Hajj and Umrah – SS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Hajj and Umrah are two important acts of worship in Islam. They involve travelling to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform special rituals. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which means it is a duty that every able Muslim must do once in their lifetime. Umrah is similar to Hajj but shorter and can be done at any time of the year. Both Hajj and Umrah help Muslims get closer to Allah and remember the faith and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• State the conditions a Muslim must meet before performing Hajj
• Describe the events in the lives of Ibrahim, Hajar and Ismail that Hajj remembers
• List the main rituals of Hajj and of Umrah
• State the differences between Hajj and Umrah
• Explain how a Muslim should prepare for Hajj or Umrah
• Explain the spiritual meaning of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj: the fifth pillar of Islam

What is Hajj?

Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that every adult Muslim must perform once in their life if they:

• Are physically able to travel
• Can afford the trip
• Have enough money to support their family while away
• Have a safe route to travel

Hajj takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). The main days of Hajj are from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

Historical importance

Hajj reminds Muslims of events from the lives of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael). When Allah tested Ibrahim by asking him to leave his wife and baby son in the desert, Hajar ran between two hills (Safa and Marwah) looking for water. Allah then caused a spring called Zamzam to flow at the feet of baby Ismail.

Later, Allah tested Ibrahim again by asking him to sacrifice his son. When Ibrahim showed he was willing to obey, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram to sacrifice instead.

The rituals of Hajj

Hajj involves several important acts of worship over five or six days:

1. Ihram: Before starting Hajj, pilgrims enter a special state called Ihram. Men wear two simple white sheets, and women wear simple modest clothes. In this state, Muslims must not:
   • Cut their hair or nails
   • Wear perfume
   • Hunt animals
   • Fight or argue
   • Get married or have marital relations
2. Tawaf: Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba (the cube-shaped building in the centre of the Grand Mosque) seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. The Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail as the first house of worship to Allah.
3. Sa’i: Pilgrims walk or run between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This reminds them of how Hajar searched for water for her baby.
4. Standing at Arafat: This is the most important part of Hajj. All pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah to pray and ask Allah for forgiveness. This is called the “Day of Arafat.”
5. Muzdalifah: After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims move to an area called Muzdalifah where they spend the night praying and collecting small pebbles for the next ritual.
6. Rami al-Jamarat (stoning the pillars): Pilgrims throw the pebbles they collected at three stone pillars that represent the devil. This reminds them of how Ibrahim threw stones at the devil when he tried to tempt him against Allah’s command.
7. Animal sacrifice: Pilgrims sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) to remember the sacrifice of Ibrahim. The meat is given to the poor.
8. Halq or Taqsir: Men either shave their heads completely (Halq) or cut their hair short (Taqsir). Women cut a small piece of their hair.
9. Final Tawaf: Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform one more Tawaf around the Kaaba.

What are the benefits of Hajj?

• It shows equality among all Muslims, as everyone wears simple clothes and performs the same acts
• It helps Muslims focus on their relationship with Allah
• It reminds Muslims of the Day of Judgment, when all people will stand before Allah
• It teaches patience and sacrifice
• It brings Muslims from all over the world together
• It helps Muslims leave their sins behind and start fresh

Umrah: the lesser pilgrimage

What is Umrah?

Umrah is sometimes called the “lesser pilgrimage” or “minor pilgrimage.” Unlike Hajj, Umrah:

• Can be performed at any time of the year
• Takes only a few hours to complete
• Is not a duty (Fard) but is highly recommended (Sunnah)
• Involves fewer rituals than Hajj

Many Muslims perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to performing Hajj with him.

The rituals of Umrah

Umrah involves four main steps:

1. Ihram: Just like in Hajj, pilgrims enter the state of Ihram before beginning Umrah.
2. Tawaf: Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times.
3. Sa’i: Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
4. Halq or Taqsir: Men either shave their heads or cut their hair short. Women cut a small piece of their hair.

What are the differences between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj and Umrah share some rituals, but they have several key differences.

How should a Muslim prepare for Hajj and Umrah?

Before going for Hajj or Umrah, Muslims should:

1. Learn about the rituals: It is important to understand how to perform each step correctly.
2. Make a sincere intention (Niyyah): The pilgrim must intend to perform Hajj or Umrah purely for the sake of Allah.
3. Seek forgiveness and settle debts: Pilgrims should ask forgiveness from people they have wronged and pay any money they owe.
4. Prepare physically: Hajj involves a lot of walking and standing, so pilgrims should try to be in good health.
5. Save money through halal (permissible) means: The money used for Hajj or Umrah should come from lawful sources.
6. Learn duas (prayers): There are special prayers to say during different parts of Hajj and Umrah.

What is the spiritual meaning of Hajj and Umrah?

Beyond the physical rituals, Hajj and Umrah have deep spiritual meanings:

• The simple Ihram clothes remind Muslims that everyone is equal before Allah, regardless of wealth or status
• Leaving behind normal clothes and comforts teaches Muslims to focus on what is truly important
• The pilgrimage reminds Muslims of their passage through life and of the life after death
• The gathering of millions of Muslims from around the world shows the unity of the Muslim Ummah (community)
• The hardships of the trip teach patience and endurance
• The rituals remind Muslims of the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and his family

Evaluation

1. State four conditions a Muslim must meet before performing Hajj.
2. What is Ihram? Mention three things a pilgrim must not do while in this state.
3. Explain how Sa’i and the Zamzam spring are linked to Hajar.
4. State three differences between Hajj and Umrah.
5. List four ways a Muslim should prepare before going for Hajj or Umrah.

Assignment

Write a short essay on the events in the lives of Ibrahim, Hajar and Ismail that Hajj remembers. Name the Hajj ritual connected to each event. Then explain any three spiritual meanings of Hajj and Umrah.