Maḥmal, Maḥmil (محمل)
Definition and Description
Maḥmal or Maḥmil (محمل) refers to a ceremonial, covered litter borne on a camel, originating from Cairo and Damascus and sent to Makkah during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It serves as a symbol of royalty and state presence during the pilgrimage.
Historical Background
The tradition of the Maḥmal is credited to Sultan az-Zāhir Beybars, King of Egypt, who sent the first Maḥmal with the pilgrim caravan to Makkah in 1272 CE. The origin, however, dates back a few years before his reign. Shag͟hru ʾd-Durr, a Turkish female slave who became the wife of Sultan aṣ-Ṣālih Najmu ʾd-dīn and later Queen of Egypt, is said to have performed the Hajj in a magnificent litter borne by a camel. Following her death, the empty litter was sent yearly as a ceremonial state emblem. Since then, a similar practice has been maintained by successive rulers of Egypt and Damascus.
Structure and Decoration
Described vividly by Mr. Lane in his work “Modern Egyptians,” the Maḥmal is:
- Structure: A square, wooden skeleton frame with a pyramidal top.
- Covering: Decorated with black brocade embroidered with gold inscriptions and ornamental designs, often featuring green or red silk elements. The upper front often showcases a depiction of the Temple of Makkah and the Sultan’s official cipher.
- Contents: Although it traditionally contains nothing internally, two copies of the Qur’an (one in book and one in scroll form) are usually attached to it externally.
- Ornaments: Surmounted by five gilt silver balls with crescent finials and tassels.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Maḥmal represents not just a physical object but also a profound symbolic gesture of state reverence and royal patronage of the pilgrimage to Makkah. However, it has also faced criticism and opposition over time.
Opposition and Controversies
The Wahhābīs, a puritanical Islamic movement, viewed the Maḥmal as an object of vain pomp and prohibited its use, intercepting the pilgrim caravan on occasion. Eastern travelers often confuse the Maḥmal with the Kiswah, the covering for the Kaʿbah, which, though sent at the same time as the Maḥmal, is a distinct entity.
Books for Further Studies
- “Modern Egyptians” by Edward William Lane.
- “The Pilgrimage to Mecca” by Richard Francis Burton.
- “Islamic Art and Architecture” by Robert Hillenbrand.
- “The Cambridge History of Islam” edited by P.M. Holt, Ann K.S. Lambton, and Bernard Lewis.
Takeaways
- Symbolism: The Maḥmal reflects the royal and state support for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Cultural Importance: It holds a significant place in the cultural practices tied to the Hajj.
- Controversy: It has attracted criticism and opposition from various Islamic movements.
Conclusion
The Maḥmal, serving as a historical and cultural relic, is pivotal in understanding the grandeur and state patronage associated with the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. It highlights the role of rulers in supporting religious practices and the blending of religious symbolism with statecraft throughout Islamic history.
Further Reading
- Lane, E. W. “Modern Egyptians.”
- Burton, R. F. “The Pilgrimage to Mecca.”
- Hillenbrand, R. “Islamic Art and Architecture.”
- Holt, P. M., Lambton, A. K. S., & Lewis, B. (Eds.). “The Cambridge History of Islam.”
