Pilgrimage in the History of Religions and Assessing the Benefits and Pitfalls

Pilgrimage in the way of life Prophets and Imams (Peace be upon them), especially in the Shiah’s culture, has a special role and significance, but it has been vilified by some so-called intellectuals and false sects such as Wahhabism. Therefore, this article tries to investigate the role of pilgrimage in view of religions and the past nations from the emergence of Islam till now by using rational and scriptural arguments. This is done to help us understand whether it has a connection with disbelief or monotheism. In so doing, it seems necessary to have a better understanding of the goals and benefits of the pilgrimage such as intercession. It is clear that pilgrimage like every ritual of other religions has pitfalls that must be found and solved. After investigating the concepts, customs, and statements about pilgrimage, we have come to the conclusion that none of them could be a reason for idolatry, and pilgrimage makes Pilgrim approach monotheism. In the Hadiths, pilgrimage with the true awareness of the Imams’ rights is considered as God’s pilgrimage, so pilgrimage of divine saints is in the way of meeting God.