ISLAM: Practises Flashcards
What is Hajj?
An annual pilgrimage to Mecca performed at least once in their lifetime.
An expression of one devoting themselves to Allah.
What happens in the preparatory stage of Hajj?
Ihram (state of purity) - involves placing themselves in an appropriate disposition or attitude.
Clothing - normal clothing is replaced by a simple ensemble of two white cloths.
What happens upon arrival at Mecca?
Talbiyah - a prayer muslims say repeatedly on arrival.
What is Tawaf?
Pilgrims go to the Ka’bah and encircle it seven times.
What happens on the journey to Mina?
Undertaken on the 8th day.
Pebbles are hurled at pillars to symbolise the rejection of the devil.
What happens on Mount Arafat?
Pilgrims stand from midday until sunset in a state of meditation (closest place to Allah on Earth).
Offering of sacrifice: Id-ul-Adha
They offer the required sacrifice of an animal.
Men have their heads shaved and women are required to cut their hair by at least 2.5 cm.
How does the stand before Allah express Tawhid (oneness of Allah)?
Pilgrims seek the forgiveness of their sins and experience the beginning of a new life.
All pilgrims are in a state of ihram with complete dedication and submission to Allah.
How does the sacrifice express the beliefs of Tawihd?
Sacrifice symbolises the preparedness of Muslims to sacrifice all personal needs and wants in service of Allah.
How does Hagar’s thirst express Al-Quadr (Predestination)?
Hagar ran back and forth between the two hills looking for water.
The angel Jibril appeared and showed her a spring.
The ultimate realisation is that that Allah will provide all that is needed for each person; fate is in his hands.
How does Hajj express the belief of Akhira?
Simulates the way each individual will be held accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgement.
Pilgrims want to be cleansed of sin so they will be sent to Jannah.
What is the significance of Hajj to the community?
Creates feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood - gathering at the same place to do the same thing.
Unifying power of Islam - bring different races together in a common act of submission to Allah.
Provides a means to strengthen and deepen community life.
What is the significance of Hajj for the individual?
Brings pilgrim closer to Allah.
Increases gratitude to God - see a lot of poorer people at Hajj than themselves.
Reminder of the Day of Judgement and that here-on-after, they must live out a good life
