While researching about the "72 Virgins concept," I came across another raisin idea: a prayer bump. A prayer bump is a mark that appears on a Muslim's forehead. The bump or scar, also known as zabiba, zebiba, or zebibah ("raisin" in Arabic) can appear because Muslims pray five times a day and kneel/ touch the ground and prayer mat repeatedly during their prayer sessions. (I experienced this ritual when I went to a mosque recently.) Muslims believe the bump to be a sign of religious dedication, and some also believe that a white light will appear on their forehead when Judgement Day comes.
This little piece of prayer trivia is very interesting and intriguing! This comes to show just how much more there is to all the religions and cultures that I knew nothing about. When you stop and think about it, our world truly is a fascinating place filled with so much more than the day to day doings of our college life in North Adams.
Speaking of my time in the mosque, I found an article about the prayer bump and the controversy that follows it in Egypt:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/21700/a-prayer-bump-causes-division-amongst-muslims-in-egypt
While abroad, I did not notice any prayer bumps, but I will now be on the lookout. The fact that a Muslim's forehead touches the ground at least 34 times a day for prayer boggles me. I wonder if the bump really is an act of God or just coincidence?
This little piece of prayer trivia is very interesting and intriguing! This comes to show just how much more there is to all the religions and cultures that I knew nothing about. When you stop and think about it, our world truly is a fascinating place filled with so much more than the day to day doings of our college life in North Adams.
Speaking of my time in the mosque, I found an article about the prayer bump and the controversy that follows it in Egypt:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/21700/a-prayer-bump-causes-division-amongst-muslims-in-egypt
While abroad, I did not notice any prayer bumps, but I will now be on the lookout. The fact that a Muslim's forehead touches the ground at least 34 times a day for prayer boggles me. I wonder if the bump really is an act of God or just coincidence?
That's nuts! I knew there were a lot of very serious Muslims, but putting an actual number to it really makes it real. I'll definitely be looking for prayer bumps too!
ReplyDeleteIt's not nuts, it's raisins!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting little fact - I did not know it before. Thank you Feeney.
No problem! Now we know three Arabic terms to be on the lookout for. We won't get them mixed up now!
Deletehur (white raisin)
houri (virgin)
zabiba (raisin)