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Flashcards in Hajj Deck (13)
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1
Q

Description of Hajj

A
  • Means to ‘set out for a definitive purpose’
  • pilgrimage to holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, to the shrine of the Kaaba
  • only during the 8th and 13th days of the last month - Dhul- Hijjah
2
Q

Who is exempt?

A
  • if a Muslim is physically unable
  • if they do not have the financial resources to go
    Otherwise it’s compulsory
3
Q

Titles of completors of Hajj

A

Men - hajji, women - hajja

4
Q

What is Ihram?

A

State of holiness required before starting Hajj. For men, two piece of unsewn white cloth worn, instead of everyday clothes.

5
Q

Requirements of Ihram

A
  • wash their bodies fully, or perform wudu before arrival at Mecca
  • men must wear special clothing called Ihram - reminder of entire focus on worship to Allah, disconnecting from everyday lives
  • simple dress = symbolic of humility before Allah
  • every Muslim on Hajj takes on an equal status
  • no sex because it takes focus away from Allah
  • recital of the Talbiyah prayer.
6
Q

What are the stages of Mecca?

A

In Mecca, Sa’y, Arafat, Mina

7
Q

In Mecca

A
  • say a prayer of intent, the niyyah
  • begin pilgrimage in the holy mosque
  • pilgrims visit the Kaaba, as Muhammad did in his final visit to Mecca
  • in an act of drawing closer to Allah, pilgrims circle Kaaba 7 times in anti-clockwise direction (tawaf) + recite a verse from the Qur’an
  • demonstration of Muslim unity + desire to worship Allah
  • then move to the Station of Ibrahim to pray
8
Q

Sa’y - the running

A
  • the running between 2 hills: As-Safa and Al-Marwa
  • Muslims will move 7 times between the 2 hills as a re-enactment of Hagar’s search for water
  • Hagar when she was left alone in the desert with her son, Ismail. The spring Ismail created can be visited at the well of Zamzam.
9
Q

Arafat

A
  • after dawn prayer at Mina, Muslims travel to the Mount of Mercy at the plain of Arafat
  • pilgrims must be there from midday to dusk on 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah
  • face towards the Kaaba, like Muhammad did
  • pilgrims stand before Allah and plead for the forgiveness of their sins - one of the most important rituals on Hajj
  • Muslims then move onto Muzdalifah, where they will complete sunset and night prayers.
10
Q

Mina

A
  • ‘Stoning of Iblis’ takes place: 3 pillars which represent Iblis - pilgrims throw 7 stones at each of the pillars over the 3 days. Recalls the time when Allah tells Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
  • drive Iblis away by throwing stones - demonstrates their own rejection of evil and Iblis. Symbolises desire to withstand any temptations + to remain faithful to Allah
  • (ones who can afford) offer an animal sacrifice - roast and eat the meat. 1/3 is given away to pilgrims who cannot afford to make their own sacrifice.
11
Q

Mina (continued)

A
  • sacrifice is a further reminder of Allah’s provision of a sacrificial ram for Ibrahim in place of his son
  • Muslims recognise what Allah has provided them - can develop an even greater sense of humility
  • Muslims around the world will also participate since they celebrate Id-Ul-Adha.
12
Q

Effect of hajj

A
  • May be a greater sense of ummah
  • closeness to Allah they have felt during this time will encourage and leave them with a lasting sense of awe.
  • relief of their weight of sin - may drive them on to being more obedient in everyday life
  • will be joyous at completing hajj as commanded by Allah + more certain of their place in paradise after death.
13
Q

Key quote: prayer of intent: the niyyah

A

‘O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept from me.’