Pre-Islamic Summer Solstice Commemorations
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Peace
I have come to the conclusion that the Islamic Ramadan involves a handful of fasts around the summer solstice. I appreciate there are many people who may disagree with this.
However given the first sentence, I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of any pre-Islamic (or even post-Islamic ) historical evidences of celebrations around the summer solstice.
Roshan
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In terms of Arabia-region, almost no written sources exist pre-Quran, but from post-Quran sources, some say the Arabs fasted for various things to atone, and in the month of Rajab (a holy month, apparently). Christians had Lent, Jews e.g. Ashura/Asora. Not sure about timings however.
However, during certain times of year, festivals/fairs were held, so this could also be an avenue to explore.From http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9597976.90
I only read up on "hagg sukot" (Feast of Tabernacles) today and it seems its core aspects are very similar to HJJ of AQ
http//www.wildolive.co.uk/sukot.htmThe word "tabernacles" come from tents, which implies travel and likely to certain location for a festival/feast/gathering. The timing seems similar. They also remember God, utilise/celebrate the Torah, spread the message, and it is open for all nations apparently. It also talks about representatives.
Yes the timing of Hagg Sukot coincides with the fourth full-moon after the summer solstice (the last of the four inviolable full-moons). If you look at the essence of Hagg Sukot beyond the manmade rituals, it is essentially a harvest feast to eat and feed others and thank the god for the harvest. As you noted, probably the tents are remenants pointing to both the travel aspect and the need to accomodate the masses coming to the inviolable house.
Also, 10 days of abstinence seems to be what the earliest "muslims" did, even according to Traditional Islamic sources.
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Peace.
I have little knowledge on this, however, there is some hints of Quraish having a travel routine every Winter and Summer as per 1062 -
I have little knowledge on this, however, there is some hints of Quraish having a travel routine every Winter and Summer as per 1062
The word "sayf" mentioned in 1062 is often mistranslated as summer because this is the Modern Arabic meaning. In Classical Arabic the word "sayf" actually means "late spring" in the Arab six season system of shita/winter, rabi Awal/early spring, sayf/late spring, qayz/summer, rabi thany/early fall, kharif/late fall.
Peace,
Ayman
