HAJJ the 5th pillar of Islam

The Kaaba The area around Mecca is known as the haram ( sacred precinct) it includes Muzdalifa, Arafat and Mina. It’s boundaries called Miqat are clearly marked and non-Muslims are not allowed inside them. Al-masjid al-haram is the sacred mosque and now encloses the two hills Safa and Marwa, with the Kaaba in the centre. The Kaaba contains the black stone – al-hajar al-aswad which is believed to be a piece of meteorite and on the north west side is a low detached semi circular wall called hatim. It encloses al-hijr which is believed to be the burial palce of Hagar and Ishmael. According to tradition Prophet was asleep inside the hatim when the angel Gabriel awoke him to take him on the night journey.

THE METHOD OF HAJJ The method and regulations of Hajj is set out in a simple, point-by-point format that will make it very easy for the ordinary person to understand this magnificent pillar of Islam.

MEEQAT For the person intending to enter Makkah it is not permissible to cross certain sacred boundaries called Meeqat, without being in the state of Ihraam. Ihraam is not simply the wearing of two towels it is a state or condition where certain actions are prohibited e.g. removing hair, using any perfume or scent etc

Meeqat Map

Hajj Map

5 DAYS OF HAJJ 8 Zul-Hijjah in Mina 1. Before or after Fajr Salah, don Ihraam for Hajj 2. After donning Ihraam, leave for Mina any time after Fajr Salah. 3. 5 Salah to be performed at Mina (Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Fajr) and balance of time to be spent profitably in acts of Ibaadah.

Mina is a location situated some 5 kilometres to the east of the holy city of Makkah

9 Zul-Hijjah (Yawmul-Arafah – Day of Arafah) 1. Leave for Arafah early morning after Fajr Salah. 2. It is compulsory in Hajj to spend even few moment in Arafah after midday till Sunset. 3. Pray, especially close to sunset. 4. Do not leave Arafah before sunset.

‘Arafah (a large plain to the south-east of Makkah)

Muzdalifah Night After sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah. 2. Stay overnight at Muzdalifah. 3. Read Fajr early. Remain at Muzdalifah till before sunrise (wajib). Then proceed to Mina.

Muzdalifah is an open, level area near Makkah Muzdalifah is an open, level area near Makkah. It lies just southeast of Mina on the route between Mina and Arafah.

10 Zul Hijjah (Eidul-Adha) 1. Pelting of the pillar 2. Sacrifice of an animal 3. Shaving of the hair (males only) 4. Tawaafuz-Ziyarah ( going around the Kabah)

Pelting the pillars: The ritual re-enacts Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) pilgrimage to Makkah . The aim is to imitate Ibrahim (peace be upon him), when Iblees (Satan) appeared to him in that place to instil confusion in his mind or tempt him to sin, and Allaah commanded him to throw stones at him so as to drive him away and dash his hopes.

11 Zul Hijjah & 12 Zul-Hijjah Pelting of all three Pillars at any time after midday till sunset. Hajj is now complete.

TAWAAFUL-WIDAA Farewell round around the Kabah Before leaving for home do this Tawaaf

Stage of Hajj History Theology Ihram To show that everyone is equal and when they meet God they will only be wearing a plain ihram. Circling the ka’bah Adam built the house of God (Kabah) and was ordered to circle it like the angels did. Reminds them of angels circling God’s throne Touching the black stone Put there by Abraham, and was originally white but turned black by the touch of sinners Swears allegiance to God as though He was taking his right hand The sai between safa and marwah When Hagar went to an fro from the hills to prevent Ishmael from dying from thirst Reminds a Muslim of the scales on judgement day of good deeds and bad deeds. Stoning at mina Abraham was ordered to stone the devil when he appeared and after 3 times the devil withdrew. Letting out your anger onto the devil Arafat Abraham and Gabriel arrived at Arafat and he was asked if he knew what to do and he said ‘I know’ (arif) Like a taster of what it will be like on judgement day Sacrifice God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son and at the last minute it is replaced with a sheep. God doesn’t require the blood and flesh of animals but rather the piety of those that sacrifice them (sura 22v37)