One significant practice in Islam - Hajj

The five pillars: arkan al-islam

Within Islam, the practice of the faith is supported by five pillars. These pillars, known as
arkan al-islam (the pillars of Islam) are activities and beliefs which are regarded as
foundational for all who follow Islam. Each of the pillars requires both an internal or
spiritual commitment together with an outward action or sign.
Hajj: pilgrimage to Makkah
The fifth pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage or hajj! Every devout Muslim male will desire
to make the pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime. or those who live
nearby it may be possible to make the pilgrimage on a number of occasions. !owever, for
most Muslims it is a once in a lifetime e"perience and some need to save for most of their
lives in order to perform the ha##.
"urpose of Hajj
The word $ha##$ means to embark on a journe# with a purpose. The purpose is essentially
to visit the $a%&ah in Makkah and worship on Mount 'rafat. The pilgrimage takes
place during the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar $%hul&!i##ah$.
(hallenge of organisation
The organisation of the hajj is an enormous challenge both for the individuals undertaking
the pilgrimage and for those in 'audi (rabia responsible for organising it. The individual
not only needs to provide for their own needs on the pilgrimage but they also need to
provide for the needs of their famil# while the# are awa#.
or the organisers in 'audi (rabia the ha## is an enormous e"ercise in logistics. )ver a
million people gather annually in 'audi (rabia for the ha##. Those undertaking the ha## are
organised into groups under the guidance of an e)perienced hajj guide who is able to
ensure that the proper protocols are followed!
%espite the degree of organisation and the e"pertise of the ha## leaders, there is an
inevitable element of chaos with such a large gathering. *et despite the heat, the logistical
difficulties and enormous crowd there is a great sense of communit# and goodwill among
the pilgrims which readily outweighs the difficulties encountered.
'ttitude of pilgrims
The ha## is an event for Muslims onl#* tourists are not allowed to attend. It is e"pected that
the pilgrims who attend will be people with the maturit# and soundness of mind to
understand the significance of what they are undertaking. ' certain degree of ph#sical
fitness is e)pected in order to manage the physical demands of the pilgrimage.
Intention known as ni##ah$
'ome Muslims are not a&le to undertake the pilgrimage themselves due to poor health*
a lack of financial means or une)pected and unavoida&le circumstances. In these cases
Muslims believe that the intention will suffice. This intention, known as ni##ah is an
important element. Muslims believe that 'llah judges them on their intentions providing
that their efforts are sincere. Therefore someone who is genuinely unable to perform the
ha## need not feel that they are failing in their religious duty.
+#m&olic pilgrimage
In some instances, Muslims who are not a&le to perform the hajj seek to join the
pilgrims in a s#m&olic wa# by pa#ing for someone else to attend in their place or giving
to charit# the money that they have saved for the ha##. In the case of paying for someone
else to attend in their place there is a restriction that this person must already have
performed the ha## on their own behalf.
"rescri&ed rituals
There are various prescri&ed aspects undertaken by pilgrims performing the ha##. The
preparation phase of the ha## takes place outside of Makkah. This preparatory stage
involves placing themselves in an appropriate disposition or attitude. This involves a
deliberate and conscious striving towards a state of purit#. This attitude is known as
ihram! (s a sign of their preparedness all normal clothing is replaced by a simple
ensemble of two white cloths, one worn around the waist, the other draped over the left
shoulder. Women wear a plain garment covering all but their hands, their feet and their
face.
'rrival in Makkah
(s the pilgrim arrives in Makkah they begin to repeatedly pray the pra#er known as
tal&i#ah which is in the form of a response to the call to perform the ha##. Immediately
upon arriving in Makkah pilgrims go to the $a%&ah and encircle it seven times. This
encircling is known as tawaf!
"rocession
The ne"t event to follow is the procession known as the sa%#! This procession takes
place between 'afa and Marwah and is completed seven times. This procession is based on
the +u,ranic tradition of !a#ar,s search for water in the desert.
,ourne# to Mina
The ne"t part of the ha## involves a #ourney to Mina which is undertaken on the - th day of
the month of %hul&!i##ah. In Mina pe&&les are hurled at pillars to symbolise the
rejection of the devil and all works of evil.
Mount 'rafat
(fter camping in Mina the #ourney continues to Mount 'rafat. )n the plain of (rafat
people stand from midda# until sunset in a state of meditation This is known as the
wu-uf or the standing &efore 'llah. The pilgrims then climb Mount (rafat where a
sermon is preached.
The pilgrimage continues, however, to Mina via Mu.dalifah where night pra#er is held
together with a ritual stoning of the devil. )n the morning of /0 %hul&!i##ah the pilgrims
stand before dawn in a brief repetition of the wu-uf before moving on towards Mina as
the sun begins to rise.
Offering of sacrifice
In Mina the pilgrims camp for three da#s while offering the required sacrifice of an
animal for Id-ul-'dha. (fter this, men have their heads shaved and women are required
to cut their hair by at least 1.2 cm.
The ha## then returns to Makkah for another encircling of the $a%&ah as the final event
of the pilgrimage. !aving completed the ha## Muslims are entitled to take the name Hajji
or Hajjah.
How the Hajj e)presses the &eliefs of Islam
+urrender to 'llah
The essence of Islam is surrender to (llah. This surrender is epitomised in undertaking the
!a##. or Muslims this pilgrimage captures their desire and their commitment to surrender
themselves fully to (llah.
The !a## requires considerable sacrifice and commitment on the part of the pilgrim and
this assists them to attain the appropriate inner disposition of surrender.
.)amples of su&mission
The rituals associated with the !a## relate to a number of important encounters between
(llah and humankind in ancient times. These encounters are foundational in understanding
the relationship between (llah and humanity and Muslims undertaking the !a## are seeking
to emulate the e"tent of submission displayed by their ancestors in these ancient times.
/orgiveness and restoration
These encounters include the restoration of 'dam and .ve and (llah,s forgiveness after
their disobedience, the su&mission of I&rahim in being willing to sacrifice Isma,il and the
provision of the 3am.am spring for !a#ar and Isma,il in the desert.
The ritual actions of the Hajj are based on these significant moments of encounter with
(llah and the core &eliefs of Islam are e"pressed and affirmed in undertaking these rituals.
The +tand 0efore 'llah: 1u-uf
The stand or the stand &efore 'llah known as wu-uf is the central moment of the !a##.
4ilgrims gather at the Mount of Merc# on the plain of (rafat near Mina on 5 %hul&!i##ah.
The stand takes place from midda# until sunset. 4ilgrims meditate, pray and concentrate
their thoughts on (llah during the stand.
( sermon is preached on the top of (rafat after which the pilgrims spend the night in
thanksgiving!
'dam and .ve%s restoration
(ccording to the tradition, the Mount of Mercy is the place where (dam and Eve, realising
their sin of disobedience, sought restoration and forgiveness! They were forgiven and
restored to union with 'llah. In response to (llah,s goodness and forgiveness, (dam and
Eve then built a shrine which is believed to be the first building constructed in human
history. (ppropriately, the building was a shrine dedicated to the worship of 'llah.
/orgiveness of sins
Muslims believe that #ust as (dam and Eve received the forgiveness of (llah at (rafat, so
they too can en#oy the forgiveness of their sins and e"perience the &eginning of a new
life. 'incere repentance as part of the !a## wipes away all past sin and allows the Muslim
pilgrim to feel totally cleansed and free from past transgression. Effectively, it means a new
start and a great sense of peace and well&eing in perfect surrender to (llah.
The /east of +acrifice: Id-ul-'dha
The day after the stand before (llah is the da# of sacrifice $Id&ul&(dha$. It is the major
festival of the Muslim calendar commemorating the events around the time when Ibrahim
was called to sacrifice Isma,il and overcame the temptations of the devil. (lthough part
of the !a## ritual $Id&ul&(dha$ is celebrated by all Muslims, not #ust those taking part in the
!a##.
The celebration of Id-ul-'dha involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal. The sacrifice
calls to mind the I&rahim%s surrender to 'llah in resisting the temptations of the devil
and being prepared to sacrifice his son Isma,il in o&edience to 'llah.
Temptations
The tradition tells that Ibrahim was visited &# the devil as he set out for Mina in obedience
to (llah. In the visitation, the devil argued powerfully that Ibrahim did not need to sacrifice
Isma,il and even attempted to convince Ibrahim that he was deluded in thinking that (llah
had demanded such a sacrifice from him.
Ibrahim, however, remained faithful to 'llah and continued on his way to offer Isma,il as
sacrifice only to be stopped by (llah at the last moment.
+acrifice of wants 2 needs
The sacrifice offered during the celebration if Id&ul&(dha symbolises the preparedness of
Muslims to sacrifice all personal needs, wants and aspirations in service of 'llah. Indeed,
the e"treme nature of the call to sacrifice Isma,il is a reminder that a Muslim,s life is totally
at the service of (llah and the re-uirement of surrender is absolute, even to the cost of
one,s own life if necessary.
Hajar%s Thirst
Hajar and Isma%il
The third significant encounter with (llah is centered on the tradition of !a#ar and Isma,il,s
wandering in the desert looking for water. %ue to 'arah,s #ealousy towards !a#ar and
Isma,il, Ibrahim separates from them, leaving them in the care of 'llah.
1ell of 3am4am
!a#ar and Isma,il then faced a testing time in the desert looking for either a spring or a
passing camel caravan so that they had some water to drink. !a#ar ran back and forth
between the hills of 'afa and Marwah looking for water, however, her search was futile
until the angel ,i&ril appeared and showed her the spring which is now known as the well
of 3am4am.
The spring soon became the water suppl# for many desert travelers and ultimately the cit#
of Makkah came to be built at the location.
The revealing of the spring is seen as another e"ample of the providence of 'llah, coming
to the aid of !a#ar and Isma,il at the greatest time of need.
True and lasting value
(s part of the ritual of the !a##, pilgrims travel on the walkway between the hills of +afa
and Marwah. This action symbolises the search for the things of true and lasting value to
the Muslim and the ultimate realisation that 'llah will provide all that is needed. 4ilgrims
take water from the well of 3am.am to drink and to take home with them. 'ome also dip
their clothes in the water. These clothes are often then kept to be used as burial shrouds.
+toning of the "illars
Mina
The re#ection of the temptation of the devil is symbolised by pilgrims in hurling stones at
the pillars 6#amaras7 at Mina. These pillars represent the places where I&rahim resisted the
temptations and stoned the devil!
Muslims today carry out a ritual stoning of the devil to symbolise their re#ection of
temptation and surrender to (llah.
(ircling of the $a%&ah
The circling of the 8a,bah is another ritual e"pressing o&edience and su&mission to the
will of 'llah. The pilgrims circle the 8a,bah indicating their obedience to the call to
complete the !a##.
The preparedness to come to Makkah and complete the !a## is in itself a symbol of a
Muslim,s surrender and dedication to (llah. It sums up the essence of Islam and conveys in
the deepest sense the purpose of the !a##.
The significance of the Hajj for the individual
"illars of Islam
The !a## is one of the five pillars of Islam arkan-al-islam! It is a requirement for all
Muslim males to undertake the !a##. Many women as well will seek to fulfil the
requirements of the !a##.
The pillars of Islam are considered as foundational as they guide the Muslim in the way of
su&mission to the will of 'llah which is the essence of Islam. 9iven the foundational
nature of the !a## as one of the pillars of Islam, it is hard to overstate its significance for the
individual Muslim. The devout Muslim will undertake the !a## in o&edience to the 5ur%an
and in order to more perfectly submit himself:herself to the will of (llah.
+u&mission
'ubmission to (llah is the essence of Islam and undertaking the !a## is one of the
important elements for Muslims to submit more fully and more perfectly to (llah. or a
Muslim to undertake the !a## they must carry out demanding preparations which involve
practical elements as well as preparing a proper inner disposition.
"ractical concerns
In practical terms a Muslim must provide for their own needs during the !a##, such as the
cost of their travel etc as well as providing for the needs of their famil# while they are
away. Thus at a practical level there are considerable demands on the person undertaking
the !a##. There are also the ph#sical demands of the !a## itself which are challenging to all
pilgrims.
+piritual preparation
(part from the practical and physical requirements, a devout Muslim will also undergo an
inner or spiritual preparation to ensure the efficacy of the !a## for to undertake the !a##
without the appropriate attitude or disposition would be to render the e"perience useless in
terms of its spiritual value. Therefore the devout Muslim will ensure that he or she is
spiritually prepared for the !a## before undertaking the pilgrimage.
The magnitude of the preparation for the !a##, both practical and spiritual, are further
elements highlighting the significance of the !a## for the individual Muslim. 9iven its
demands, it would not be possible for the undertaking of the !a## to be other than an event
of profound significance for the devout Muslim.
"ersonal commitment
( further element demonstrating the significance of the !a## for the individual is the
element of testing of personal resolve and commitment involved in undertaking the !a##.
Many of the elements of the !a## centre on the act of rejection of the devil and remaining
faithful in submission to (llah. In order to undertake the !a##, a Muslim would be required
to overcome a number of challenges to their resolve and commit himself:herself seriously
to the task. In this sense they are emulating the elements of the !a## itself, overcoming the
temptation the devil and remaining steadfast in their su&mission to 'llah.
(ommunit#
( final element of significance for the individual Muslim is found in their e"perience of the
international communit# of Islam through undertaking the !a##. Islam is a religious
tradition which is spread widely throughout the world and Muslims are found in virtually
every region. In recent years the !a## has attracted over two million Muslims from
countries throughout the world.
Thus for the pilgrim undertaking the !a## there is a profound and overwhelming sense of
the diversit# of Islam, yet at the same time, an e"perience of the unit# of the Muslim
world converging on the holy city of Makkah for the !a##. In Islam there is no distinction
between people and no place for racism or pre#udice. In undertaking the !a## the Muslim
pilgrim e"periences these elements of Islam in a profound and powerful way.
The significance of the Hajj for the Muslim communit#
(ommunit# significance
The significance of the !a## for the Muslim community can be seen in four elements.
irstly in the pu&lic statement it makes about submission to (llah, secondly in the way it
provides inspiration to others, thirdly in its edification of the Muslim community and
finally in its witness to the principles of international and multiracial harmony.
Each year over two million pilgrims gather in Makkah to undertake the !a##. It is an event
of epic proportions and receives considerable media coverage throughout the world,
including countries such as (ustralia with relatively small Muslim communities.
"u&lic awareness
9iven the degree of pu&lic consciousness raised by the $spectacle$ of the !a##, there is an
important element of witness to the principles of Islam which are e"pressed in
undertaking the !a##. Essentially the !a## is an e"pression of submission to (llah and when
undertaken on such a large scale and with such widespread attention it provides an
important witness to the essence of Islam.
Inspiration
The second element of the significance of the !a## to the Muslim community is found in the
way it inspires others. While the !a## is essentially undertaken by individuals it involves
the communit# in many ways. The community is involved with the preparation of the
pilgrims before they leave, in supporting family member of the pilgrim while they are
undertaking the !a## and often in having special times of prayer and of course with the
festival of Id&ul&(dha, the festival of sacrifice.
In the midst of the communit# support for the pilgrims and the accompanying festival and
prayer there is a great source of inspiration to others in the community to commit
themselves to undertake the !a##.
(ommunit# &uilding
Thirdly, there is an important element of community building that takes place in association
with the !a##. This community building happens both at an international level in and
through the contact with others during the !a## and also at the local level through the
involvement of the local Muslim community with pilgrims who are undertaking the !a##.
The connection of the community with a pilgrim undertaking the !a## provides an
additional element of spiritual and communit# focus during the time of the !a## and
provides a means to strengthen and deepen communit# life!
( fourth element of significance to the Muslim community is the witness to the
international and interracial harmon# which is integral to the !a##. Muslims gather from
all corners of the world to undertake the !a## and in their coming together they provide a
powerful witness to both the unit# and diversit# of the Muslim community throughout the
world.
Tolerance and respect
The most significant element of this witness to the diversit# of Islam is the way in which
all races and nationalities can come together with tolerance and respect in a display of
racial harmon#. In Islam there is no place for discrimination on the basis of race and the
!a## provides a powerful witness to this fundamental element of Islam.
It 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 su&mission to 'llah
Glossary
'rkan al-islam the pillars of Islam
6hul-Hijjah
twelfth month of the Muslim calendar, the month of the !a##
Hajj the fifth pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage to Makkah
Hajjah one who has successfully performed the !a##
Hajji one who has successfully performed the !a##
Id-ul-'dha festival of sacrifice
Ihram attitude or disposition needed to undertake !a##
$a%&ah sacred shrine in Makkah
Makkah the sacred city of Islam, in 'audi (rabia
Mos-ue Muslim place of worship
7i##ah intention
+a%# procession between 'afa and Marwah
Tal&i#ah prayer prayed upon arrival in Makkah
Tawaf encircling of the 8a,bah
1u-uf the standing before (llah at Mount (rafat
3am4am spring shown to !a#ar by the angel ;ibril, well located in Makkah
Summary Points
+tudents learn a&out:
O7. significant practice
& !a##
+tudents learn to:
describe one significant practice
& !a##
The five pillars
The practice of the faith is supported by five pillars.
(rkan al&islam 6the pillars of Islam7 are activities and beliefs which are regarded as
foundational for all who follow Islam.
Each of the pillars requires both an internal or spiritual commitment together with
an outward action or sign.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage or $ha##$.
Every devout Muslim seeks to make the pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their
lifetime.
The word $ha##$ means to embark on a #ourney with a purpose.
The purpose is to visit the 8a$bah in Makkah and worship on Mount (rafat.
The pilgrimage takes place during the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar $%hul&
!i##ah$.
The individual not only needs to provide for their own needs on the pilgrimage but
they also need to provide for the needs of their family while they are away. )ver a
million people gather annually in 'audi (rabia for the ha##.
Those undertaking the ha## are organised into groups under the guidance of an
e"perienced ha## guide who is able to ensure that the proper protocols are followed.
The ha## is an event for Muslims only
It is e"pected that the pilgrims who attend will be people with the maturity and
soundness of mind to understand the significance of what they are undertaking.
( certain degree of physical fitness is e"pected in order to manage the physical
demands of the pilgrimage.
'ome Muslims are not able to undertake the pilgrimage themselves due to poor
health, a lack of financial means or une"pected and unavoidable circumstances. In
these cases Muslims believe that the intention will suffice.
This intention is as $niyyah$
Muslims believe that (llah #udges them on their intentions providing that their
efforts are sincere.
In some instances, Muslims who are not able to perform the ha## seek to #oin the
pilgrims in a symbolic way by paying for someone else to attend in their place or
giving to charity the money that they have saved for the ha##
There are various prescribed aspects undertaken by pilgrims performing the ha##.
The preparation phase of the ha## takes place outside of Makkah.
This preparatory stage involves placing themselves in an appropriate disposition or
attitude.
This involves a deliberate and conscious striving towards a state of purity.
This attitude is known as $ihram$.
(s a sign of their preparedness all normal clothing is replaced by a simple ensemble
of two white cloths, one worn around the waist, the other draped over the left
shoulder.
Women wear a plain garment covering all but their hands, their feet and their face.
(s the pilgrim arrives in Makkah they begin to repeatedly pray the prayer known as
$talbiyah$
Immediately upon arriving in Makkah pilgrims go to the 8a$bah and encircle it
seven times.
This encircling is known as $tawaf$.
The ne"t event to follow is the procession known as the $sa$y$.
This procession takes place between 'afa and Marwah and is completed seven
times.
This procession is based on the +u$ranic tradition of !a#ar$s search for water in the
desert.
The ne"t part of the ha## involves a #ourney to Mina.
In Mina pebbles are hurled a pillars to symbolise the re#ection of the devil
(fter camping in Mina the #ourney continues to Mount (rafat.
)n the plain of (rafat people stand from midday until sunset in a state of meditation
This is known as the $wuquf$ or the standing before (llah.
The pilgrims then climb Mount (rafat where a sermon is preached.
The pilgrimage continues to Mina via Mu.dalifah where night prayer is held
)n the morning of /0 %hul&!i##ah the pilgrims stand before dawn in a brief
repetition of the $wuquf$ before moving on towards Mina as the sun begins to rise.
In Mina the pilgrims camp for three days while offering the required sacrifice of an
animal for Id&ul&(dha.
(fter this, men have their heads shaved and women are required to cut their hair by
at least 1.2 cm.
The ha## then returns to Makkah for another encircling of the 8a$bah as the final
event of the pilgrimage.
!aving completed the ha## Muslims are entitled to take the name !a##i or !a##ah.

+tudents learn a&out:
O7. significant practice
& !a##
+tudents learn to:
demonstrate how this practice e"presses the beliefs of Islam
How the Hajj e)presses the &eliefs of Islam
The essence of Islam is surrender to (llah
'urrender is epitomised in undertaking the !a##
<aptures desire and commitment to surrender fully to (llah
!a## requires considerable sacrifice and commitment on the part of the pilgrim
(ssists the pilgrim to attain the appropriate inner disposition of surrender
The rituals relate to a number of important encounters between (llah and
humankind in ancient times
In undertaking the !a## pilgrims are seeking to emulate the e"tent of submission
displayed by their ancestors in these ancient times
The restoration of (dam and Eve and (llah$s forgiveness after their disobedience
'ubmission of Ibrahim in being willing to sacrifice Isma$il
The provision of the 3am.am spring for !a#ar and Isma$il in the desert
The ritual actions of the !a## are based on these significant moments of encounter
with (llah
The core beliefs of Islam are e"pressed and affirmed in undertaking these rituals
The +tand 0efore 'llah
The stand before (llah known as $wuquf$
<entral moment of the !a##
Takes place at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of (rafat near Mina on 5 %hul&
!i##ah Takes place from midday until sunset
4ilgrims meditate, pray and concentrate their thoughts on (llah during the stand
( sermon is preached on the top of (rafat
The pilgrims spend the night in thanksgiving
The Mount of Mercy is where (dam and Eve sought restoration and forgiveness
(dam and Eve then built a shrine
The first building constructed in human history
The building was a shrine dedicated to the worship of (llah
4ilgrims seek the forgiveness of their sins and e"perience the beginning of a new
life 'incere repentance as part of the !a## 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 (llah
The /east of +acrifice
The day after the stand before (llah is the day of sacrifice $Id&ul&(dha$
Ma#or festival of the Muslim calendar
<ommemorates the time when Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Isma$il and overcame
the temptations of the devil
Id&ul&(dha is celebrated by all Muslims
Involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal
The sacrifice calls to mind the Ibrahim$s surrender to (llah in resisting the
temptations of the devil and being prepared to sacrifice his son Isma$il
Ibrahim was visited by the devil as he set out for Mina in obedience to (llah
The devil argued powerfully that Ibrahim did not need to sacrifice Isma$il
(ttempted to convince Ibrahim that he was deluded
Ibrahim, however, remained faithful to (llah and continued on his way to offer
Isma$il as sacrifice only to be stopped by (llah at the last moment.
'acrifice symbolises the preparedness of Muslims to sacrifice all personal needs,
wants and aspirations in service of (llah
Muslim$s life is totally at the service of (llah even to the cost of one$s own life if
necessary
Hajars Thirst
=itual centered on the tradition of !a#ar and Isma$il$s wandering in the desert
looking for water
!a#ar and Isma$il face a testing time in the desert looking water
!a#ar ran back and forth between the hills of 'afa and Marwah looking for water
The angel ;ibril appeared and showed her a spring
'pring known as the well of 3am.am
The spring became the water supply for desert travelers
The city of Makkah came to be built at the location
E"ample of the providence of (llah, coming to the aid of !a#ar and Isma$il at the
greatest time of need
4ilgrims travel on the walkway between the hills of 'afa and Marwah
This action symbolises the search for the things of true and lasting value to the
Muslim
(lso the ultimate realisation that (llah will provide all that is needed
4ilgrims take water from the well of 3am.am to drink and to take home with them
'ome also dip their clothes in the water
These clothes are often then kept to be used as burial shrouds
+toning of the "illars
=e#ection of the temptation of the devil is symbolised by pilgrims in hurling stones
at the pillars 6#amaras7 at Mina
4illars represent the places where Ibrahim resisted the temptations and stoned the
devil
=itual stoning symbolises re#ection of temptation and surrender to (llah
(ircling of the $a%&ah
<ircling of the 8a$bah e"presses obedience and submission to the will of (llah
4ilgrims circle the 8a$bah indicating their obedience to the call to complete the !a##
The preparedness undertake the !a## symbolises a Muslim$s submission to (llah
'ums up the essence of Islam
<onveys in the deepest sense the purpose of the !a##

+tudents learn a&out:
O7. significant practice
& !a##
+tudents learn to:
anal#se the significance of this practice for &oth the individual and the Muslim
communit#

The significance of the Hajj for the individual
The !a## is one of the five pillars of Islam $arkan&al&islam$
=equirement for all Muslim males to undertake the !a##
Many women as well fulfil the requirements of the !a##
4illars of Islam are considered as foundational to Islam
They guide the Muslim in the way of submission to the will of (llah
!ard to overstate its significance for the individual Muslim
The devout Muslim will undertake the !a## in obedience to the +ur$an
In order to more perfectly submit themselves to the will of (llah
'ubmission to (llah is the essence of Islam
>ndertaking the !a## is one of the important elements for Muslims to submit more
fully and more perfectly to (llah
!a## requires demanding preparations
Involves practical elements as well as preparing a proper inner disposition
Muslims must provide for their own needs during the !a##
(lso providing for the needs of their family while they are away
<onsiderable practical demands on the person undertaking the !a##
The physical demands of the !a## itself are challenging to all pilgrims
%evout Muslims will also undergo an inner or spiritual preparation
To undertake the !a## without the appropriate attitude or disposition would be to
render the e"perience useless in terms of its spiritual value
Therefore the devout Muslim will ensure that he or she is spiritually prepared for
the !a## before undertaking the pilgrimage
The magnitude of the preparations for the !a## highlight its significance for the
individual Muslim
>ndertaking of the !a## is an event of profound significance for the devout Muslim
(lso involves testing of personal resolve and commitment involved in undertaking
the !a##
Elements of the !a## centre on the act of re#ection of the devil and remaining
faithful in submission to (llah
Muslims required to overcome a number of challenges to their resolve and commit
themselves seriously to undertaking the !a##
E"perience of the international community of Islam is another element of
significance
Islam is spread widely throughout the world and Muslims are found in virtually
every region
!a## has attracts over two million Muslims from countries throughout the world
4rofound and overwhelming sense of the diversity of Islam
(lso an e"perience of the unity of the Muslim world
In Islam there is no distinction between people
?o place for racism or pre#udice
Muslim pilgrim e"periences these elements of Islam in a profound and powerful
way
The significance of the Hajj for the Muslim communit#
4ublic statement it makes about submission to (llah
Inspiration to others
Edification of the Muslim community
Witness to the principles of international and multiracial harmony
Each year over two million pilgrims gather in Makkah to undertake the !a##
Event of epic proportions with considerable media coverage throughout the world
Witness to the principles of Islam e"pressed in undertaking the !a##
Essentially the !a## is an e"pression of submission to (llah
Important witness to the essence of Islam.
Essentially undertaken by individuals yet involves the community in many ways
<ommunity is involved with the preparation of the pilgrims before they leave
<ommunity involved in supporting family member of the pilgrim
'pecial times of prayer during !a##
estival of Id&ul&(dha, the festival of sacrifice
'ource of inspiration to others in the community
<ommunity building takes place in association with the !a##
@oth at an international level and a local level
(t an international in and through the contact with others during the !a##
(t the local level through the involvement of the local Muslim community with
pilgrims who are undertaking the !a##
<onnection of the community provides an additional element of spiritual and
community focus during the time of the !a##
4rovides a means to strengthen and deepen community life.
Witness to the international and interracial harmony which is integral to the !a##
Muslims gather from all corners of the world to undertake the !a##
4rovide a powerful witness to both the unity and diversity of the Muslim
community throughout the world.
Witness to the diversity of Islam
(ll races and nationalities can come together with tolerance and respect in a display
of racial harmony
?o place for discrimination on the basis of race
!a## provides a powerful witness to this fundamental element of Islam
(lso 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 (llah.
Glossary
'rkan al-islam the pillars of Islam
6hul-Hijjah
twelfth month of the Muslim calendar, the month of the !a##
Hajj the fifth pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage to Makkah
Hajjah one who has successfully performed the !a##
Hajji one who has successfully performed the !a##
Id-ul-'dha festival of sacrifice
Ihram attitude or disposition needed to undertake !a##
$a%&ah sacred shrine in Makkah
Makkah the sacred city of Islam, in 'audi (rabia
Mos-ue Muslim place of worship
7i##ah intention
+a%# procession between 'afa and Marwah
Tal&i#ah prayer prayed upon arrival in Makkah
Tawaf encircling of the 8a,bah
1u-uf the standing before (llah at Mount (rafat
3am4am spring shown to !a#ar by the angel ;ibril, well located in Makkah
Specimen Questions
5uestion 8 - Islam (9: marks)
(a) 6escri&e O7. of the following significant practices within Islam: (;)
/rida# pra#er at the mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
(&) .)plain the importance of O7. of the following areas to adherents of Islam: (<)
/rida# pra#er at the mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
(c) 'nal#se how O7. significant practice within Islam e)presses the &eliefs of Islam
(<)
5uestion 8 - Islam (=> marks)
Outline the purpose and assess the significance of O7. of the following practices in
Islam:
/rida# pra#er at the Mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
+ample ?esponses
5uestion 8 - Islam (9: marks)
(a) 6escri&e O7. of the following significant practices within Islam: (;)
/rida# pra#er at the mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
The !a## is one of the five pillars of Islam 6arkan&al&Islam7. It is, therefore, one of the most
important requirements of the Muslim faith. The !a## is the annual pilgrimage to the holy
city Makkah. (ll adult male Muslims are required to undertake the !a## at least once in
their lifetime if they are able. Many Muslim women also undertake the !a##.
The !a## takes place each year in the month of %hul&!i##ah and involves pilgrims traveling
to Makkah in 'audi (rabia where they carry out a number of important rituals such as the
circling of the 8ab,ah, the stand before (llah 6wuquf7 on the plain of (rafat, the stoning of
the pillars at Mina and the sacrifice on the festival of Id&ul&(dha. )ther rituals include the
shaving of hair and drinking or collecting water from the well of 3am.am.
Muslims travel from all over the world to undertake the !a## with over two million pilgrims
taking part each year.
6appro" /20 words7
(&) .)plain the importance of O7. of the following areas to adherents of Islam: (<)
/rida# pra#er at the mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
The !a## is one of the five pillars of Islam 6arkan&al&Islam7. It is, therefore, one of the most
important requirements of the Muslim faith. The !a## is the annual pilgrimage to the holy
city Makkah. (ll adult male Muslims are required to undertake the !a## at least once in
their lifetime if they are able. Many Muslim women also undertake the !a##.
(s one of the five pillars, Muslims are required to undertake the !a## in obedience to the
+ur,an. It is an e"ample of how a Muslim will submit their lives to the will of (llah. The
commitment and dedication required to undertake the !a## are understood as important
disciplines in the goal of perfect submission to (llah.
?ot only does the pilgrim have to meet certain practical requirements such as providing for
their own needs and the needs of their family while they are away but the pilgrim must also
undertake appropriate preparation to ensure they are come with the right disposition. In
Islam, the intention that accompanies the action is of critical importance and if would be
futile for a Muslim to undertake the !a## without an appropriate inner or spiritual attitude.
Many of the rituals of the !a## are related to the aims of re#ecting the temptations of the
devil and submitting to the will of (llah. Therefore, for the Muslim undertaking the !a##,
there is a strong sense of determination to fulfill the requirements of the !a## as a sign of
their re#ection of the temptations of the devil.
The stand before (llah 6wuquf7 provides the pilgrim with an occasion of forgiveness of all
past sins and an opportunity to begin life anew. !aving received the forgiveness of (llah,
the Muslim e"periences a great sense of peace and wellbeing.
Muslims undertaking the !a## also e"perience a profound sense of community with
millions of Muslims from all parts of the earth coming together for the single purpose of
submission to (llah. While there is a great diversity of race and nation, there is a powerful
unity of purpose which creates a profound sense of community.
6appro" A20 words7
(c) 'nal#se how O7. significant practice within Islam e)presses the &eliefs of Islam
(<)
The !a## is a significant practice within Islam which is based on and consequently
e"presses a number of important beliefs. The essence of Islam is surrender to (llah and this
surrender is epitomised in and through the !a##. The rituals associated with the !a## are
based on a number of important encounters between (llah and human kind in ancient
times. (ccordingly in carrying out the rituals of the !a##, a pilgrim is engaging with some
of the important beliefs of Islam.
The central moment of the !a## is the stand before (llah or $wuquf$ which takes place on
the at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of (rafat. The stand is designed to replicate for the
pilgrim the time when (dam and Eve stood before (llah seeking restoration and
forgiveness of their sins. The forgiveness granted to (dam and Eve provides assurance to
the Muslim that (llah will also forgive their sins and allow them to begin with a fresh start
to their life of submission.
(nother important ritual of the !a## is the festival of sacrifice $Id&ul&(dha$. This festival
recalls the events surrounding Ibrahim being called by (llah to sacrifice his son Isma,il.
Ibrahim was obedient to the call of (llah even though he was strongly tempted by the devil
to disobey the command. The fact that Ibrahim resisted the temptation and remained
faithful to (llah,s call is commemorated in the sacrifice of Id&ul&(dha.
The stoning of the pillars at Mina is another ritual drawn from the same tradition. In his
re#ection of the devil the tradition tells that Ibrahim threw stones at the devil. In e"pressing
their re#ection of the devil, pilgrims on the !a## throw stones at pillars at Mina which
symbolise the devil.
(nother ritual involves pilgrims walking between 'afa and Marwah to commemorate
!a#ar,s search for water in the desert. This ritual focuses on the search for the things of
lasting value and on the belief that (llah will provide all that is needed.
The circling of the 8a,bah is another ritual of the !a## which once again e"presses the idea
of obedience and submission to the will of (llah. The circling of the 8a,bah e"presses
obedience in responding to the call to undertake the !a## and symbolises a Muslim,s
submission to (llah which is the essence of Islam.
6appro" A20 words7
5uestion 8 - Islam (=> marks)
Outline the purpose and assess the significance of O7. of the following practices in
Islam:
/rida# pra#er at the Mos-ue
/uneral ceremon#
Hajj
The !a## or pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the five pillars of Islam $arkan&al&Islam$ which
all Muslim males are requires to carry out. Its purpose is essentially to facilitate the act of
submission to (llah which is at the heart of Islam. It has enormous significance, not only
for the pilgrim undertaking the !a## but also for the wider Muslim community.
E"amining the purpose of the !a## in more detail will allow a greater appreciation of its
significance. The purpose can be e"amined through considering the rituals undertaken
during the !a## and their meaning in terms of the faith of Islam. 'uch rituals include the
stand before (llah $wuquf$, the stoning of the pillars at Mina, the commemoration of the
festival of sacrifice $Id&ul&(dha$, the circling of the 8a,bah and drawing water from the
well of 3am.am.
Each of these rituals have profound meaning and are closely related to important elements
of the faith of Muslims. Therefore, in undertaking the !a## and completing these rituals, the
pilgrim is engaging with the most important elements of the tradition and moving towards a
more perfect submission to (llah which is the ultimate goal of Islam.
The central ritual of the !a## is the stand before (llah $wuquf$, sometimes referred to
simply as the stand. Its commemoration of the restoration of (dam and Eve and the
forgiveness of their sin of disobedience is of profound significance to the Muslim pilgrim.
The forgiveness and restoration e"perienced by (dam and Eve in ancient times give an
assurance that (llah is willing to forgive people today.
The stand before (llah gives the pilgrim the opportunity of e"periencing the love and
forgiveness of (llah and allows them to be free from any past sin, beginning life anew and
en#oying a great sense of peace and well being. It is evident, therefore that this particular
aspect of the !a## is of considerable importance as it centers on the great act of forgiveness.
In seeking a more complete and perfect submission to (llah the pilgrim is encouraged and
enlivened by the forgiveness received and the opportunity of beginning anew.
( second ritual which is integral to the purpose of the !a## and likewise of profound
significance is the commemoration of the festival of sacrifice $Id&ul&(dha$. This festival is
one of the most important events on the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the obedience
and submission of Ibrahim when he was called to sacrifice his son Isma,il.
The preparedness to obey and submit to the will of (llah regardless of the cost makes
Ibrahim a model for the Muslim to follow and commemorating the festival of sacrifice
highlights the significance of this disposition. The ultimate goal of Islam is submission to
(llah and the e"ample of Ibrahim is regarded as one of complete and perfect submission.
The significance of this festival is that it e"presses for the Muslim pilgrim the absolute and
perfect submission to (llah to which all devout Muslims aspire. (ccordingly, it is difficult
to overstate the significance of $Id&ul&(dha$ for the faith of a Muslim pilgrim and indeed
for the wider Muslim community. While $Id&ul&(dha$ is an integral part of the !a##, it is
commemorated by all Muslims, not #ust those undertaking the !a##.
( third ritual, the stoning of the pillars at Mina is also connected to the story of Ibrahim and
Isma,il. Tradition tells that Ibrahim was visited by the devil on his way to sacrifice Isma,il
and tempted to abandon the task. The devil argued persuasively, however, Ibrahim
remained obedient to (llah and re#ected the devil,s temptation, ultimately driving the devil
away with stones.
4ilgrims on the !a## throw stones at the pillars at Mina which symbolise the devil. In the
ritual of throwing stones at the pillars, Muslims are emulating the re#ection of the devil and
the reality of temptation in their own lives. Thus the significance of the stoning ritual is the
emphasis on the re#ection of the devil,s temptation. Temptation is an obstacle to the goal of
submission and must be overcome. In re#ecting the devil the Muslim is able to more
sincerely submit to the will of (llah. Thus the ritual of stoning the pillars has significance
in its representation of the struggle against temptation and the ultimate goal of submission
to (llah. This fundamental goal of Islam underpins the ritual of the stoning and highlights
its profound significance.
In the course of the !a##, pilgrims walk between Marwah and 'afa to commemorate !a#ar,s
search for water in the desert. >ltimately the angel ;ibril appeared and showed her the
location of the spring now known as the well of 3am.am. This revelation saved the life of
!a#ar and her son Isma,il. Muslims see in this story the call to seek the things in life which
are of true value as well as the assurance that ultimately (llah will provide what is needed.
or Muslims, these are important realities and their acknowledgement greatly assists their
submission to (llah. Thus, like other rituals of the !a##, the rituals relating to !a#ar,s search
for water are significant in their connection to the ultimate goal of submission to (llah.
The circling of the 8a,bah which occurs at the beginning and end of the !a## is a further
e"ample of a ritual which e"presses the element of obedience and submission to the will of
(llah. The requirement to undertake the !a## is written in the +ur,an and the circling of the
8a,bah is essentially a statement of obedience to this requirement. The !a## is a
fundamental requirement of Islam, prescribed by the +ur,an. In the conte"t of the faith of
Islam there are few things that could be considered of greater significance.
In addition to the rituals particular to the !a##, there are a number of other aspects which are
of significance. or e"ample, the amount of commitment and dedication required to
undertake the !a## is of itself a significant element.
The !a## also provides a very significant e"perience of community. )ver two million
pilgrims take part in the !a## each year. They come from all regions of the world and
represent virtually every nationality. The e"perience of the !a## is a significant e"pression
of the diversity of Islam, yet at the same time it is a powerful witness to the unity of Islam
with millions of people, of every race and nationality uniting together in one goal of
submission to (llah.
In conclusion, it is evident that the !a## is an event of profound significance for the
Muslim. The rituals of the !a## and the events that they commemorate e"press some of the
fundamental beliefs of Islam. Therefore, the pilgrim, in undertaking the !a## is engaging
with these core beliefs.
The ultimate goal of Islam is submission to (llah. 'ubmission to (llah is the central
purpose of the !a##. Each aspect, every ritual leads to a greater and more perfect submission
on the part of the pilgrim. Therefore, the !a##, the rituals involved and their meaning are of
the greatest significance to the Muslim in their ultimate goal of submission to (llah.
6appro" /100 words7
Resources
Te)ts
(ylett ;
The Muslim .)perience, 1000, Bondon, !odder C
'toughton
@eck Margie et al
.)ploring ?eligion, /555, Melbourne, )"ford >niversity
4ress.
rager =obert The 1isdom of Islam, 1001, (lresford, 9odsfield 4ress
;omier ;acques How to @nderstand Islam, /5-5, Bondon, '<M 4ress.
Bovat Terence and Mc9rath
;ohn 6ed7
7ew +tudies in ?eligion, /555, 8atoomba, 'ocial 'cience
4ress.
Maqsood =uqaiyyah Waris Islam, /552, )"ford, !einemann
Morrisey ;anet et al Aiving ?eligion, 1002, Melbourne, 4earson.
?ewby 9ordon %
' (oncise .nc#clopedia of Islam, 1001, Bondon, )ne
World
=enard ;ohn
?esponses to 9>9 5uestions on Islam, /55-, ?ew *ork,
4aulist 4ress
Waines %avid
'n Introduction to Islam /552, Melbourne, <ambridge
>niversity 4ress.
Internet
www.submission.org
www.understanding&islam.com
www.discoverislam.com
www.emuslim.com
www.al&islam.org