Also in addition, Ibrahim, the friend of Allah plays another important part in the contribution to the journey. Ibrahim had vowed once to Allah that he would always put him first in his life. Allah tested Ibrahim’s faith to see whether he was obedient to his word. Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son, Isma’il, who had accepted his fate and was willing to allow his father to do so. On the way Shaytan (devil) appeared to tempt them, which he did 3 times for them to disobey Allah but they were reluctant to give in. This scene is re-constructed by modern pilgrims. Muslims travel to Mina where they fight off the devil like Isma’il had done when he threw little pebbles at him, however, the pilgrims throw stones at pillars instead which represent the ‘Greater Devil’. After this there is a sacrifice of an animal, which is eaten and a majority of it is given to the needy. This ritual is performed as a reminder of when Ibrahim was given a ram to sacrifice by Allah instead of his son as he had proved he was willing to give up everything for Allah, even his son. The point of this ritual is to show pilgrims that they must be prepared and ready to give up many things for their God, as Ibrahim had once done.
Also on the modern day pilgrimage, pilgrims re-enact Hajar’s – second wife of Ibrahim frantic search for water for both her and her son Isma’il. The pilgrims walk briskly 7 times between the 2 hills Safa and Marwah. The story of Hajar is remembered not only because she was left in care of Allah by Ibrahim but also because of the well which was discovered. Hajar and Isma’il were both dehydrated and exhausted, she had prayed and waited for help but no one came so she took measures into her own hands. Hajar ran between the 2 exact hills 7 times in search of both help and water but there was none and even though never gave up hope. After a while Jibrel (Gabriel) had appeared and showed Hajar to a spring which had appeared right where baby Isma’il had dug his heels into the sand, this well is now known as the Zam Zam well. This well is visited by the pilgrim were they drink or wash with the water as they say is it holy and has special healing powers.
Muhammad, the most recent of the prophets had also helped restore the Hajj into tradition by reinstating the Ka’bah back to what he believe was its purpose, which was a house of worship to Allah. Muhammad had also helped encourage the practice of the ‘kissing’ of the Black stone, which is just an act of respect for such as object, which is said to have been sent from heaven. This practice is still performed by modern pilgrims and as an effect of this the middle of the stone has been worn away through out the ages.
All of these Historical stories are remembered by each Muslims during the pilgrimage and pilgrims also remember that participating in the Hajj is important as they are travelling in the foot steps of important prophets, which to them is seen as a righteous way of life.
AO2a) Examine the Spiritually and Mentally and Special Clothing Aspects of the Hajj and Explain the Meaning for a Muslim
The essential part of the Hajj are the four rites which are presented as being compulsory in the Qu’ran for the pilgrims to follow.
- Putting on the Irham before approaching Makkah.
-
Doing Tawaf – The Circling of the Ka’bah
- Going to Arafat
- And Making the last Tawaf after returning from Arafat
Spiritual and Mental Preparation:
However, there are other aspects that must be taken into account before participating in the Hajj for example, mental and spiritual preparations which helps a pilgrim reach the stage of Niyyah, good intentions. Often many pilgrims will have to attend special lessons to learn about the Hajj and that they are doing the Hajj for the right reason not just for the benefits of themselves. The Pilgrim must want to seek Allah’s forgiveness and be determined to live a righteous life after completing this act of worship. From these lessons pilgrims will then set out with their heart clearly set out for the Hajj and forget all other worries and pleasures in their normal life and not get distracted by anything or anyone, by doing this there is now just half done.
Special Clothes:
In accord to preparing mentally and spiritually the pilgrims also need to remember the Irham, the special clothes worn during the pilgrimage. This item of clothing is significant because of its simplicity which emphasises the equality of everyone and that’s how Allah had created them in the being. The Ihram is a symbol of being in a state of spiritual purity and consists of a white seamless garment. The garment is specifically designed for both men and women. The women’s Ihram is in the form of a loose dress where as the men wear two unsewn pieces of cloth, one of which is wrapped from waist to ankle the next is hung over the left shoulder.
This garment is similar to the clothes worn by Muhammad and the Prophets before him, which again pilgrims follow in addition to them originally doing it in this manner.
However, before the pilgrims put on the Ihram they take a purify shower, often known as the Ghusl or they can either perform Wudu but mostly Ghusl, as it is the complete washing ritual. During the washing ritual the men may apply perfume to their body but the women are forbidden to do so but after Ghusl both men and women are not allowed to use any perfume, not even soap.
This all happens before they reach Makkah. Once they have entered the sacred city they put on the Ihram and that for them is when the pilgrimage begins.
However, there is an order and a specific way in which each rite must be performed which is stated in the Qu’ran.
Places visited and Rituals performed during the Hajj
On Day 1 of the pilgrimage the pilgrims visit the sacred mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Haram Sharif, where they perform the ‘kissing ritual’ enforced by Muhammad and also complete their first Tawaf – circling the Ka’bah anti-clockwise seven times. This is to remind them of the significance of the building also circling shows Ummah within the believers. They then walk briskly between the 2 hills Marwah and Safa to remember Hajar’s frantic search for water. After re-enacting this search the pilgrims then travel to Mina were they camp.
On Day 2, before sunrise, the pilgrims go to the Plain of Arafat were they then stand before Allah and beg for forgiveness, just like the Prophets – Adam and Hawwa. After sunset on day two the Hajjaz collect small pebbles in Muzdalifah, which are thrown at 3 Pillars on the morning of Day 3, when they’ve returned from Mina. This is a reconstruction of the time when Isma’il and Ibrahim warned off the devil whilst being tempted. While in Mina the pilgrims sacrifice an animal to commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice of the ram to Allah in exchange of his son. This sacrifice is also an act of thanks giving to Allah for helping them complete the Hajj. After the sacrifice male pilgrims shave their hair and women pilgrims trim a lock of their hair. This is a sign that Ihram is over and that they have come out of the state of consecration. Lastly, the Hajjis and Hajjas return to Makkah to complete the last Tawaf, the fourth obligatory rite of the Hajj. Once this has been completed the Hajjaz can either return home or extend their stay to visit the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina. Some pilgrims also visit the Zam Zam well situated in the Mosque, were they wash their clothes on the water or take bottles of the water back home with them.
AO2b) Show How the Whole Experience of the Hajj Supports and Sustains a Muslims Faith
The whole spiritual experience of the Hajj enforces believers to learn more about what their religion is really about which, obviously helps them to understand about their beliefs more. Performing the Hajj is an act of ‘ibadah’, which is and act of acceptance and obedience. Going on the Hajj shows a sign of docility to the Islamic belief. This is very important for a Muslim to do so, not just for the well being of themselves but there are many other benefits. It gives the pilgrims on opportunity to see what life was like in the time of the Prophets and can also give them an insight into the language of the Qu’ran.
The journey also helps pilgrims to develop faith and trust in Allah but the hardship of the journey can have a different effect. It can defiantly influence the pilgrims to become more courageous and obtain more self-control.
Anyone who participants in this journey is most likely to be affected by the experience both mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. However, the effects can be different for everyone negative, positive, small or big but the whole pilgrimage plays a big part in the development of the Muslims changes to the Hajjaz on the return home. From witnessing the commitment of a Muslim when they are rushing towards Makkah whilst reciting the Talbiyah to seeing the Ummah and the diversity of races and cultures will have a deeply felt effect on the pilgrim. A really good example of the way the journey can provoke an enormous life-enhancing change is the one of Malcolm X, who after taking part in this pilgrimage developed a greater concession for white people. So for Muslims and other people this physical and spiritual journey promotes a strong feeling of belonging, like a sort of brotherhood and helps sustain one’s belief.
AO3 Special places and special days. Are they necessary? – Give a general intro and mention a few special places and days that exist in other religions and Islam and how these exist in most religions
In all religions there are special days and special places which are used to mark special event that have occur in the past. Some people believe that having special days and places both on which they celebrate for religious reasons are not necessary. For example Jehovah witnesses believe that religious festivals particularly Christmas is just a pagan tradition and is becoming more commercial and fun rather than being a meaningful and religious affair.
In addition, in every religious person’s belief they know that there god, whether they’re Christian, Muslim, or Hindus depending of the religion, there god is omniscient and omnipotent. This means that God is everywhere and all knowing, so to some celebrating is not necessary, as he knows that from hearing your prayers you are showing him your sincere heart-felt intentions. Also the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also once told Muslims that special places such as Mosques are not needed for prayer, prayer can be done anywhere as long as the place is clean, as in respect for Allah.
On the other hand, many people celebrate on these set days and in specials places because they interpret them as an important to their religion. For example, going to places of worship and worshipping amongst those who share the same belief as you can bring people together as a community or just bring the faith together on the whole. Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the point that you must to celebrate together, as it helps strengthen people’s faith and it is hard to stay faithful to Allah alone.
Also in both Islam and Christianity they remember events which have occurred and hold special events which link to the important event. These events also at the same time help the less privileged people which shows sharing within the community. For example, during the Hajj, Muslims make animal sacrifices, which is given to the poor and the needy. Christians also give to the needy during Lent. The churches hold services were Christians meet and fast to remember Jesus not giving into temptation in the wilderness. The money what would have been spent on lunch is donated to charities that provide food to people who are in need of it.
However, in contrast to this argument, its not a matter of being more religious than some people to either celebrate or not celebrate on special occasions. It is however, a case of glorify these specials days just because people have done so for many years or really understanding the truth behind event and acknowledging that you are celebrating for the right reason not just for fun.
So in my opinion, I think that having these special days and places allocated to important events are necessary. I think this because in a way it ensures that even though with more variegated races, cultures and beliefs in the world today people can still turn to these days and celebrate the reason for why it is so significant to their religion. Also I think that without having these days and places dedicated to their religion, the religion wouldn’t have developed into what it has, in a sense that rites, which were enforced by God and reinforced by Prophets, would have probably been forgotten. For example the Hajj or any pilgrimage is a journey to remind people or to tell people about historic events and let people relive these events to get an insight on what actually happened literally, not just by reading it. This is think is a more effective way of understanding certain aspects, which again backs me up on my opinion.