‘O God who knows the innermost secrets of our
Hearts, lead us out of the darkness into the light’
This particular prayer is used on the fourth round. The Mosque is packed with thousands of people. If doable Muslims try to touch or kiss the black stone on the side of the Ka’bah, although as this often proves impossible they instead salute and shout as they pass it each time.
After Tawaf Muslims perform Sa’ee. This takes place just outside Makkah. It is the devotional act that involves running (or walking) between the two hills, Safa and Marwah, retracing the steps of Hajar and Ishmael in their search for water. Following this, the pilgrims head to Mina on foot or bus where they pray and then stay overnight in tents.
Day two (9th Dhul-Hijjah) commences with the journey to Arafat, a desert location. Before leaving Mina for Arafat pilgrims say the following prayer:
‘Oh Allah! To you I turn, praying to approach your Bounteous Countenance
Let my sins be forgiven and Hajj be acceptable, and
Have mercy on me. Allow me not to be disappointed,
For you have power over all things.’
At Arafat a massive campsite is erected. On the plain of Arafat stands the mount of Mercy. This is simply a hill monumentous hill. It has been said that it was here that God re-united Adam and Eve. A sermon is given from the top of here, and many pilgrims attempt to climb it, praying with thousands of other Muslims. In the afternoon of day two ‘wuquf’ takes place. Wuquf is the stand before God on the plain of Arafat. Here people stand in the blistering sun, praying to Allah until sunset.
“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 female pilgrim)
The stand is seen as a very important part of Hajj. For more detail see bi.
Following the Stand, the second night is spent in the open. Muslims journey from Arafat to Muzdalifah where they camp outside and pray. At Muzdalifah special night prayers are said and pilgrims collect pebbles for the following day. As dawn draws near there is another mass stand before God.
After spending the night at Muzdalifah, pilgrims set out just before dawn for Mina. Today is their third day on Hajj, 10th Dhull-Hijjah. At Mina there are the pillars or ‘jamaras’ where Muslims ‘stone the devil.’ This is often very dangerous. It is preferable to do this before midday. Some people choose not to do this and instead collect stones for someone else to throw.
A large camp is set up at Mina and Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated- animals are sacrificed, as this is the annual festival of sacrifice. People can sacrifice a sheep, camel or cow, but because of the vast numbers of people, animals are often shared between groups and the Saudi authorities organise freezing and disposal of carcases. Meat is shared between, family, friends and the poor. Following the sacrifice there is a massive feast often lasting for two or three days.
Before the feast but after sacrifice men shave their heads and women cut off at least 2.5 cm of their hair. Following this, ihram ends and the unfurling begins. Pilgrims return to Makkah and again perform Tawaf (circling the Ka’bah). The y may also drink from the Well of Zamzam. These final few days are optional and have no strict structure. Some pilgrims stay in Mina for a few days, preferring to relax.
During the unfurling there are many different places throughout Saudi Arabia that Muslims may choose to visit. These include Madinah, where the prophet Mohammed’s tomb lies, Mount Nur where the prophet first saw the angel, and Mount Thawr where he sheltered from the Quraish, just to name a few.
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- (i) Explain the meaning and significance of the events of Hajj for a Muslim
Throughout the Hajj almost all events have religious significance.
When Muslims arrive on Hajj the first thing they do is to wear and perform Ihram. This is to symbolise equality because however rich or poor you are, you are all wearing a similar piece of white cloth. This is also useful in the heat as unlike black clothes, white keeps you cooler. Adopting the ihram state of mind is very important to Muslims. This allows them to have a clear mind and chain of thought without being distracted by things such as perfume and make-up. Ihram allows full concentration and focus. It puts Muslims in the correct state of mind for God.
The pilgrim’s first task in Makkah is to circle the Ka’bah seven times (Tawaf). Whilst this has no direct meaning, it is highly significant as it symbolises a Muslim’s love for Allah. The Ka’bah is surely one of the most momentous places in Makkah as it is here that they are facing 5 times a day when they pray. Finally witnessing the Ka’bah in the great mosque must be an incredible moment. As they enter the Great Mosque Muslims say the Talibiyah prayer. Tawaf is done because Adam built the Ka’bah and it was the first building built for worship to God but, the Ka’bah was destroyed and Ibrahim rebuilt it. When Muhammad, the prophet visited Makkah he circled the Ka’bah seven times so, Muslims repeat these steps to remember the footsteps of the Prophets.
Following the circling of the Ka’bah, pilgrims perform Sa’ee. This is in remembrance of Hajar and Ismail as they ran between the hills searching for water. Due to the belief in Allah, a spring appeared from which they both drank. The spring is now situated inside the great mosque; it is now the well of Zamzam. The whole event symbolises that God is everywhere, and he is always there when we need him most.
During day two, at Arafat, pilgrims ‘stand’ before God from noon until sunset. It was at Arafat that God forgave Adam and Eve. This shows their devotion and determination to Allah as they stand in the sweltering heat before God without shade. Here they feel close to Allah, being openly judged as they pray, copping with heat and sun. Their sins are forgiven, just as Adam and Eve’s were. If for any reason the Stand/ wuquf is not completed, their Hajj is seen as invalid. Wuquf is seen as the most important part of Hajj.
Following the stand, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, a town situated directly in-between Makkah and Mina, the following day’s destination. At Muzdalifah they collect stones for the following day and pray in the open.
On day three Muslims continue on their pilgrimage, now heading to Mina. At mina there are pillars representing the devil that Muslims throw stones at. There are three pillars that represent the three temptations the devil used on Ibrahim. This symbolises the rejection of the devil and their sins.
Following the stoning of the devil, Muslims sacrifice an animal. This is of great religious significance as it remembers Ibrahim when he was willing to sacrifice his own son in order to prove is love for Allah. This sacrifice is also important as some of the meat is given to the poor. This is Zakah, another of the five pillars.
The festival of Eid-ul-Adha is a reward to the pilgrims and can also be seen as a duty to God, showing their love and devotion to him. Throughout Hajj pilgrims have felt great amounts of brotherhood and have been brought closer to God. The unfurling allows them to dwell on these feelings and gives Muslims a chance to visit places of religious importance that they would otherwise not get to see.
- (ii) What difficulties might there be for a Muslim performing Hajj?
Both during and before Hajj many difficulties can occur for Muslims. Difficulties before the hajj include debt. This can be a big problem for under-privileged people from poorer backgrounds as, whilst Hajj is one of the five pillars, however hard someone saves, it may never be possible to save enough. If someone already has debts, it is preferred that they do not go on Hajj, as it will only let to further debts and problems.
Home responsibilities can also cause problems. If someone cannot get time off work or has to look after children they must instead go on Hajj at a later date.
For people who are old or weak, the Hajj can be a struggle. This would cause problems as Hajj is about thinking about god. Instead they could end up worrying about themselves instead of God. This is likewise for disabled people. Each year more and more things are being done to ease this problem. These improvements include proper walkways and easier access, but transport and accommodation may still cause big problems.
For people who cannot go on Hajj there are other solutions such as niyyah. This involves making the intention but instead of actually going on Hajj, either paying for someone else or giving the money you saved to
- (iii) How might going on Hajj change a believer’s life?
The Hajj can change a believer’s life in many different ways, both physically and mentally. After Hajj a Muslim’s daily and religious life can be affected.
One more obvious change following Hajj is that once a Muslim has completed their pilgrimage, they are allowed to add Hajji or Hajjah to their name. This reminds them of their remarkable achievements and great accomplishments in completing Hajj.
During the Stand before God at Arafat a believer’s sins are forgiven. They are cleansed and become pure. When they arrive back home they will try to live a correct life without sinning in order to stay pure for judgement day.
Physical changes resulting from Hajj may include the believer feeling much fitter due to the amount of exercise they have done. They will also have shorter or shaved hair.
When Muslims visit the Well of Zamzam they can collect water to bring home. This is believed by some to cure disease and may become a treasured possession of some believers.
Maybe the most important way a believer has changed is spiritually. They will have experienced brotherhood and feel much closer to God.
Section C-
A true Pilgrimage is really a journey within.
People have many different views concerning the Hajj and other holy pilgrimages. Some feel that a true pilgrimage is really a journey within, whilst other people disagree, saying that it is actions that count.
I agree that the pilgrimage should be a journey within the body. After all, there’s no point in making a journey if it doesn’t change you. The Hajj is not a true pilgrimage; a true pilgrimage is in the heart. Anyone can go through the motions of Hajj but unless you have spiritually changed or grown from the experience, it doesn’t necessarily become a true journey. Since one name for Allah is omnipresent and as surah2:115 states, ‘ God is everywhere,’ surely Allah is in our homes just as much as he is in Makkah. Some Muslims think that you don’t need to travel to Makkah to feel this closeness to God. The same feelings can be witnessed anywhere.
The Qu’ran says in Surah 2:197 “…but the best of provisions is right conduct.” The Hajj brings many extra costs and expenses, yet really it’s possible for the pilgrimage to take place in your own home as long as you have the right state of mind. An alternative to the journey could be a fast as it shows your commitment.
I can see why people disagree with this. The pilgrimage to Makkah on Hajj is one of the five pillars. A journey within does not allow you to show your obedience to Islam and the five pillars. Actually participating in the Hajj allows you to experience things you wouldn’t at home. You feel the true extent of brotherhood (know as ‘Ummah’) on Hajj as you are surrounded by millions of people all understanding and witnessing similar feelings, events and emotions. On Hajj you visit special places that are connected with your faith. This gives you closeness to Allah and other Muslims.
The pilgrimage to Makkah on Hajj shows commitment to your religion. A good example of this dedication was the case of one man walking from India to Makkah. The hajj is both a physical and spiritual experience.
Having looked at both sides of the argue, I disagree with the statement ‘a true pilgrimage is really a journey within.’ Of course there is no point going to Makkah if it doesn’t change you within, but then again, a pilgrimage sat at home in your living-room is just as useless. A true pilgrimage is a mixture of both physical and spiritual experiences, which can only be properly felt in Makkah on Hajj.
Bibliography
- www.ico-ne.org/Education/Islam_Basics/Pillars_of_Islam/ Haj/Hajj_Pictures/hajj_pictures.htm
Skills in Religious Studies. Book 1 J. Fageant & S.C Meraer
Hajj:- Journey of a Lifetime ( BBC TV, 2001)
Examining Religions- ‘Islam’ Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
RS Note Book (class notes, yr 9)
Encarta Encyclopedia (1998 edition)
Macmillan concise Encyclopedia (1996 edition)
