The Hajj

The
Muslims
pilgrimage
to Mecca

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 Muslims 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:
That they are able to look after
themselves (i.e. that you are old
enough).
That they are healthy and fit
enough to go.
That they can afford to go
without borrowing money from
anywhere.

Where do they go?

Muslims go to Mecca It is the capital
city of Saudi Arabia's Makkah province.

What do they do when they

get there?
There are many things Muslims do here
are the seven most important
Wear an Ihram.
Perform Tawaf.
Run between As-safa and Al-Marwah.
Visit Arafat.
Stone evil at Mina.
Some people cut their hair.
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 Kabah seven times.
They kiss the black stone (a sacred stone
from the time of Muhammad).

The Kabah is important as it was the first

place built to worship Allah.

Run between As-safa and AlMarwah

This action helps the Muslims to remember an
important person in Muslim history.
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 Muslim's may drink from it.

It reminds Muslims that Allah looks after those

who obey him.

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 Allahs 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.

You will use the information to

create a leaflet explaining the Hajj
to other children.