Pilgrimages The Hajj a pillar of the Muslim

Pilgrimages The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Outcomes n All must learn about three places Muslim go to while on pilgrimage n Most should understand the importance of the Hajj to a Muslim n Some could describe aspects of the Hajj using specialist vocabulary

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Big picture: n Varanasi is a place, Lourdes is in France, Amritsar is in the Punjab in India n Last time we talked about Varanasi…. . n Today we will see the Hajj which is not a place but the journey to the Most Holy place of Islam

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Connector: n Listen to this extract in silence: n Sound. mp 3 (2. 05 min) n What does it inspire you? Why?

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n On the first day of the Hajj, pilgrims sweep out of Makkah towards Mina, a small uninhabited village east of the city. Pilgrims generally spend their time meditating and praying, as the Prophet (PBUH) did on his pilgrimage.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Now what are you expected to do if you go onto the Muslim pilgrimage n Your answer should include things like n Throwing pebbles n Praying n Shaving…

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n During the second day, pilgrims leave Mina for the plain of 'Arafat for the wuquf, "the standing, " the central rite of the Hajj. As they congregate there, the pilgrims' stance and gathering reminds them of the Day of Judgment. Some of them gather at the Mount of Mercy, where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his unforgettable Farewell Sermon

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Just after sunset, the mass of pilgrims proceeds to Muzdalifah, an open plain about halfway between 'Arafat and Mina. There they first pray and then collect a fixed number of chickpea-sized pebbles to use on the following days.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Before daybreak on the third day, pilgrims move en masse from Muzdalifah to Mina. There they cast at white pillars the pebbles they have previously collected. According to some traditions, this practice is associated with Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). As pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of these pillars, they remember the story of Satan's attempt to persuade Ibrahim (PBUH) to disregard God's command to sacrifice his son.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Following the casting of the pebbles, most pilgrims sacrifice a goat, sheep or some other animal. They give the meat to the poor

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n They are now allowed to shed their ihram and put on everyday clothes. On this day Muslims around the world share the happiness the pilgrims feel and join them by performing identical, individual sacrifices in a worldwide celebration of 'Id al-Adha, "the Festival of Sacrifice. "

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Still sojourning in Mina, pilgrims visit Makkah to perform another essential rite of the Hajj: the tawaf, the seven-fold circling of the Ka'bah, with a prayer recited during each circuit. Their circumambulation of the Ka'bah, the symbol of God's oneness, implies that all human activity must have God at its center. It also symbolizes the unity of God and man.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n After completing the tawaf, pilgrims pray, preferably at the Station of Ibrahim, the site where Ibrahim (PBUH) stood while he built the Ka'bah. Then they drink of the water of Zamzam.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n These rites performed, the pilgrims are completely deconsecrated: They may resume all normal activities. According to the social customs of some countries, pilgrims can henceforth proudly claim the title of al-Hajj or Hajji.

The Hajj: a pillar of the Muslim faith n Now use the map given and at each station recap what you have learnt in class on your table. Each Muslim student finishing early should move from table to table and help others n See everything live on: n http: //www. channel 4. com/culture/microsites/H /hajj/indd_maps. html

The fifth Pillar of Islam: Hajj n Things you have learnt