Sawm + Hajj Flashcards
What is Sawm
During the ninth month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours i.e. from sunrise to sunset. The Qur’an says that fasting should start when ‘the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black.’ Surah 2:187
When is Sawm
This is the month when it is believed that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad - the Night of Power or Laylat-ul-Qadr.
Day in Sawm
Muslims usually have a meal before dawn (suhur) during the month of Ramadan.
At the end of the day, they break the fast with a light snack (iftar) before the main meal is eaten. The poor are often invited to share in this evening meal.
Extra acts in Sawm
Muslims also abstain from sexual relations, smoking etc.
They are also supposed to stay away from bad or negative thoughts like lying or gossiping.
They may go to the mosque and say extra special prayers known as Taraweeh which includes reciting a different part of the Qur’an each night. Muslims try and recite the whole of the Qur’an throughout the month of Ramadan.
What is Hajj
Hajj is the last of the Five Pillars for Sunni Muslims and one of the Ten Obligatory Acts for Shi’a Muslims. The word Hajj means ‘to set out for a definite purpose’ and for Muslims this is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia
first stage of Hajj
Pilgrims arrive in Makkah and put on ihram, for men two pieces of unsewn cloth. There are other rules, for example no sex.
It symbolises equality, single-mindedness and purity
second stage
They recite the Talbiyah prayer, ‘Here I am Lord, here I am…..’ over and over again.
third stage
They circle the Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Makkah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction - tawaf. Muslims try and kiss the Black Stone as they circle the Kaaba
fourth stage
They run between the two hills Safa and Marwa seven times - sa’y as a re-enactment of Hagar’s desperate search for water for her son, Ishma’il
fifth stage
They collect water from the Zamzam well before travelling to Mina where they spend the night.
sixth stage
After dawn prayers at Mina, Muslims will travel to the Plain of Arafat where they will say midday prayers facing Makkah. This is the most important stage of Hajj
seventh stage
Many Muslims climb the Mount of Mercy.
eight stage
Pilgrims jog to Muzdalifah where they gather 49 stones. Then they travel to Mina where they throw seven stones at the three pillars - the ‘Stoning of Iblis’.
ninth stage
Pilgrims sacrifice an animal and they roast and eat the meat At least a third is given away to those who cannot afford it. This is known as Id-ul-Adha and Muslims all around the world join in this festival.
Male pilgrims shave their heads and women will cut a small lock of hair.
Most Muslims will return to the Sacred Mosque and perform a final tawaf around the Kaaba.
Importance of Hajj
It enables a pilgrim to become more God-conscious - taqwa
It can lead to inner peace as the pilgrim has confessed her/his sins.
It can remind them that they must not give into temptations in the future and helps them prepare for the Day of Judgement.
It helps develop self-discipline
It gives them a sense of achievement
