Hajj

Question 1

When does Hajj happen?

Answer 1

during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar

Question 2

What is the role of Hajj?

Answer 2

allow Muslims to get closer to Allah, as well follow the example of Muhammad, who began the ritual and demonstrated the actions to his followers shortly before his death

Question 3

How do Muslims present themselves in the correct state to complete the Hajj?

Answer 3

they enter a state of Ihram (or holiness)

Question 4

what do Muslim wear on Hajj

Answer 4

Ihram (white, seamless robes)

Question 5

What tawaf?

Answer 5

circling the Ka’bah seven times

Question 6

What are the actions performed on Hajj?

Answer 6

1) Tawaf
2) complete the sa’y
3) stand on Mount Arafat and pray and read from the Qur’an
4) travel to Mina where they throw stones at pillars to symbolise rejecting the devil
5) sacrifice an animal to remember the sacrifice Ibrahim was willing to make for Allah in sacrificing his son
6) Muslim men shave their heads as a symbol of new beginning, and women trim their hair
7) Tawaf

Question 7

What is sa’y?

Answer 7

running between the hills of Safa and Marwa in remembrance of Hagar searching for water in the desert

Question 8

Why is Hajj important?

Answer 8

• it is one of the five pillars and therefore considered to be obligatory. Highlighted in Surah 22:25-30
• shows equality between all Muslims as everyone wears ihram, completes the same actions and stands before Allah as equal.
• unite Muslims as an ummah
• helps Muslims renew their sense of purpose in the world

the struggle to complete Hajj teaches them to be patient and gives them time to reflect on Allah and their faith

Question 9

What are the benefits of Hajj?

Answer 9

• shows commitment to Allah - Muslims believe they will be rewarded in al-Jannah
• strengthens the ummah and the faith of individual Muslims
• gives an opportunity to focus on Allah, ask for forgiveness and get closer to him

Question 10

What are the challenges of Hajj?

Answer 10

• Muslims have to be physically fit and financially stable
• over 2 million Muslims attend Hajj, every year, making it difficult to have a personal experience due to large numbers
• there have been incidences due to the large volume of people