Hajj | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage that begins and concludes in Makkah (Mecca), attracting approximately three million Muslims annually.

• It represents the fifth pillar of Islam for Sunni Muslims and is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts for Shi’a Muslims, making it a mandatory journey for Muslims who are physically capable and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.
• In some communities, financial support is provided to enable those who cannot afford the pilgrimage to participate.
• Certain Muslims may choose to perform the Hajj multiple times during their lives.
• The Qur’an references Hajj, stating, “And it is a duty to Allah for the people to perform pilgrimage to the House, for those who are able to make their way to it. But whoever rejects it—surely Allah is independent of all worlds” (Qur’an 3:97).
• Hadiths emphasize the significance of Hajj, noting, “Whoever undertakes Hajj solely for Allah’s pleasure, refraining from foul language or sinful acts, will return as pure as the day they were born.”
• The pilgrimage must occur during Dhu’l-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• Makkah holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims due to its association with Adam, Ibrahim, Isma’il, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who resided there.

Importance of Hajj

• Completing Hajj earns one the title of Hajji.
• Muslims believe the Hajj fosters a profound spiritual transformation, bringing them closer to Allah.
• The pilgrimage is thought to cultivate virtues such as humility, inner tranquility, and a commitment to justice, honesty, respect, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness.
• Hajj also promotes self-discipline, as its completion is a challenging endeavor not all can achieve.
• Wearing Ihram clothing and staying in tents during Hajj fosters a sense of unity and equality among pilgrims.
• This phase includes ritual washing and prayers, symbolizing spiritual preparation.
• The white Ihram garments represent purity and equality among all pilgrims.
• Hajj serves as a reminder of the faith and exemplary actions of Ibrahim, Hajira, and Isma’il.
• Muslims believe the pilgrimage can lead to the forgiveness of sins.

Performing the Hajj

• Hajj involves a series of rituals that commemorate significant historical and religious events in Islam.
• Following the completion of Hajj, Muslims observe Eid-ul-Adha.
• While not directly linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, Eid-ul-Adha is significant because it occurs on the tenth day of Dhu’l-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• The date of Eid-ul-Adha is determined by a verified sighting of the moon after the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
• This celebration is observed by all Muslims, not solely those who have completed the Hajj.

Actions and Their Significance at Pilgrimage Sites

Historical Context of Hajj

• The significance of the locations and rituals during Hajj is tied to key historical and religious events.
• Hajj traces its origins to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim.
• Allah instructed Ibrahim to journey to Arabia with his wife, Hajira, and son Isma’il.
• Ibrahim was then directed to leave Hajira and Isma’il with limited provisions of food and water.
• When their water supply was depleted, Hajira frantically searched for water by running between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
• Unable to find water, she prayed to Allah, and a spring, now known as the Zamzam well, miraculously emerged from the ground.
• Upon his return, Ibrahim was commanded to construct the Ka’aba as a sacred shrine dedicated to the worship of Allah.
• Over time, people began worshipping idols at the Ka’aba instead of Allah, but the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) restored its original purpose when he brought Islam to Makkah.
• In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established the Hajj during the month of Dhu’l-Hijja, which remains the same pilgrimage Muslims perform today.

Symbolic Meaning of Hajj Rituals

• Many rituals performed during Hajj are connected to historical events in Islam or symbolize core Islamic beliefs.
• Pilgrims run between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, mirroring Hajira’s determined search for water, reflecting the perseverance Muslims should embody.
• Drinking from the Zamzam well commemorates Hajira’s quest for water and signifies a Muslim’s reliance on Allah.
• At Mount Arafat, pilgrims gather to pray and seek a deep spiritual connection with Allah.
• The pilgrimage fosters a sense of unity and equality among Muslims, as they all wear simple white garments known as Ihram and perform the rituals together, regardless of social or economic status.
• The rituals of Hajj are physically and spiritually demanding, requiring significant self-discipline, which strengthens the pilgrims' resolve and faith.
• By participating in these acts, Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins and aim to return from the pilgrimage purified, as if reborn.

Historical and Religious Significance of Hajj Sites and Actions

Historical Background

• The importance of Hajj is deeply rooted in its historical and religious significance, dating back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim.
• Allah commanded Ibrahim to travel to Arabia with his wife, Hajira, and their son Isma’il.
• He was then instructed to leave them in the desert with only a small amount of food and water.
• When the water ran out, Hajira desperately ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of sustenance.
• In her distress, she prayed to Allah, and the Zamzam well miraculously sprang forth to provide water.
• Upon returning, Ibrahim was divinely instructed to build the Ka’aba, a sacred structure dedicated to the worship of Allah.
• Over time, the Ka’aba became a site of idol worship, but the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) restored it to its original monotheistic purpose when he brought Islam to Makkah.
• The Hajj, as performed today, was formalized by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in 628 CE during the month of Dhu’l-Hijja.

Meaning of Hajj Rituals

• The actions performed during Hajj carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting both historical events and key Islamic beliefs.
• Running seven times between Safa and Marwah reenacts Hajira’s determined search for water, symbolizing the perseverance required of all Muslims.
• Drinking from the Zamzam well recalls Hajira’s reliance on Allah’s provision, reinforcing a Muslim’s dependence on divine mercy.
• Standing at Mount Arafat to pray for forgiveness connects pilgrims to the site where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
• The ritual of stoning the pillars in Mina represents Ibrahim’s rejection of the Devil’s temptations, symbolizing a Muslim’s commitment to resisting evil.