Inside Mecca Flashcards
What does the Ka’ba symbolize and where is it found?
House of God, Mecca
What is the sacred pilgrimage known as?
The “Hajj”
Where is Mecca located? Has the territory that encompasses Mecca only been considered sacred to Islam? What is the Masjid al-Haram? What is at the center? Describe the Ka’ba.
Western Mountains in Saudi Arabia.
Yes, sacred before Islam was founded.
Great Mosque of Mecca
The Great Mosque is at the center.
One God, stone building.
Describe the history of the Ka’ba…
Adam built it for God and Abraham rebuilt it after flood.
Muhammad cleared idols, cleared state for Abraham.
How do traditions of the Hajj connect to the past?
Quest for redemption.
How has the Hajj been influenced by globalization?
More efficient.
Islam = Fastest growing religion.
Pilgrim-mage everywhere = Spices, clothing, etc.
When and where does the Hajj take place? Discuss the process/route.
“In and around Mecca; Its a series of rituals performed between the 8th and 13 days of the last month of the Islamic calendar.”
Process:
1) travel to the tent city in Mina;
2) continue to the Plane of Araphat, which is day of reckoning and the most important day of the haj;
3) return to Mina for the ritual stoning of Satan;
4) Return to Mecca to circle the Ka’ba, which is the final act of the pilgrimage
Valley of Mina
2 million people come here.
Small city in Western Saudi Arabia.
Stoning of Satan.
Muhammad rested here.
Ihram
2 pieces of clothe. One top, one bottom and it was held by a belt.
Clear state of mind, becoming equal, patience, no sex
Tawaf
Circling Ka’ba 7 times
Sa’ee and Hajar
Searching for water.
Pilgrims striding 7 times, hill tops.
Plain of Arafat and Standing at Arafat
Turning inward, all 1 in-front of God.
2 million people visit
Adam & Eve found each other after Eden.
Muzdalifah
Pilgrims pick up pebbles, sleep under stars, chanted.
Three pillars at Mina and Jamrat/Jumrat/Jamarat
Where Abraham stood his ground vs Satan.
Feast of the Sacrifice
Tested his faith.
Animals = Isaac, biggest sacrifice on planet.
