Hajj Flashcards
What is a pilgrimage
A journey that has a religious or spiritual significance.people who take part in them are called pilgrims
Hajj
- fifth pillar of Islam
- obligation to go on hajj once in a lifetime
- follow places and paths taken by the prophets Muhammed and Ibrahim
- hajj takes place in the twelfth month of the islamic calender (dhul-hijjah)
- 3mill Muslims take part in it.
Route of the main hajj pilgrimage
- Mina (start of the main pilgrimage)
- arafat (prayer at the plain of arafat)
- Muzdalifah (pilgrims sleep at muzdalifah)
- Mina (jamaraat-stoning the pillars)
- Return to Mecca.
Quote of hajj
“pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people who are able to undertake it.”
Ihram
Before hajj begins they must enter a sacred state called ihram. This involves performing ritual washing, praying and putting on ihram clothes. These emphasize leaving behind a normal life and preparing for a rituals journey. They wear white cloth to symbolise equality and purity.
Tawaf
Hajj begins at the ka’aba at Mecca. Pilgrims circle the ka’aba in anti clockwise 7 times. They can touch the black stone built in it or raise their hand to acknowledge it.the stone is seen as an ancient islamic relic, it is considered to be the only surviving stone from the original ka’aba built by Ibrahim. While they circle the ka’aba they recite the prayer:”here I am. Oh lord, at your sevice. Praise and blessings to you “
Sarah and marwah(running between 2 hills)
They walk along a covered walkway linking the hills of safa and marwah. The hills are 450m apart, so they travel nearly 2 miles. This is based on the story of hajira and Ishmael,who had dehydration while travelling to Arabia. The story says that hajira ran up and down these hills looking for help. Ishmael dug his heels into the sand and a spring of water gushed out. A well still remains here and pilgrims still drink it.
Plain of arafat (Mount of Mercy)
They walk or ride 13 miles to the mountain on the plain of arafat.this is significant as it is where Muhammad gave his last sermon. They spend the afternoon praying. The heat of the sun is a reminder of what the day of judgment will be like where they will stand before Allah. Some spend the afternoon standing to show the depth of their faith and the afternoon is sometimes called ‘the standing at Arafat’. Islam teaches that God will forgive the sins of those who complete the standing of arafat, but only if they know what they have done wrong and are determined not to do it again and are prepared to try and make up for their sins. For many this is the most important part of hajj and without this the pilgrimage will be invalid.
Stoning at mina
During this stage, they take part in throwing stones at 3 pillars (jamarat). These pillars represent the devil and temptation. Throwing stones at them is linked to the story of Ibrahim, who threw stones the devil. This was to drive the devil away as he was tempting Ibrahim to not follow Gods wishes. When throwing stones at the jamarats they are rejecting the devil.
Eid-Ul-Adha
They finish the hajj with a feast and celebrate the festival of Eid-Ul-Adha. They remember the story of Ibrahim dreaming he has been told by God to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The devil tried to stop him from doing so but failed. When his son was about to be sacrificed he got swapped with a ram. To remember this pilgrims sacrifice an animal.after this men will shave their heads to show the change that has taken place in them in hajj. Women can cut a peace of their hair. Before they leave they will walk around the ka’aba 7 times again. This celebration is celebrated by all Muslims at the end of hajj.
Significance of hajj
Forgiveness of sins
Deep spiritual transformation
Teaches humility
Inner peace
Emphasises unity and equality
Self discipline
