that giving to the poor and sharing food, including meat, with your neighbors is a worthy communion. Nonetheless, the ritual of the slaughter leaves one with mixed emotions, even if I understand its symbolism.There was also too much waste in the wake with slaughtered sheep lining the roads. HOW to MORE BROADLY INCORPORATE ALL: The Hajj is for Muslims only. It is easy to understand why it should not become a tourist occasion. As Muslims though focus on the indivisibility of believers, the unity of all humankind is also part of Islam’s message. It is probably neither appropriate nor likely that non-Muslims will become a part of the Hajj. However, Muslims must find ways to involve/welcome people of other religions or views to incorporate the opportunity for the sense of brotherhood/sisterhood and an exchange of perspectives. Since Eid is a three-day “festival” there is plenty of opportunity to be inclusive, reflective, observant and celebratory. We Muslims should consider if one of the purposes for Eid-al-Adha is to broaden the opportunity for dialogue-diplomacy and how? Eid Mubarek! Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX