Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 213
213 stimulating their action and co-operation in the desired direction. This continues to be the practice in some parts of the Islamic world today, but in many backward or outlying areas the Imam’s address tends to be a routine and formal affair, not calculated to forward the purpose it is meant to serve. There are signs, however, of a desire to restore to the institution its true spirit and to utilize it fully for promoting the moral, spiritual, social, and economic welfare of Muslim society. On the occasion of the two annual Festivals, the people of a whole town and its neighbouring areas come together to participate in the service. The Imam’s address on this occasion should serve the same purpose as the Friday-service address, but in respect of a much larger number of people drawn from a wider area. The pilgrimage draws Muslims together at Mecca from the ends of the earth. It should be a truly representative gathering of the whole Islamic world. In effect, it should be the World Assembly of Islam gathered together in spiritual association for the glorification of God and the promotion of human welfare. The week preceding it and the week following it, and indeed, a longer period if it be necessary, should be utilized for consultation, discussion, and examination of schemes and projects having as their object the strengthening of human