Journey Divulged: "A Follower of Islam Along the Path of Jacob"
In an intriguing twist of spiritual exploration, Mouhanad Khorchide, a prominent Muslim scholar and professor of Islamic religious pedagogy at the University of Münster, has undertaken a Christian pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This unique journey has led to insightful reflections on the similarities and differences between the Christian Camino de Santiago and the Muslim Hajj.
A Unique Spiritual Journey
For Khorchide, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela was a profound spiritual journey, marked by inner transformation and self-reflection. He respected the centuries-old Christian tradition of pilgrimage, appreciating the communal aspects and the physical challenge it presented.
Interfaith Understanding
The pilgrimage served as a catalyst for Khorchide to reflect on the universality of spiritual seeking. He observed how pilgrimage functions as a metaphor for life’s journey and spiritual growth across religions.
Comparing the Pilgrimages
Both the Camino de Santiago and the Hajj involve journeying to a sacred site with deep religious significance. They include rituals meant to foster spiritual purification, humility, and community bonding. However, Khorchide noted some differences.
The specific rituals and theological meanings differ: Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for Muslims who are able, while the Santiago pilgrimage is voluntary. The Hajj includes very structured rites prescribed by Islamic law, while the Christian pilgrimage to Santiago has a more varied and less ritualized practice. The pilgrimage to Santiago also includes a broader cultural and touristic engagement, whereas Hajj is more focused on strict religious observance.
Broadening Understanding
Khorchide sees these pilgrimages as complementary expressions of faith. His reflections highlight how diverse religious traditions use pilgrimage to foster spiritual growth, community, and a sense of purpose. His experience as a Muslim on a Christian pilgrimage broadens the understanding of shared spiritual values and promotes interreligious respect.
Upcoming Conversation
Mouhanad Khorchide will participate in a conversation at an open evening in the Johanneskirche, a collaboration between the Evangelical Church Elberfeld-Südstadt and the Catholic Adult Education Center. Volker Niggemeier, a pedagogical employee of the Catholic Adult Education Center, will lead the conversation.
Khorchide's book, "A Muslim on the Camino" (Herder 2024), recounts his experiences on the Camino de Santiago and his exploration of both Christianity and Islam. For those interested in learning more about his perspectives, this open evening promises to be an enlightening event.
Mouhanad Khorchide was born in Beirut in 1971 and raised in Saudi Arabia. Since 2013, he has been Principal Investigator of the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics in the Cultures of the Pre-Modern and Modern" at the University of Münster. Since 2011, he has been coordinator of the graduate college "Islamic Theology" of the Mercator Foundation. His scholarly work and personal journey offer a unique and valuable contribution to interfaith dialogue.
