5th pillar- Hajj Flashcards
What is Hajj?
Pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia.
where prophets such as Abraham and Muhammad lived and preached.
Ka’bah - first place that was dedicated to the worship of
Allah.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Where did Hajj originate?
“Purify My House for those who walk around it, those who stay there, and those who bow and prostrate themselves in worship”.
Allah chose Ibrahim to be a leader of the
people.Ibrahim and his son Ishmael were instructed to build the Kabah as a place of prayer.
What happens on Hajj?
Everyone wears ihram – simple white sheets. Everyone is equal before Allah.
Women must be accompanied by a man – for protection and safety.
1) Tawaf - Pilgrims circle the kabah 7 times.
2) Safa and Marwah – pilgrims walk/jog between two hills. Re-enacts Hagar’s search for
help from God in the desert.
3) Mt Arafat – this is where the Prophet preached his last sermon. Muslims pray here.
4) Muzdalifah – Pilgrims collect pebbles for ramy al-jimar in Mina.
5) Mina – pilgrims throw pebbles at a wall that represents Satan.
6) Sacrificing and shaving – pilgrims sacrifice an animal to Allah. Men shave their heads to
show their new life and sins forgiven.
7) Tawaf – one more time.
Why is Hajj important?
‘Let the pilgrims perform their acts of cleansing, fulfil their vows and circle around the Ancient House’
As 1 of the 5 pillars it must be completed. Helps gain a place in Jannah.
Get spiritually closer to Allah
Shows unity and equality within Islam. Muslims connect with the ummah.
Sins can be forgiven so Hajj offers them a fresh start in life.
Challenges of Hajj?
Very demanding so you must be physically capable
Pilgrims have been taking selfies of themselves which some have frowned upon. They think it distracts from the spiritual element of Hajj.
Challenge to remain focused on Allah.
It can cost a lot of money so they must be financially stable to go.
The amount of people that attend has caused injuries and fatalities in the past.
