Hajj

Question 1

What is the purpose of hajj?

Answer 1

5th pillar

A pilgrimage to Mecca in the 12th month of Islamic lunar calendar

Question 2

How is everyone equal on hajj?

Answer 2

Simple white clothes called ihram
Everyone prays together
Everyone prays in Arabic

Question 3

Who goes on hajj?

Answer 3

Every sane, adult Muslim must undertake hajj once in their life if they can afford it and are physically able

If you can afford to go twice you should give the money to someone who can’t afford to go

Question 4

What is irham?

Answer 4

As well as the simple white clothes it’s also the name for the special state of ritual purity

Question 5

Once you’ve entered ihram what can’t you do?

Answer 5

Have sex
Shave
Cut nails
Use cologne or scented oils
Kill or hunt anything
Fight or argue
Women can’t cover their faces
Men can’t wear stitched clothing
Scented soaps are frowned upon

Question 6

What do you for the umra portion of hajj rituals?

Answer 6

Begin at miquat, just outside Mecca where you enter ihram
Walk around the kaba 7 times repeating prayers (tawaf)
Sip some zam zam water from the well
Go to the walkway between hills of safa and marwa and walk back and forth 7 times

Question 7

What do you do for hajj?

Answer 7

Make intention and put on ihram
Go to Mina on the 8th and stay till dawn
Valley of Arafat and praise Allah
Muzdalifa for the night and gather small stones up to 70
Mina throw stones at jamraat pillars which represent the devil
Sacrifice lamb or sheep for the poor
Men shave heads, women cut a piece of hair
Mecca walk round kaba 7 times
Mina 3 or 4 days stoning pillars each day
12th day ask Allah’s forgiveness, make du’a