Hajj

Question 1

Description of Hajj

Answer 1

• Means to ‘set out for a definitive purpose’
• pilgrimage to holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, to the shrine of the Kaaba
• only during the 8th and 13th days of the last month - Dhul- Hijjah

Question 2

Who is exempt?

Answer 2

• if a Muslim is physically unable
• if they do not have the financial resources to go
  Otherwise it’s compulsory

Question 3

Titles of completors of Hajj

Answer 3

Men - hajji, women - hajja

Question 4

What is Ihram?

Answer 4

State of holiness required before starting Hajj. For men, two piece of unsewn white cloth worn, instead of everyday clothes.

Question 5

Requirements of Ihram

Answer 5

• wash their bodies fully, or perform wudu before arrival at Mecca
• men must wear special clothing called Ihram - reminder of entire focus on worship to Allah, disconnecting from everyday lives
• simple dress = symbolic of humility before Allah
• every Muslim on Hajj takes on an equal status
• no sex because it takes focus away from Allah
• recital of the Talbiyah prayer.

Question 6

What are the stages of Mecca?

Answer 6

In Mecca, Sa’y, Arafat, Mina

Question 7

In Mecca

Answer 7

• say a prayer of intent, the niyyah
• begin pilgrimage in the holy mosque
• pilgrims visit the Kaaba, as Muhammad did in his final visit to Mecca
• in an act of drawing closer to Allah, pilgrims circle Kaaba 7 times in anti-clockwise direction (tawaf) + recite a verse from the Qur’an
• demonstration of Muslim unity + desire to worship Allah
• then move to the Station of Ibrahim to pray

Question 8

Sa’y - the running

Answer 8

• the running between 2 hills: As-Safa and Al-Marwa
• Muslims will move 7 times between the 2 hills as a re-enactment of Hagar’s search for water
• Hagar when she was left alone in the desert with her son, Ismail. The spring Ismail created can be visited at the well of Zamzam.

Question 9

Arafat

Answer 9

• after dawn prayer at Mina, Muslims travel to the Mount of Mercy at the plain of Arafat
• pilgrims must be there from midday to dusk on 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah
• face towards the Kaaba, like Muhammad did
• pilgrims stand before Allah and plead for the forgiveness of their sins - one of the most important rituals on Hajj
• Muslims then move onto Muzdalifah, where they will complete sunset and night prayers.

Question 10

Mina

Answer 10

• ‘Stoning of Iblis’ takes place: 3 pillars which represent Iblis - pilgrims throw 7 stones at each of the pillars over the 3 days. Recalls the time when Allah tells Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
• drive Iblis away by throwing stones - demonstrates their own rejection of evil and Iblis. Symbolises desire to withstand any temptations + to remain faithful to Allah
• (ones who can afford) offer an animal sacrifice - roast and eat the meat. 1/3 is given away to pilgrims who cannot afford to make their own sacrifice.

Question 11

Mina (continued)

Answer 11

• sacrifice is a further reminder of Allah’s provision of a sacrificial ram for Ibrahim in place of his son
• Muslims recognise what Allah has provided them - can develop an even greater sense of humility
• Muslims around the world will also participate since they celebrate Id-Ul-Adha.

Question 12

Effect of hajj

Answer 12

• May be a greater sense of ummah
• closeness to Allah they have felt during this time will encourage and leave them with a lasting sense of awe.
• relief of their weight of sin - may drive them on to being more obedient in everyday life
• will be joyous at completing hajj as commanded by Allah + more certain of their place in paradise after death.

Question 13

Key quote: prayer of intent: the niyyah

Answer 13

‘O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept from me.’