Today is a very special day for all Muslims because it celebrates the festival of Eid ul-Fitr.
Today is a very special day for all Muslims because it celebrates the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Before this festival began, my parents gave money to charity, so that everyone has enough to be able to celebrate the festival properly. While we are celebrating, we have to remember the poorer members of the society, and is known as one of the five duties of all Muslims. This festival marks the end of the fast of Ramadan, and is celebrated on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic year (Shawal). During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast, unless they are travellers, children under the age of ten, and are pregnant or sick. The excitement of seeing the moon of Eid is greater than at the beginning of Ramadan. In London, the new moon cannot often be seen because of the clouds, and so we find out about the appearance of the Eid moon from mosques and Islamic centres, which receive this information from Muslim countries by radio, telex and telephone. On the night that Ramadan ends, we do not go to bed and meet up with our friends and family, to watch for the new moon. In the olden days, the sighting of the new moon was announced by the mu'adhin, calling the people to prayer from the mosque. As soon as the moon has been seen, the festivities begin. We rush to congratulate each other, and to begin the celebrations. Eid is a happy time for our family, where we sit together
b) Explain why some Christians go on pilgrimage and the effect which this might have on them.
b) Explain why some Christians go on pilgrimage and the effect which this might have on them. To answer this question, before identifying the reasons why some Christians go on pilgrimage and the effects, the word pilgrimage and the factors of what makes a site a place of pilgrimage, needs to be defined. When one says the word pilgrimage, they should mean a journey that one endures to/around a place. A pilgrimage is a symbol in action in the sense that it is a representation of the journey of a Christian life from earth to heaven, which is why 'a pilgrim people' is the term occasionally used as a description of the Church. Pilgrimage can refer to a Christian's journey through his or her life, from when they are born, to when they die. Furthermore, it can be a journey whereby as one grows spiritually, one understands more and more about themselves. Pilgrimage can be described as a journey to a sacred place or shrine, especially one of exalted purpose or moral significance. It is a spiritual tradition found in the history of nearly every major religion. A good example of a Christian pilgrimage is that made by the Magi, the Three Wise Men, as it contains some of the elements of pilgrimage. They made a, most likely, arduous journey by donkey, attempting to experience a source of sacred awe. These two parts of any pilgrimage are essential, the journey and the intent of experiencing
What is Hajj?
What is Hajj? The Arabic term 'islam means "submission" and itself comes from the term 'aslama, which means "to surrender, resign oneself." Hajj means "to set out for a definite purpose". In Islam Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah made at least once in their lifetime. They go to Makkah because Muhammad (pbuh), Allah's last prophet, was born there and also because the Ka'bah is there in the sacred Mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Haram Sharif. The Ka'bah was built over the black stone that is believed to have been sent from the heavens by Allah. There are many legends about the black stone in the eastern corner, some say that the angel Jibril came down from heaven and gave the stone to Isma'il, who placed it in the corner. Others say it was given to Adam as a white stone, but later turned black due to people's sins. On the other hand some believe that it is actually the head stone from Adam's grave on Mount Abu Qubais and moved of its own accord to the eastern corner of the Ka'bah; however it is considered a sacred item by Muslims all over the world. The five pillars of Islam teach Muslims how to lead a "good life". Each pillar has a different meaning, which Muslims must follow. When on Hajj there are certain rules a pilgrim must follow, these are: ? No perfume, not in soap or even in food. ? No Jewellery, except a woman's wedding ring. ? No gloves are allowed to be worn, but hands
Hajj is a religious pilgrimage that Muslims go on to be forgiven from all their sins from Allah.
Hajj is a religious pilgrimage that Muslims go on to be forgiven from all their sins from Allah. It involves going to Makkah, 'the mother town' (Qur'an 42:7), in Saudi Arabia. Muslims go to Hajj for a number of different reasons. Firstly, it is one of the five pillars of Islam so therefore it is fard (Arabic for compulsory). If you complete Hajj your sins are forgiven; 'as sinless as a new born baby' - Muhammad (pbuh). If you don't get to go to Makkah but were intending to, you are still forgiven from your sins as Allah judges you by your intentions as opposed to your actions. Also, Muslims may want to follow the example of Muhammad (pbuh). It is special for Muslims to go to Hajj because they can learn more about their religion. They can visit Muhammad's birthplace and the Ka'ba because Muslims face it five times a day. Muslims also want to show that they are prepared to worship Allah by making such a large sacrifice. Most Muslims try to get to Makkah at one point in their lives. Non-Muslims cannot get into Makkah. You need to get a permit from your mosque allowing you to enter. Muhammad (pbuh) made Makkah a holy city because he was born, lived and prayed there. When Muslims go on Hajj they are forgiven from their sins. There are however, a few exceptions. These are when the Muslim is too young to understand what is going on so they will have to do the pilgrimage when they
Pilgrimage R.E. coursework
GCSE Coursework - Pilgrimage What is pilgrimage? Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out. A pilgrimage involves a two-way journey, a journey of the heart towards God through the physical and often uncomfortable journey to a holy place. The pilgrimage is speaking between God and yourself. Pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the life, birth and crucifixion of Jesus. Surviving descriptions of Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land date from the 4th century, when pilgrimage was encouraged by church fathers like Saint Jerome. Pilgrimages also began to be made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, Saints and Christian martyrs, as well as to places where there have been alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Back in the Middle-Ages pilgrimages were very popular. Pilgrimage was long and very dangerous - not at all like a holiday! It may have taken many years. The pilgrims would usually travel in groups, and stay in monasteries or inns overnight. The golden era of pilgrimages was, unsurprisingly, the Middle-Ages. Rome, Cologne,
'Places of pilgrimage tend to be very commercialised these days. Is this bound to reduce the value of the pilgrimage for the Christian? Do you agree? Evaluate.
Our assigned Coursework Question is: 'Places of pilgrimage tend to be very commercialised these days. Is this bound to reduce the value of the pilgrimage for the Christian? Do you agree? Evaluate' It is clearly evident that Commercialism, which now has engulfed most places of pilgrimage, has brought with it some advantageous and some disadvantageous factors. Throughout this essay I will discuss both the beneficial points, which commercialisation has brought to places of pilgrimage, and also the reasons why too much commercialisation can in some cases be detrimental to the religious significance of a visiting pilgrim. Firstly I will examine the favourable factors of commercialisation that are advantageous to places of pilgrimage. It may be said that visiting a place of pilgrimage would be more appealing to the younger generation if it were to be busy and lively. This is important because there is a need for more worship to be aimed at younger people, for the reason that it is they whom are the future and will pass on their views of religious beliefs to a new generation. So if more worship is aimed at the younger generation they will eventually grow to be more religious. The introduction of web-sites, leaflets and so on means believers can discover more about the place. And ascertain a greater understanding of this place of pilgrimages background and religious significance.
Describe what happens when a Muslim participates on Hajj
Describe what happens when a Muslim participates on Hajj Hajj is arguably the peak of a Muslims religious life, and is undoubtedly one of the most attended pilgrimages of any religion in the world. It consists of a number of different rituals and activities performed by over 3 million Muslims from around the world, between the 8th and 13th of Dhul-Hijja , the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a religious requirement for every Muslim to partake on Hajj at least once in their lifetime, excluding the lesser pilgrimage of Umrah, which can take place at any time of the year. The pilgrimage begins when all Muslims partaking undergo the spiritual preparation of Ihram. This involves putting on the required dress which consists of two pieces of basic, white seamless cloth, all men shaving their heads and sandals that allow the toes and back of the ankle to be exposed. There is no prescribed dress for women, but they usually follow similar rules to the men wearing seamless cloth dresses which cover the ankles. The only stitched item that is not prohibited is a money belt if needed. Also, soap or other scented items, and I they are intentionally rubbed on the cloth, or the cloth is fouled by 'najas' (dirty) material, i.e. excrement, it must be exchanged or another, for fear of the Hajj being invalidated. As part of these preparations, all pilgrims are expected to ready
Hajj coursework.
Hajj coursework This is the Ka'ba (cube). It is a shrine in the Great Mosque in Mecca. It is also known as Baitullah, the house of Allah. It was originally built by Adam, later rebuilt by Ibrahim then later restored by Muhammad, who destroyed the Idols and statues. It is the only place in the world where Muslims pray in circles rather than in straight lines. On arrival in Mecca, Muslims begin with Tawaf. Pilgrims walk around the Ka'ba seven times anti-clockwise. If they run it shows more love for Allah. Each time they go around they recite in Arabic: 'Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am.' Allah must be their only thought. If a pilgrim gets close to the Black Stone, which is situated in the South East corner of the Ka'ba, which is believed to have been sent from Allah, they touch it or even kiss it. If not they raise their arms to it to mark their respects. After Tawaf Muslims go to two small hills called Safa and Marawah, which are enclosed under two domes, joined by a walkway. They walk seven times between the hills. This commemorates the time when Hajar and Isma'il were lost in the desert. Hajar climbed the two hills repeatedly in search of water. Despite the thirst she still kept her faith and believed. Then an Angel appeared and showed her a spring of water. This spring of water is called Zamzam. Pilgrims drink water from Zamzam. It is considered to be sacred.
Hajj Coursework
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
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Page 1: Introduction Page 2: Shahadah Page 3: Salat Page 4: Salat Page5: Salat Page 6: Zakat Page 7: Saum Page 8: Saum Page 9: Saum Page 10: Hajj Page 11: Hajj As part of the Islam religion, all true Muslims must perform 5 duties, called the Five Pillars of Islam. They are called the Five Pillars of Islam because they effectively are holding up the Islamic religion. Each pillar is as important than the last and Muslims have to abide by them to follow their religion, they are like rules. These are given here in their order: Shahada (Affirmation) The duty to recite the creed: "There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God" Salat (Prayer) The duty to worship the One God in prayer five times each day Zakat (Almsgiving) The duty to give away alms and to help the needy Saum (Fasting) The duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan Hajj (Pilgrimage) The duty to make the pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime Shahadah The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. Shahadah is the declaration that there is no god but Allah and Prophet Muhammad, his prophet. The first of the five pillars of Islam is the profession of faith in the saying of the words that "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet". This Shahadah, or evidence, when recited by a person of honesty, completes the first major task for being a