Focus On Hajj Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the 7 stages of the Hajj in order?
1) Meeqat and Ihram
2) Umrah
3) Mina
4) Arafat
5) Muzdalifah
6) Jamaraat
7) Farewell Tawaaf
What time of the year do Muslims do Hajj?
Between the 8th Dhul Hijjah and the 13 Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah id the final month in the Islamic calendar
Why do Muslims go on Hajj?
DUTY - as one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, Hajj is an obligation for all able Muslims. Doing Hajj reflects the Muslims’ loyalty and devotion
FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF MUHAMMAD - as he is seen as God’s greatest prophet, Muslims look up to him and emulate him
EQUALITY: Strengthens the Muslim belief of equality as all people go on the same route
SPIRITUALITY: allows Muslims to reconnect with God
What is Meeqat?
The imaginary boundary outside Makkah:
It is where intentions regarding the
pilgrimage are purified and the
pilgrims enter the stage of Ihram
What is Ihram?
The sacred state in which the pilgrims enter the Hajj.
It involves changing clothes, with the men wearing two sheets of plain white unhemmed cotton.
Women wear any modest clothing and may not cover their face
What is Umrah?
The lesser pilgrimage:
1) Pilgrims perform Tawaf (walking around the Kabbah)
2) Drink from the Zam Zam well (where Hagar and Ishmael drank from)
3) Walk between the two mountains Safa and Marwah 7 times (reminder of how Hagar searched for water between these mountains)
What happens in Mina?
This is a large area of land where pilgrims stay in tents, each of which is big enough for 100 people. The day if Mina is a feast day.
Here, pilgrims meet Muslims from all around the world and recite the Q’ran and remember God
What happens on the Plain of Arafat?
1) At dawn pilgrims make their way to the Plain of Arafat (MOST IMPORTANT DAY)
2) Muslims spend the entire day in Arafat, praying to God
What happens in Muzdalifah?
Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah after evening prayers, where 3 million people spend the night under the stars (no tent)
What is Jamaraat?
Pilgrims perform ‘the Stoning of the Devil’ where they throw pebbles at 3 stone pillars that represent Satan. By doing this, the pilgrims are rejecting Satan and life’s temptations
Who has to go on Hajj?
All Muslims who are capable of it must go on Hajj at least once in their life
What are Muslims recommended to do before going on Hajj?
Discharge all debts + seek forgiveness of anyone that they have upset + re-establish good relations with all
Why is Arafat the most important part of the Hajj?
It is where Muslims seek forgiveness and atone for their sins
It is a reminder of the Day of Judgement, where Muslims believe mankind will stand on a similar plain, waiting for judgement. Humans will be grouped with those of similar belief.
Why is Ihram significant for Muslims?
Signifies spiritual purity and equality before God
What is the significance of Umrah?
Where Muslims purify their souls + renew their faith
What is the significance of Mina?
Fosters unity and devotion
What is the significance of Muzdalifah?
Sacred site where pilgrims participate in worship + reflection
