The HajjThe Hajj

The Muslim’s pilgrimage to Makkah

Remember because of translation Makkah can have different spellings.

To know about the Hajj – where Muslims go and what they do. You will learn about the Muslim’s

pilgrimage to Makkah You will use the information to create a

leaflet explaining the Hajj to other children

What is the Hajj? The Hajj is a pilgrimage that Muslims make. They make the trip once in their lifetime as it

is one of the 5 pillars The pilgrimage to Makkah makes the

Muslim’s faith stronger They feel it makes them more obedient to

Allah (they carry out his wishes)

Who goes on the Hajj? Anyone can go on the Hajj but they need

to check three things first:

1. That they are able to look after themselves (i.e. that you are old enough)

2. That they are healthy and fit enough to go

3. That they can afford to go – without borrowing money from anywhere

Where do they go?

Muslims go to Makkah – Maybe you could find out where that is.

What do they do when they get there?

There are many things Muslims do – here are the seven most important

1. Wear an Ihram

2. Perform Tawaf

3. Run between As-safa and Al-Marwah

4. Visit Arafat

5. Stone ‘evil’ at Mina

6. Some people cut their hair

7. Some people sacrifice an animal

They change into an Ihram. Everyone must wear a white cloth – this is so

all people are equal – there is no difference between the rich and the poor.

They perform Tawaf Muslims circle the holy Ka’bah seven times They kiss the black stone (a sacred stone

from the time of Muhammad)

The Ka’bah is important as it was the first place built to worship Allah

Run between As-safa and Al-Marwah This action helps the Muslims to remember

an important person in Muslim history

It reminds Muslims that Allah looks after those who obey him

Hagar and her son, Ishmail, were left in the desert without water. Hagar was very concerned about her son. The story says that Ishmail dug his heels into the sand and a spring of water gushed forth.

A well still remains here and Mulims may drink from it.

Visiting Arafat

The most important part They stand on The Plain of Arafat (24 km

from Makkah) on the ‘Mount of Mercy’ They beg for Allah’s forgiveness of their sins

Stoning ‘evil’ at Mina

There are three pillars and the Muslims throw stones or pebbles at the pillars

The pillars represent ‘evils’ such as unkindness, temptation etc

By throwing the stones the pilgrims are reminded to resist temptations and evil in their own life

Cutting hair and sacrificing an animal Many men cut their hair

to show they are close to Allah

It also shows that they do not worry about their appearance – and that everyone is equal

They may sacrifice a sheep if they can afford it

It reminds Muslims that they must give up everything for Allah