Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
When the speaker circled the Kaaba “seven times” expecting a spiritual encounter and concluded, “This is not from God. This is man-made,” what picture of God was he assuming (or longing for), and how does that assumption challenge the way Christians sometimes equate “holy places/holy experiences” with God’s presence?
Another way to ask: When he walked around the Kaaba seven times and felt nothing, what kind of God was he hoping to meet? How does this challenge Christians who think certain places or emotional moments automatically mean God is there?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker was longing for a God who can be personally encountered—someone who responds, draws near, and gives real spiritual connection, not just ritual. His disappointment at Mecca challenges Christians not to confuse “holy sites” or intense religious moments with guaranteed nearness to God.
- He went expecting God to meet him: “I was excited… I may encounter Allah there… in a spiritual way.”
- During the ritual he felt nothing: “While I was going around that, nothing happened… There is no any encounter… no… spiritual or divine.”
- His longing was relational, not merely duty: “Where are you, Allah? I don’t feel you in my spirit. I don’t have connection with you.”
- He interpreted the lack of encounter as evidence the system was human-made: “I had that realization. This is not from God. This is man-made.”
- Later, he contrasts this with Scripture feeling personal and direct: “I felt he’s speaking to me directly… This is to you.”