Islam - Hajj

Question 1

Intro - Hajj

Answer 1

Hajj is a holy pilgrimage to Mecca; it is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslim’s are obligated to complete it at least once if they are financially and physically able. The Al Fatiha line “Thee alone we worship; Thee alone we ask for help” displays the belief of Tawhid which is central to the entire Hajj pilgrimage along with submission to Allah. There are several key moments of Hajj which clearly express Tawhid; two of these are Tawaaf and Wuquf.

• Al Fatiha line “Thee alone we worship; Thee alone we ask for help”
• Holy pilgrimage
• must be completed once in a life, 1 of 5 pillars
• tawhid
• submission to Allah
• expressed in Tawaaf, Wuquf

Question 2

Tawaaf

Answer 2

During the Hajj and the Umrah Muslim’s are required to perform Tawaaf. Tawaaf involves circling or walking around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise. The Kaaba is the holiest site in the Muslim religion; as is inscribed on the Kaaba, it is “The first House of Worship appointed for men was that at Mecca”. Tawaaf begins with the adherent kissing or holding up their hand to the black stone, and they also make the Takbir prayer each time they approach, this demonstrates submission to Allah. Tawaaf reflects the unity of the believers in the worship of the one God representing Tawhid as seen in the Al Fatiha, as they move in harmony together around the Kaaba, while fully submitting to God.

• circumambulation of the Kaaba 7 times counter
  clockwise
• inscribed on Kaaba “The first House of Worship
  appointed for men was that at Mecca”
• begins with kissing the black stone
• make takbir prayer
• Tawhid, submission

Question 3

Wuquf

Answer 3

Wuquf is known as the “Stand before God”, Muslim’s perform Wuquf on Arafat which is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, and the second day of Hajj called the day of Arafah. Wuquf lasts from noon until sunset. During Wuquf pilgrims make duaa supplications, and repent for their sins. Arafat is one of the most important places and events on Hajj, as seen in the hadith “Hajj is Arafat”. During Wuquf Muslim’s beg for God’s forgiveness and pray in acknowledge of Tawhid, of God’s complete unity and power. While at Arafat Muslim’s are still in Ihram meaning they are all dressed the same symbolising the absolute and utter devotion to one God further representing Tawhid, it also mirrors Judgement day as seen in the Al Fatiha “Owner of the Day of Judgement” where there is no discrimination of colour, gender or race.

• Mt Arafat
• Known as the stand before God
• 2nd day of Hajj
• 9th day of Dhul Hajj
• noon to sunset
• duaa supplications
• hadith “Hajj is Arafat”
• dressed in Ihram
• Al Fatiha “Owner of the Day of Judgement”

Question 4

conclusion

Answer 4

In conclusion, Hajj represents the key belief of Tawhid as seen in the Al Fatiha “Thee alone we worship; Thee alone we ask for help” through the key moments of Wuquf and Tawaaf, this is through the unity and submission of Tawaf, and the removal of social boundaries in worship of one God in Wuquf.

• Tawhid
• submission to Allah
• Al Fatiha “Thee alone we worship; Thee alone we ask for help”
• Wuquf, Tawaaf