Craig Wragg

11T24

Hajj

GCSE R.E Coursework

The definition of the word Hajj is ‘to set out with definite purpose’ meaning the definite purpose to be fulfilling the pilgrimage to Mecca.  

Hajj is a pilgrimage that Muslims make to Mecca, which is in Saudi Arabia. It is a spiritual journey to follow their faith and can help to discover and develop themselves, and to seek spiritual enlightenment. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is done once in every Muslims life, As the Qur’an says.  although there are some exceptions such as illness and problems with money. Muslims go on Hajj to cleanse and purify themselves. Another reason is that Muslims see hajj as an opportunity to show their devotion to Allah. Hajj helps bring Muslims closer to Allah and to each other. In the Qu’ran, Allah ordered Muslims to go on the pilgrimage. Muslims believe that by taking part in hajj and while on the pilgrimage, that they can gain forgiveness from Allah. A sense of personal achievement can be gained by taking part in hajj. Before leaving for Mecca the Muslim must make sure they can still provide for their family while on hajj, then the spiritual journey can begin. After traveling to Mecca by whatever means possible, hajj begins and the Muslims cleanse themselves and dress in all white as a sign of equality, so that everybody is treated the same whether you are middle class or a millionaire. This first stage of hajj is called Ihram. The next stage of the hajj is called Tawaf in which the Muslim circles the Ka’bah seven times and then says a prayer. After the circling of the Ka’bah the Muslim will then perform sa’y. this is the running between two mountains, Safa and Marwa and visiting the Zamzam well, this symbolizes the soul searching for Allah so that its spiritual thirst can be quenched. Wuquf is the next step of hajj, they stay in Arafat for the whole day, from fajr till sunset and ask Allah for forgiveness and glorify him. After sunset the Muslims leave and set off to muzdalifah where they pick up 49 pebbles for the next step of the hajj pilgrimage. They then spend some time in Mina and there, visit the three jamarat stone pillars where they throw the pebbles at each, this represents the three times that shaytan, the devil tried to tempt Isma’il. An animal is then sacrificed and the Muslims then travel back to Mecca to repeat the circling of the ka’bah (tawaf).

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One main significance of the pilgrimage is that everybody is equal to each other, no matter what their backgrounds, jobs or financial situation. Each person washes and dresses in white. They say the prayer (talbiyah) as they enter the ka’bah. The ka’bah was built to worship god, when Muhammad went to Mecca he circled the ka’bah seven times and now Muslims repeat this process of walking around the ka’bah seven times as though they were walking in the footsteps of the last prophet, Muhammad. Inside the ka’bah is a black stone, Muslims believe that Allah sent this down from ...

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