Hajj

1. Hajj All (L4): Describe the events of Hajj Most (L5): Explain the meanings of the events and understand how a Muslim who goes on Hajj may feel Some (L6): Recognise how significant a journey Hajj is and explain this using examples and the feelings of Muslims. Explain the symbolism of the events in detail Starter: What special journeys do you go on? Or which places are special to you? Give details and explain your answer Hajj Pilgrimage – Religious Journey

2. Copy this table into your book. L4 YELLOW L5 YELLOW AND BLUE L6: ALL BOXES

3. When they start the pilgrimage pilgrims must be in the state of ihram. They are not allowed to do the following: Pilgrims put on special clothes. For men these are garments made from 2 white sheets. These clothes show all people are equal to each other and that they are part of the same community. This is also known as ummah

4. Hajj sites • Throw stones at the pillars that represent the devil • Feast of sacrifice • Walk around the Ka’ba 7 times • Run between the hills of Safa and Marwah • Visit the well of Zamzam • Collect small stones • Stand together on Mount Arafat (mount of mercy)

6. Mecca • In the centre of the great mosque in Makkah is the Ka’ba. This was the first centre for the worship of Allah. However, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The Ka’ba contains the famous “Black Stone”. This was part of the first Ka’ba and Muslims believe it to be a stone sent from heaven by angels. •  Pilgrims circle the Ka’ba 7 times to show that Allah is at the centre of their lives. This is called Tawaf

7. Sa’i & drinking from the well at Zamzam • Sa’i is when pilgrims run backwards and forwards between the 2 hills of Safa and Marwah. • This reminds Muslims of the time when Allah commanded Ibrahim to abandon his wife, Hagar, and his son, Ishma’il, in the desert. As their water ran out Hagar dashed backwards and forwards between the hills trying to find water for her son. Returning to her son without any water, she found that a spring had sprung up where he had been sitting. This spring, called Zamzam, can now be found underground beneath the mosque and many pilgrims go to drink water from it.

8. Standing at Mount Arafat • On the second day of the Hajj pilgrims go to the Plain of Arafat. Here they stand under the blazing sun to pray to Allah. There can be as many as 2 million people gathering there at the same time. • This reminds Muslims of the Day of Judgement when everyone will be brought before Allah to be judged. It makes them realise how small and humble they all are in comparison with Allah.

9. The Hajj pilgrims stay in Arafat until sunset before weaving their way back to Mecca, again, via Mina. But it's those crucial hours in the desert where Muslims are supposed to discover what the Hajj is all about. That time is meant to be the most honest in a person's life -- an honest reflection on all that a person has done right and wrong. Then comes the request to God for forgiveness, and the chance to make a fresh start. • In a way, it's not what you do during the Hajj that matters. It's what you do after, and perhaps there comes the understanding of what the Hajj is really about

10. Stoning the Devil • At Mina there are three stone pillars. These represent Satan. They remind Muslims that the Devil tempted Ibrahim and Isma’il. Pilgrims throw stones at the pillars. • This reminds Muslims that everyone has to struggle against evil and try to overcome it in their own lives.

11. End of the pilgrimage • Unfurling- cutting of hair for women, shaving of hair for men • Some visit Medina • Take on the name Hajji/Hajja