If a Muslim is unable to go on Hajj then they can send someone in their place and be with them in spirit, to do this properly the person would need to have good Niyyah which means to have the right intentions.
When arriving at certain points outside Makkah, pilgrims must enter the sacred state known as ihram. They make a conscious effort to attain purity, as pilgrims dedicate themselves to worship, prayer and denial of vanity, through mind, spirit and body. All normal clothing must be put away and the ihram clothes must be worn, which for the male consist of two white cloths one wrapped around the waist, the other over the left shoulder. For the women, they must wear a plain undecorated white ankle length long sleeved garment. These symbolize three things; equality, single-mind ness and self-sacrifice. Each pilgrim gives up their own personalities so often expressed in dress, and is equal with neighbours. As a state of mind ihram involves; not thinking about the opposite sex in any kind of loving way, no lustful thoughts, no aggression, be at unity with Allah, have good niyyah and keep a peaceful mind. Ihram also reminds Muslims of death, when all ‘disguises’ of rank, wealth and appearance are left behind.
In the state of Ihram the following acts are forbidden:
1) To cut or shave the hairs on the head or body.
2) To cut the nails.
3) To wear stitched clothes.
4) To wear turban or cap or anything which covers the heads.
5) To wear shoes or socks above the ankle.
6) To apply perfume.
7) To cover the face
8) To kill or hunt animals.
9) To fight or quarrel.
10) To have sex.
“Here I am, O God, here I am!
I am here, O Thou without equal, here I am!
Thine is the kingdom,
The praise and glory,
O thou without equal, God Alone!”
This is the Talbiyah prayer, uttered by Muslims in a great state of emotion as they return to their religious “home” the city of Makkah.
The first thing the pilgrims do when they arrive in Makkah is to perform Tawaf, which is the circling of the black stone in the Ka’ba in an anti-clockwise direction seven times. They start and finish counting where the black stone is. If at all possible they should touch or kiss the stone, since Muhammad used to do this, or at least salute as they go by. The Ka’ba is covered by a huge jet-black cloth known as the ‘Kiswah’. There is a different one every year, because at the end of Hajj it is cut up into pieces and sold to the pilgrims as mementoes of the greatest moment of their lives. The circling demonstrates the unity of the believers in the worship of Allah, as they move in harmony together around their central shrine, each individual reciting a verse from the Qur’an. At the end of the circling they go to the station of Ibrahim to pray two rak’ahs.
There is a covered way, which extends out from the sacred Mosque, and is built between two hills, called As-Safa and Al-Marwa. There is a corridor down the middle for those who cannot move so fast or are in wheel chairs; the other pilgrims pass on the other side in one direction only, the pilgrims run down the corridor. In performing this ritual, pilgrims are acting out Hagars search for water, when left in the desert with her son Isma’il. The story tells how they were saved from dying of thirst. Isma’il dug into the sand where Hagar left him and water came out.
Pilgrims can still visit this spring, at the Zam Zam (Babylonian for the sound of the water in the spring) well. There are steps leading down to it, in a chamber under the courtyard of the sacred mosque. They dip their Ihram robes into the Zam Zam water.
The plain of Arafat lies about 24 km east of Makkah, in hilly terrain, with the Mount of Mercy in the centre. Pilgrims must be there for the period from noon to dusk on 9 Dhul Hijja. The most important part of Hajj is the ‘Stand’ with out performing the ‘Stand’ in front of Allah Hajj would not be complete. Pilgrims perform the noon and afternoon prayers together at Arafat. Praying for total forgiveness of their sins by Allah. At the end of Wuquf the pilgrims gather to hear the Iman give a sermon.
The next day on 10 Dhul Hijja the pilgrims arrive at Mina, where they reject the devil. In memory of Ibrahims rejection of the devil. This is done by throwing 7 stones at a pillar known as the ‘Great devil’. The pillars are called Jamras. They then repeat this on both 11 and 12 Dhul Hijja where they throw another seven stones on each day.
On 10 Dhul Hijja the sacrifice is also made, called Eid-ul-Adha. Every Muslim takes part in this festival , not only the ones on Hajj. It is a family occasion, bearing in mind the whole family of Islam and not just your own relations. It is a serious occasion and concentrates the mind on self-sacrifice, symbolized by the sacrifice of an animal. The feast represents Muslims’ readiness to sacrifice all feelings, personal wants and needs, even life itself if necessary, to the service of Allah.
“Neither the flesh of the animals of your sacrifice nor their blood reaches Allah-it is your righteousness that reaches him.”
(surah 22:37)
It is not only the climax of the pilgrimage, but it is also the biggest festival in Islam. It reminds the pilgrims of Ibrahim’s faith to believe in God and to not come in to the devils temptations.
For everyone taking parts it demonstrates there total submission to the will of Allah. All Muslims take part in the festival, not just the pilgrims on Hajj. This festival is in commemoration of the story of Ibrahim’s testing.
After the sacrifice the men have their heads shaved and the women have at least 2.5 cm of their hair cut off, this is called the Unfurling.
The pilgrims then go back to Makkah. They can purchase water from the Zamzam well, and dip their ihram in the water. They are also allowed to buy pieces of the black cloth (Kiswah) that covers the black stone in the Ka’ba. Finally they are entitled to take the name Hajji or al-Hajj, to show they have successfully completed the journey of Hajj.
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a re-enactment of the experience of Prophet Abraham and his wife Hagar and of the Hijrah of the Prophet from Makkah to Medina and his triumphant return to Makkah eight years later. It is also an acknowledgement of the re-establishment of the Ka'ba as the House of worship of God and the heart and centre of all Muslims of the world. Religiously, Hajj provides spiritual solace.
B.
1) Explain the meaning and the significance of the events of Hajj for a Muslim.
The most holy structure in Islam is situated in Makkah, and is according to Islam the centre of the world, this is the Ka’ba.
The Ka'ba is the qibla, the direction Muslims perform the salat, the obligatory prayer, towards. The area around the Ka'ba is considered sacred, and inside the area the “truce of God reigns”. Man and animals are all safe here, according to ancient Muslim traditions, and shall not be forced away. In the Holy Qur’an, it is written:
“ ...the first house built for mankind, was in Mecca, to bless and guide all worlds “
The base of the Ka'ba is 10.5 x 12 meters, and it's 15 meters high, and is standing on a marble base which is 25 cm high. Each of the corners are pointing in the four directions of the compass. It is built of grey stones from the hills around Mecca.
The door of the Ka'ba is in the northeastern wall, and is 2 meters above the ground. Inside the Ka'ba, three wooden pillars hold the roof up. The roof can be accessed by a ladder. The floor is covered by marble, and there are no furnitures, except gold and silver lamps.
“Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)." (Qur’an 2:125)
Each event on Hajj holds its own unique significance.
The encircling of the black stone in the Ka’ba, known as Tawaf, is in memory of Muhammad taking back Makkah from the Makkans. When Muhammad came to Makkah with 10 000 men in 630 CE, he defeated the Makkans, to claim back Makkah. He then proceeded into the city, circled the Ka’ba 7 times and touched the black stone. On entering the Ka’ba he destroyed all idols and pictures except those of Jesus and Mary. He conquered in the name of Allah and Makkah was theirs. By performing Tawaf Muslims are demonstrating their faith in the one God, Allah. Muslims are reaffirming their commitments to monotheism and Tawhid. The Tawaf is also a great demonstration of the unity of the Ummah.
In performing the Saiy they are remembering the frantic search, which Hagar and Isma’il made for water when they were left in the desert. Because of Sarah, one of Ibrahims wives, became jealous on behalf of her own son, Isaac, God told Ibrahim to separate from Hagar and Isma’il and leave them In Gods care besides the remains of an ancient shrine. In the barren waterless desert Hagar and Isma’il were tested, for God seemed to have abandoned them and they were dying of thirst. She ran between mount Safa and Marwa to try and spot any water, but she couldn’t. And as all her hope in surviving was gone God came through for them, and the Angel Jibra’il showed her a spring of water. Which became known as the Zamzam well. When doing this Muslims are showing their belief and faith in God, who will help them in all situations, no matter how desperate. The event symbolizes patience and perseverance. Modern Muslims in places like Kosovo could identify with this. Muslims also believe that the water from the well has healing qualities, so they try to drink as much as they can, and even take someone home.
On the Plain of Arafat, at the Mount of Mercy, Muslims perform Wuquf. They stand before Allah from noon to sunset and listen to sermons and concentrate on God alone. The pilgrims must be there or Hajj is not valid. To be there with a repentant heart allows Allah to remove and wipe out all sins from your past, and allows you to start life anew.
“To have stood before God at Arafat is like having a baby. You have either had the experience or you have not. No one can truly explain how it feels but those who know it, know. Perhaps those whose hearts God has seized can understand.”
(a woman pilgrims comment)
In performing Wuquf Muslims are remembering the story of Adam and Eve. The Plain of Arafat, which is known as Jabalar-Rahman, or Mount of Mercy, it is here according to tradition that Adam and Eve were forgiven by God for all their sins, and were brought back to his love and protection.
After they had given into the Devils temptation they were banished from their paradise and lost each other. They wandered the earth in confusion and unhappiness. God watched over them, waiting for them o turn back to him and exchange their defiance for desire for forgiveness. When they understood what separation from God was, they prayed to be restored to grace, and God was able to forgive them. Their reunion took place at the Mountain of Arafat. In gratitude they built a simple shrine nearby.
For Muslims to be on the mountain on 9 Dhu’l Hijjah is the main part Hajj.
When returning to Mina the pilgrims throw stones at a pillar called a jamra, which represents the devil. This is rein acting the rejection of the devil which Ibrahim, Isma’il and Hagar did when, a person appeared and tried to talk them out of the sacrifice. They then threw stones at the person to drive him away. And because of their obedience to the commands of Allah, who stopped Ibrahim at the last moment, they were rewarded with the birth of Isaac, Sarah’s son. The sacrifice of an animal for Eid-ul-Adha shows the pilgrims willingness to give something of great importance to them up, as Allah asked of Ibrahim.
B.
2) What difficulties might there be for a Muslim performing Hajj?
Even though it is Fard, for an adult Muslim to go on Hajj at least one time in their life they’re maybe some problems that prevent some Muslims performing or going on Hajj.
If a Muslim is in ill health they will not be able to attend Hajj, but they could use someone else to represent them and be on Hajj in spirit. This could also be the same for a poor family, or a poor community, but then the community could raise money and select one person to represent them all.
To go on Hajj it is essential to have good Niyyah, because without it Hajj will be invalid, and if you pray with good Niyyah on Wuquf your sins will be forgiven.
Ihram as a state of mind would involve a lot of patience and self-control, because you are stopping most thoughts that you would have in normal everyday life, and it doesn’t help that you are in an extremely hot country and it would be possible to suffer from dehydration since you would be outside for most of the day. There are also millions of people attending Hajj at the same time and there have been casualties on the pilgrimage in the past. Camp fires are are a danger because of the intense heat:
“After last year's fire destroyed 70,000 tents and claimed over 300 lives. The Saudi authorities say they have issued a number of fire-resistant tents made of fibreglass.”
-Report published in 1998 on the campfires at Muzdalifah.
Also there is a high chance of children getting lost from their families in the huge crowds around the city.
Since it is forbidden for a woman to go on Hajj without being accompanied by a man, which Muhammad said,
“A woman is not to travel except with a mahram and a man is not to enter upon her except if she has a mahram.”
So if a woman was not married or did not have a male friend to go with it might not be possible for them to attend. A woman might find this very restrictive. Also since there will be many different cultures performing Hajj, there will be a lot of language problems.
And for a Muslim to maintain good Ihram would be very hard, since it is very hot and no soaps or perfumes can be used.
Overcrowding would be hard to avoid since a lot of people would be at the same place at the same time. This could cause crushing.
Riots in 1987 between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims in the sacred Mosque.
B.
3) How might participating in Hajj affect the life of a believer?
Hajj may also affect the life of the believer because they may find the experience of Hajj so satisfying that they may wish to go again in the position of a volunteer pilgrim to people who are not able to go because of health reasons or because of financial problems. They also might become so over whelmed in their religion that they would want to learn even more and would try to memorize the Qu’ran and become a Hafiz, they do this because the Qur’an was intended to be heard, and the Muslims believe that blessings flow from the sound of it. And because of the great amount of personal contacts with the community and emotion shared, they would feel even closer to the Ummah and become one with it.
Some Muslims may want to become an Imam, or volunteer to teach in the Madrasah, the Mosque school.
“To bring about a just reconciliation between two enemies is love, helping a person to mount his animal or load his baggage on to it is love, a good word is love, every step towards a mosque is love, to remove obstacles in the street is love, smiling upon the face of your brother is love.”
(Hadith)
C. ‘A true pilgrimage is really a journey within’
Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view.
This statement is in part true because when on Hajj you are doing a lot of meditating and Du’a prayer, speaking to God and praying for the cleansing your sins. This requires you to search your mind and soul. But when on Hajj you are with the Ummah, and you share prayers together and do the same thing as everyone else, so this shows that it is not just a journey within, but a journey through out the family of Islam, the ummah.
The main social part of Hajj is probably Eid-ul-Adha, and without this Hajj would not be valid and it would be a wasted journey. When you are in accommodation in Makkah, the pilgrims are closely situated and would need to co-exist through Hajj to maintain good Niyyah, so you need to rely upon your neighbours and not just upon yourself. So in this sense Hajj is a very social “outer” experience.
So by saying ‘A true pilgrimage is a journey within’ one would be only partially true because you need to work with the ummah to fulfil the pilgrimage.
“God chooses for Himself whoever He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn to Him”
However, it could be argued that the significance of the physical journey is only important because of the inner response of the pilgrim. Without the right inner intention, Wuquf is invalid. The emotional impacts of performing Wuquf is most important to the Muslims, some people are changed forever (they come even more religious), people are revived, inspired some almost feel reborn-but without the physical journey the inner journey could not take place.
The most lasting impact of Hajj is going to be an inner one, a changed heart. As the relationship with god is strengthened, Taqwa and Ihsan.
“O God, this sanctuary is Your sacred place, and this city is Your city, and this slave is Your slave. I have come to You from distant land, carrying all my sins and misdeeds as an afflicted person seeking your help and dreading Your punishment. I beg You accept me, and grant me Your complete forgiveness, and give me permission to enter You vast garden of delight.”
