ISLAM - SPILOA - one significant practice within islam.

Question 1

What is the Hajj

Answer 1

The last of the five pillars of islam all of which are regarded as fundamental for every muslim

A week long pilgrimage to mecca performed 2 months and 10 days after the holy month of Ramadan in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar

Every muslim adherent must perform the hajj at least once in their life, unless physically or financially unable to and in that case the intention to perform hajj or “niyyah” will suffice

Obligatory act in islam and so it is classified as fard

It is a physical journey and spiritual experience

Pilgrims reaanct significant incidents in the lives of their prophets at the sitr associated with them

Question 2

what is the purpose of hajj

Answer 2

o The purpose of hajj is threefold, it is about

1. submitting to Allah
2. unifying the community (umma)
3. cleansing oneself by overcoming temptations

Question 3

the rituals of hajj

Answer 3

o Putting on ihram, (2 piece white cloth)
o Circumambulating the ka’bah seven times
o A fast walk between safa and marwa near ka’bah
o Visiting and staying at mina, Arafat and muzdalifa
o Throwing pebbles at three fixed places in mina
o Shaving or trimming hair
o Sacrifice of an animal which is distributed to the poor

Question 4

Performing Umrah

Answer 4

Pilgrims usually arrive one or two weeks before the actual start date of hajj and perform their umrah

Umrah consists of getting into a state of ihram, making tawaf (circumambulation) around the ka’bah and doing sa’y (walking seven times between safa and mount marwa)

After the completion, the pilgrims can get out of the state of ihram by shaving/cutting their hair (males), having a shower and wearing normal clothes.

Pilgrims now wait for the acutal days of hajj to begin and spend this free-time visiting historical sites, mosques, engaging in more tawaf of the ka’bah, praying and reasing the Qu’ran

Question 5

the state of Ihram

Answer 5

o Makes the intention to enter a spiritual status (religious purity with restrictions)
o Stimulates the day of judgement when the masses will gather in one place wearing only a two pieced garment, develops a sense of equality.
o Males wear 2 white cloths, with no stitching or seams.
o Women wear plain garments without covering the face, hands or feet, sandals are worn.
o All adherents are equal regardless of status, equality in the eyes of god
o Prohibitions: no perfumes, cutting hair or nails, slaughter of animals, sex and men wearing stitching, they are in a state of spiritual purity – they have piety in their heart.

Question 6

the practice of tawaf

Answer 6

o Circumambulation the ka’bah is known as ‘tawaf’.
o It’s a counter-clockwise direction and expenses unity among Muslims, circling of earth around the sun, the moon around the earth linked to the environment, you are working to move towards getting rid of personal misgivings, realising your wrong
o Pilgrims glofiy by going around the ka’bah as though saying “just as we are circling the one and only ka’bah the oldest place of worship on earth, we only obey you the absolute one worthy of worship”
o They say a prayer Talbiyah,
o Built by Abraham and Ishmael

Question 7

performing the sa’y

Answer 7

(WALKING BETWEEN SAFA AND MARWA)

o Imitates Hagar struggle for water, well of Zamzam.
o Consists of 7 laps between two hills and allows for an appreciation for Hagar’s struggle and determination
o Sa’y in Arabic means to walk quickly
o Situated to the north and south of the ka’bah
o There are 4 levels, for safety reasons there is a starting point with a green light, brisk pace and break.
o Is it difficult and requires physical fitness

Question 8

rituals of hajj - 8th of dhul hijjah

Answer 8

o The actual hajj begins of the dhul hijjah, mina
o Pilgrims re-enter into the state of ihram and proceed to mina where they stay the night
o Tent city- food and medical stations are provided, there is a carpet, air conditioning and fans
o The site is for pilgrims only