Kayleigh Croasdale

Hajj Coursework

Mr Eastwood

A1

Hajj literally means to travel towards God.  The hajj or pilgrimage to Makkah is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the prophet Abraham.

 This once in a lifetime journey brings together Muslims of all races, back rounds and tongues for one of life’s most moving spiritual experiences. By participating in hajj Muslims submit themselves to Allah.  The hajj to Makkah is a once in a life time obligation for male and female adults whose health and means permit it, or in the words of the Qur’an “upon those who can make their own way there For fourteen centuries, countless millions of Muslims both men and women from all over the world have made the vital pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam.  In carrying out this obligation, they fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam or central religious duties of the believer.  .”  However the journey is not an obligation on children, though some children do accompany their parents on hajj.  The pilgrimage takes place each year between the 8th and 13th days of Dhu al Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Muslim lunar.  Before setting out a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan to have enough money for their own journey and for the maintenance of the family whilst they are away, pilgrims should also prepare themselves for good conduct throughout the hajj.  

A2

The first rite the Muslim must do when arriving in Makkah is the donning of the Ihram. The Ihram is only worn by men it is a white seamless garment made up of two pieces of cloth or towelling, one of which covers the body from waist to ankle and the other is thrown over the left shoulder, Women generally wear a simple white dress and a head covering but not a veil. Men must leave their heads uncovered, and both male and female may use an umbrella to shade them from the sun.

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On the first day of hajj, the pilgrims go to the great mosque (the Ka’ba) it is situated in Makkah and according to Islam it is the centre of the world.  Muslims perform the salat (prayer) inside; they then walk around it seven times.

During the second day, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrim’s head for the

Plain of Arafat, at the time of hajj the plain becomes a city of tents. The pilgrims usually arrive around midday; they must remain in Arafat for at least six hours. The action during this day is simply called wuquuf, ...

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