1. The Hajj

2. Studies of Religion Syllabus
describe ONE significant practice within Islam -
Hajj
demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Islam
analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Muslim community

4. From the Qur’an
“those who can make their way there.”

6. What are the five pillars?
They are the framework
of the Muslim life:
Shahada - declaration of faith,
Salat - daily prayer,
Zakat – obligatory almsgiving
Sawm – fasting , and
Hajj the pilgrimage to Makka for those who are able.

7. What is Hajj? Hajj is the fifth basic duty of Islam
Hajj is a visit to the Ka’ba in Makka.
Hajj is an act of worship to Allah
A Muslim tries to make pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

10. The Hajj
The annual pilgrimage to Makka - the Hajj - is an obligation for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. About two million people go to Makka each year providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar,) so that the Hajj and Ramadan fall at different times of the calendar year. The Hajj takes place during the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar "Dhul-Hijjah“ two months and ten days after Ramadan ends and culminates with Id al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

11. Background to Hajj
The symbolism of Hajj goes way back to Adam, the first man.
The story begins with a small mountain in the plain of Arafat which is known as the Mount of Mercy.
It was here Adam and Eve were forgiven for their sins.
For Muslims to be on that mountain on one of the days of Hajj is important and a main part of the Hajj ritual.

12. Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet lbrahim (Abraham) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allah to build the Ka’ba - the House of Allah - along with his son Ismail at Makka. The rites are elaborate, numerous and various.

14. Hajj at a Glance First Day:
Put on ihram, and declare one’s intention of performing Hajj. Perform tawaf of the Ka'ba and sa’y, if not performed earlier and leave for Mina early in the morning. Stay overnight in Mina. This day is known as the day of reflection.
Second Day:
Go to Arafat, stand here until sunset, praying and asking God for forgiveness. In the evening move to Muzdalifah, rest there at night & collect small pebbles for stoning in Mina. This day is known as the day of standing.
Third Day:
Go to Mina and throw small stones at the Jamra pillars. Offer sacrifice and have the hair shaved or trimmed. Go to Makka perform tawaf then return to Mina. This day is known as the day of sacrifice.

15. Fourth day:
Stay in Mina and throw pebbles at Jamra pillars. This day and the next two days are known as ‘the days of drying meat.’
Fifth day:
Stay in Mina and throw pebbles at Jamra pillars. Return the same day to Makka and perform Tawaf, then drink the water of Zamzam. This ends the Hajj.

17. Some Muslims are not able to undertake the pilgrimage themselves due to poor health, a lack of financial means or unexpected and unavoidable circumstances. In these cases Muslims believe that the intention will suffice. This intention is known as "niyyah"

18. Before the Hajj those attending must
Redress all wrongs
Pay all debts
Have enough funds for the journey and
For the maintenance of the family in their absence
Prepare for good conduct throughout the Hajj

20. Day 1

22. There is an imaginary boundary around Makka
There is an imaginary boundary around Makka. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. The pilgrim changes into Ihram and pronounces the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah.

23. All acts of worship are preceded by a proclamation of Niyyah or intent.
O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Make it easy for me and accept it from me. I make the niyyah for Hajj and enter into the state of Ihram for the sake of Allah alone, the Most High.

26. Putting on Ihram
The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj. It consists of two pieces of white, un-sewn and plain cloth. One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body.
For women, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday wear constitute their Ihram. Many women choose to wear white.

27. The Ihram refers both to the garment and to the rites which will be performed by the pilgrim. There is no distinction nor personal promotion: true totality and universality is demonstrated. Pilgrims wear simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah.

28. The ihram is a symbol of purity and of the renunciation of evil and mundane matters. It also indicates the equality of all people in the eyes of God. When the pilgrim wears his white apparel, he or she enters into a state of purity with a number of prohibitions. A pilgrim starts the hajj from the moment the ihram is put on.

29. The following acts are forbidden:
Cutting hair,
shaving any part of the body,
clipping nails,
using cologne,
killing or hunting animals,
sexual intercourse,
marriage proposals
marriage contracts.

30. The Ka'ba, the focal point of Muslims' prayers, highlights the unity of the believers. Symbol of the oneness and centrality of God, the Ka'ba stands in the courtyard of Makka's Sacred Mosque where in the season of the hajj the faithful gather for rituals that precede and end their pilgrimage.

31. The Ka’ba is the holiest place in Islam.

32. What is the Ka’ba?
The Ka’ba is the house of Allah in the city of Makka in Saudi Arabia
It is a large cube-shaped building covered with a large black cloth, with gold Arabic calligraphy
Muslims must face towards the Ka’ba at the time of prayer..

33. The Ka'ba is the place of worship which Allah commanded Ibrahim and Ismail to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Ibrahim to summon all humanity to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say 'At Thy service, O Lord', in response to Ibrahim's summons.

34. Who built the Ka'ba? It was built by the first prophet Adam
It was rebuilt by the Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail
It is the first house built on earth to worship Allah and has been made larger over the years.

35. The Ka’ba is considered to be the first shrine built by humans to honour God.

36. It is towards the Ka’ba that Muslims all over the world pray five times a day.

37. All the time people stand before the Ka’ba in prayer.
For Muslims it is a high point in their lives.
Many have been saving up for a long time.
Many will never be able to afford to make the trip again.

38. Reciting Talbiyah
A devotional recital of the following words by the pilgrim during Hajj.
Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am, Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partner. Thine alone is all Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is the Sovereignty. Thou hast no partner.

39. Tawaf
Tawaf is the devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka'ba while reciting prayers. One complete circuit around the Ka'ba constitutes a shawt and seven ashwat complete one Tawaf.

40. The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the pilgrim's conviction that he/she intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah. The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the Ihram, and continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj. Male pilgrims are required to recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it in low voice.

41. On one of the corners of the Ka’ba is the Black Stone.
Muslims believe the Black Stone was given to Ibrahim and placed here by Muhammad himself.
Each pilgrim hopes to kiss it before starting seven complete circuits of the Ka’ba.

42. The Ka’ba is draped by a huge black embroidered cloth called the Kiswah.
The Kiswah is replaced every year for the Hajj.
It is decorated in gold with verses from the Qur’an.

44. The walkway connects the two hills of al-Safa and al-Marwa.
After completing the circuits of the Ka’ba, the pilgrims head for a covered walkway.
The walkway connects the two hills of al-Safa and al-Marwa.
This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, during her search for water for her infant son Ismail after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim.
Pilgrims pass the route seven times.
Safa and Marwah are small knolls located 200 and 150 metres from the Ka'ba

45. Hajar’s Thirst
This ritual centred on the tradition of Hajar and Ismail’s wandering in the desert looking for water
Hajar ran back and forth between the hills of al Safa and al Marwa looking for water
The angel Jibril appeared and showed her a spring known as the well of Zamzam The spring became the water supply for desert travellers
The city of Makka came to be built at the location
This is an example of the providence of Allah, coming to the aid of Hajar and Ismail at the greatest time of need
This ritual symbolises the search for the things of true and lasting value and the realisation that Allah will provide all that is needed
Pilgrims take water from the well of Zamzam to drink and to take home with them
Some dip their clothes in the water then keep them to use as burial shrouds

47. Going to Mina
The Pilgrim goes to Mina, a desert location The pilgrim must perform the daily prayers in Mina. The pilgrim must stay overnight in Mina, perform the Fajr prayer and leave after sunrise

48. Huge walkways have been built to accommodate the vast numbers of pilgrims.

50. Completion of the First Day.
This completes the first Day of Hajj, also known as the Day of Tarwiyah.

51. Day 2

53. Going to Arafah
After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah, a desert location approximately fifteen kilometres from Makka. Pilgrims don't have to get crowded on the Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any place WITHIN the boundaries of Arafah.

54. Upon the Mount of Mercy Muhammad preached his last sermon.

55. Praying in Arafah
After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim offers prayers. Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the pilgrim may never see it again.

58. The Stand Before Allah
This is the central moment of the Hajj
It takes place at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafah people stand from midday until sunset in a state of meditation
This is known as the "wuquf" or the standing before Allah.
Pilgrims meditate, pray and concentrate their thoughts on Allah during the stand
The pilgrims then climb the Mount of Mercy where a sermon is preached
The pilgrims spend the night in thanksgiving

59. Pilgrims seek the forgiveness of their sins and experience the beginning of a new life Sincere repentance as part of the Hajj wipes away all past sin and allows the Muslim pilgrim to feel totally cleansed and free from past transgression This means a new start and a great sense of peace and wellbeing in perfect surrender to Allah

62. Leaving
After sunset, the pilgrim departs for a desert location, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.
The pilgrim spends the night here.

63. Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah
The pilgrim offers prayers and stays out in the open at Muzdalifah.

64. Collecting Pebbles
The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing.

65. Completion of Second Day
Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina.

66. Day 3

68. Going to Mina
Due to the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim must remain calm, avoid pushing people, and must be respectful to others.

69. The Feast of Sacrifice
The day after the stand before Allah is the day of sacrifice "Id-ul-Adha" a major festival of the Muslim calendar
It commemorates the time when Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail and overcame the temptations of the devil
It involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal calling to mind the Ibrahim's surrender to Allah in resisting the temptations of the devil and being prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail
Ibrahim was visited by the devil as he set out for Mina in obedience to Allah

70. The devil argued powerfully that Ibrahim did not need to sacrifice Ismail
Ibrahim, however, remained faithful to Allah and continued on his way to offer Ismail as sacrifice only to be stopped by Allah at the last moment.
Sacrifice symbolises the preparedness of Muslims to sacrifice all personal needs, wants and aspirations in service of Allah
A Muslim's life is totally at the service of Allah even to the cost of one's own life if necessary

71. Sacrificing an Animal
A sacrifice or Nahr is now required for the pilgrim performing the hajj. The choice of the animal is either a sheep, or 1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other people.
The pilgrim can slaughter him/herself or appoint someone to do it on his/her behalf.
One third of the meat can be consumed, one third offered as a gift and one third distributed to the poor people.

72. This rite is associated with Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in accordance with God's wish. It symbolises the Muslim's willingness to part with what is precious to him, and reminds us of the spirit of Islam, in which submission to God's will plays a leading role. This act also reminds the pilgrim to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate, and serves as an offer of thanksgiving to God.

73. Cutting Hair
The pilgrim may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change into everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. For women, trimming a finger tip's length is required.
At this point in time, the regulations for Ihram no longer apply except that the pilgrim can not have conjugal relations with his/her spouse. This is known as at-Tahalul al-Asghar, or a partial ending of the state of Ihram.

75. Celebrating Eidul-Adha
Muslims around the world celebrate this special occasion.
EID-AL-ADHA is celebrated on the tenth day of Zul-hijjah, the 12th and the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a very joyous day; it is a feast of self-sacrifice, commitment and obedience to Allah.

76. Going to Makka
The pilgrim proceeds to Makka.

77. Performing Tawaf al-Ifadah
The pilgrim performs the Tawaf al-Ifadah after taking off the Ihram and changing into everyday clothes and before returning to Mina for pebble throwing.

78. Maqam Ibrahim
The step-stone used by the Prophet Ibrahim during the original construction of the Ka'ba. The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in a glass enclosure on the North side of the Ka'ba. After completing the Tawaf, it is good to pray behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible

79. Drinking from Zamzam
After completing the prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim may visit the Zamzam area and drink from the water.

80. Returning to Mina
The pilgrim returns to Mina and stays there for throwing the pebbles

81. Day 4

83. Performing Prayers in Mina
Back in Mina, the pilgrim performs all of the daily prayers,.
The minimum stay in Mina should exceed most of the night. Otherwise, the pilgrim is required to make a sacrifice. This is one of the best opportunities to acquire knowledge from the scholars on duty.

84. Throwing Pebbles
The pilgrim stones the Jamra al-Kubra. Stoning the pillar symbolises stoning the devil. the pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamra's fence.
The Jamra al-Kubra is the closest to Makka. While throwing the stones, the pilgrim recites Bismillah, Allah-u-Akbar with each pebble. Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones at the Jamras in Mina on behalf of them.

85. Stoning the Jamras
The pilgrim stones the First Jamra, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days.

86. Throwing at the First Jamra
Scene from the first stone pillar in the line, also known as the small one.
Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting prayers

87. Throwing at Second Jamra
Scene from the second stone pillar in the line, also known as the Middle One.

88. Throwing at Third Jamra
Scene from the third stone pillar in the line, also known as the Big one and the al-Aqaba.

89. Stoning of the Pillars
Rejection of the temptation of the devil is symbolised by pilgrims in hurling stones at the pillars (Jamras) at Mina
Pillars represent the places where Ibrahim resisted the temptations and stoned the devil
Ritual stoning symbolises rejection of temptation and surrender to Allah

90. Staying in Mina
The pilgrim should stay in Mina until Midnight.

91. Day 5

93. Stoning the Jamras
On the 12th of Thul-Hijjah, the same procedures as the 11th take place. The pilgrim stones the The first Jamra, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days.

95. Throwing the pebbles is symbolic of humans' attempt to cast away evil and vice, not once but seven times - the number seven symbolising infinity.

96. The pebbles are thrown at three pillars to symbolically stone Satan and thereby reject him.

97. Pilgrims return to Makka after completing the stoning.

98. Tawaf al-Wada
This is the farewell Tawaf that a pilgrim performs just before leaving Makka. It is the same as other Tawaf, going in 7 circuits, starting from the Black Stone line.

99. Circling of the Ka'ba
Circling of the Ka’ba expresses obedience and submission to the will of Allah
Pilgrims circle the Ka’ba indicating their obedience to the call to complete the Hajj
The preparedness undertake the Hajj symbolises a Muslim’s submission to Allah
Sums up the essence of Islam
Conveys in the deepest sense the purpose of the Hajj

100. While making their circuits pilgrims may kiss the Black Stone
While making their circuits pilgrims may kiss the Black Stone. This oval stone, first mounted in a silver frame late in the seventh century, has a special place in the hearts of Muslims as, according to tradition, it is the sole remnant of the original structure built by Ibrahim and Ismail. Perhaps the single most important reason for kissing the stone is that the Prophet did so.

101. Departing from Makka
This completes the Hajj journey. It is recommended to leave Makka as soon as the pilgrim completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim also asks Allah to accept the rituals and promises to abide by the divine commands.
Having completed the hajj Muslims are entitled to take the name Hajji or Hajjah.

103. Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever goes to Hajj without obscenity he or she will be forgiven as a new-born."
Another Hadith states:
"A Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise”

112. How the Hajj expresses the beliefs of Islam
The essence of Islam is surrender to Allah which is epitomised in undertaking the Hajj which captures the desire and commitment to surrender fully to Allah
The Hajj requires sacrifice, commitment and the appropriate inner disposition on the part of the pilgrim
The rituals relate to a number of important encounters between Allah and humankind in ancient times

113. In undertaking the Hajj pilgrims are seeking to emulate the extent of submission displayed by their ancestors in these ancient times
The restoration of Adam and Eve and Allah's forgiveness after their disobedience Submission of Ibrahim in being willing to sacrifice Ismail
The provision of the Zamzam spring for Hajar and Ismail in the desert

114. The ritual actions of the Hajj are based on these significant moments of encounter with Allah
The core beliefs of Islam are expressed and affirmed in undertaking these rituals

116. The significance of the Hajj for the individual
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam
Requirement to undertake the Hajj
Pillars of Islam are considered as foundational to Islam
They guide the Muslim in the way of submission to the will of Allah
Submission to Allah is the essence of Islam
Hard to overstate its significance for the individual Muslim
The devout Muslim will undertake the Hajj in obedience to the Qur'an
In order to more perfectly submit themselves to the will of Allah

117. Undertaking the Hajj is one of the important elements for Muslims to submit more fully and more perfectly to Allah
Hajj requires demanding preparations
Involves practical elements as well as preparing a proper inner disposition
Considerable practical demands on the person undertaking the Hajj
The physical demands of the Hajj itself are challenging to all pilgrims
Devout Muslims will also undergo an inner or spiritual preparation

118. To undertake the Hajj without the appropriate attitude or disposition would be to render the experience useless in terms of its spiritual value
Therefore the devout Muslim will ensure that he or she is spiritually prepared for the Hajj before undertaking the pilgrimage
The magnitude of the preparations for the Hajj highlight its significance for the individual Muslim
Also involves testing of personal resolve and commitment involved in undertaking the Hajj
Elements of the Hajj centre on the act of rejection of the devil and remaining faithful in submission to Allah
Muslims required to overcome a number of challenges to their resolve and commit themselves seriously to undertaking the Hajj

119. Muslims required to overcome a number of challenges to their resolve and commit themselves seriously to undertaking the Hajj
Experience of the international community of Islam is another element of significance
Profound and overwhelming sense of the diversity of Islam
Also an experience of the unity of the Muslim world
In Islam there is no distinction between people
No place for racism or prejudice
Muslim pilgrim experiences these elements of Islam in a profound and powerful way

121. The significance of the Hajj for the community
Public statement about submission to Allah
Inspiration to others
Edification of the Muslim community
Witness to the principles of international and multiracial harmony
Event of epic proportions with considerable media coverage throughout the world
Essentially the Hajj is an expression of submission to Allah
Essentially undertaken by individuals yet involves the community in many ways Community is involved with the preparation of the pilgrims before they leave

122. Community involved in supporting family member of the pilgrim
Special times of prayer during Hajj
Festival of Id-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice
Source of inspiration to others in the community
Connection of the community provides an additional element of spiritual and community focus during the time of the Hajj
Provides a means to strengthen and deepen community life.

123. Witness to the international and interracial harmony which is integral to the Hajj Muslims gather from all corners of the world to undertake the Hajj
Provide a powerful witness to both the unity and diversity of the Muslim community throughout the world.
All races and nationalities can come together with tolerance and respect in a display of racial harmony No place for discrimination on the basis of race
Also shows the unifying power of Islam in being able to bring so many people of so many ethnic backgrounds together in a common act of submission to Allah.

125. Glossary al-Fajr- 2 obligatory prayers between dawn and sunrise
al-Zuhr- 4 obligatory early afternoon prayers
al-’Asr 4 obligatory prayers of late afternoon
al-Maghrib – 3 obligatory prayers after the sun goes below the horizon
al-’Isha 4 obligatory prayers at night
Umra – lesser Hajj at Makka

126.
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