Exam 14: Islam: the Pillars and the Umma

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Hajj is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. The rituals of Hajj are performed over five to six days, beginning on the 8th and ending on the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Here are some of the key steps taken during Hajj:

1. **Ihram**: The first step in performing Hajj is entering a state of Ihram, which is a special state of purity and sacredness. Pilgrims must wear specific simple and white garments, which are meant to signify equality before God and the shedding of materialistic trappings. For men, this consists of two white, unstitched sheets, and for women, a simple white dress and headscarf. Before crossing the outer boundaries of Mecca, known as Miqat, pilgrims make the intention for Hajj and recite the Talbiyah, a prayer that signifies their intent to perform the pilgrimage.

2. **Tawaf**: Upon arrival in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba (the cube-shaped building at the center of the Grand Mosque) seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This act is a demonstration of the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony together around the Kaaba, while reciting prayers.

3. **Sa'i**: After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa'i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba. This ritual commemorates the story of Hagar, the mother of Prophet Ishmael, as she searched for water for her son, and the miracle of the Zamzam well that sprang forth under his feet.

4. **Mount Arafat**: On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat, where they spend the afternoon in contemplation and prayer. Standing at Arafat until sunset is considered the most important part of the Hajj, as the Prophet Muhammad said, "Hajj is Arafat."

5. **Muzdalifah**: After sunset on the day of Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, an open area between Arafat and Mina. Here, they perform the Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and spend the night under the stars.

6. **Ritual of Stoning (Rami al-Jamarat)**: Over the next few days, pilgrims participate in a ritual known as Rami al-Jamarat, which involves throwing pebbles at three walls (formerly pillars), known as the Jamarat. This act symbolizes the rejection of evil and temptation, as it reenacts the story of Abraham who threw stones at the devil when he tried to dissuade him from following God's command to sacrifice his son.

7. **Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani)**: Pilgrims also perform an animal sacrifice, which can be done anytime between the 10th and the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This is done to commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, who provided a ram as a substitute. Today, many pilgrims purchase a sacrifice voucher, and the act is carried out by authorized personnel in designated areas.

8. **Shaving or Cutting Hair (Halq or Taqsir)**: After the animal sacrifice, male pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair. This act symbolizes a renewal of state and the shedding of past sins.

9. **Tawaf al-Ifadah**: Pilgrims return to the Kaaba to perform another Tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah, which is an integral part of the Hajj.

10. **Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada)**: Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf called the Farewell Tawaf. It is a way of bidding farewell to the Kaaba and Mecca.

These steps are performed in sequence and are accompanied by prayers and recitations throughout the pilgrimage. The Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims, and it is meant to foster a sense of unity, humility, and devotion to God.